Message from the President - January 2011

By now, you all know that Ottawa StoryTellers has had its first festival under the new format. It was an artistic triumph, with events for all tastes, and a chance to see some of the world's best. Financially, it was a big risk for OST, and I'm happy to report that revenues from the festival were good. The board and committee chairs are currently reviewing the festival and making plans for the next festival in 2012.

For 2011, we are planning a Community Year, with no large festival. There will be a Children's Day in November, special events surrounding World Storytelling Day in March, and more programming aimed at attracting a younger and more diverse audience. We will continue our efforts to expand our audience eastward with further programming at the Shenkman Centre. Our mainstays - the Fourth Stage Series, the swaps and tea Party tellings, and the Billings performances, will continue.

We have had some new people come forward and volunteer for the board. They have been welcomed on an interim basis, and will be presented to the membership for election at the AGM in April.

Happy New Year to all!
Phil Nagy

Message from the Managing Artistic Director

Happy New Year from the staff of Ottawa StoryTellers! We may technically have a staff of one, but so many of our core volunteers put in so many hours of work to keep things running around here that I often feel like we've got a NAC-sized staff! Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but the sentiment remains true.

2010 was an exciting year for OST, with the launch of the new Festival model and a flurry of other programming. It was also an exciting year for me personally, as I took on the role of MAD and jumped head first into a sea of storytelling activities. It was a year for trying new initiatives and exploring new perspectives, and I feel as though we can all look back on it as an exciting time of renewal and growth. I am honoured to work for an organization with such dedicated and passionate members who are willing to take risks and explore new avenues in the name of storytelling.

We have some exciting plans for 2011. From our tried and true series at the 4th Stage, Billings, and the Tea Party to our community outreach programs and workshops to our newer initiatives at Once Upon a Slam and the Shenkman Centre, this year we are dedicated to focusing on our community. We would love to have your input on our plans for World Storytelling Day, and your support for our Children's Storytelling Festival, a free event for families that will take place in November at the Library and Archives. Please get in touch if you are interested in being involved in any way. I can be reached at mad@ottawastorytellers.ca.

Wishing you all the best for 2011!
Caitlyn Paxson
Managing Artistic Director

Note from the newsletter editor

The page flips over, and suddenly a new picture, a new calendar, and maybe a new saying. A day older than yesterday, and yet another year. Ever get the impression that time does not stand still? Well, downstairs I have a crockpot filled with spices and hot apple cider waiting for the many guests that arrive here at our house on New Years day. So let me say to you, thank-you for an interesting quarter, and a fabulous year.

In the last three months there has been so much going on. How could there not have been with so many creative souls trying to tell stories in so many different locations, from classes in elementary school, to university presentations, tea shops, bars, homes, old churches, the NAC, and so much more. May your new year be filled with good health, friends, and good stories.
Dean Verger