Suncoast Storytellers

Preserving the Art of Spoken Word Storytelling

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Suncoast Storytellers

Preserving the Art of Spoken Word Storytelling

FESTIVAL DETAILS

Linda “Schuyler” Ford

Mij Byram

Andy Russell

Tamara Green

Linda Schuyler Ford is a master storyteller who blends her Sleepy Hollow, NY heritage with 30 years of performance. Raised on Hudson Valley folktales, she now travels the East Coast delivering lighthearted concerts and workshops. As a therapeutic story practitioner, Linda uses narrative to uplift seniors and support caregivers. Her rich repertoire ranges from whimsical ghost stories to poignant personal tales, always building bridges to understanding.

Mij Byram has entertained young and old with traditional and original stories for over 20 years. Her style of connecting with audiences regardless of age or size creates a comfort level that makes you feel like an old friend, and she is talking just to you. Mij is known nationally as a specialist in children’s storytelling. Her workshops have been well received at conferences, universities, libraries and schools from Portland, Maine to Miami, FL.

Andy Russell grew up in North Carolina but has called Florida home for the past 25 years. He won the 2025 StorySlam competition and has appeared at festivals across the South, including the Georgia Mountain Storytelling Festival, Azalea Storytelling Festival, Cracker Storytelling Festival and the Stone Soup Storytelling Festival. Andy will appear as a Featured Teller at the Florida Storytelling Festival in January 2027. He lives in Ocala with his dog and a three-legged cat.

Tamara Green is a master storyteller and writer based in Tampa, Florida, renowned for her energetic “Citified Urban Tales.” Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she weaves her Southern roots into electric performances that span African, African-American, multicultural, and historical narratives. A featured artist at the Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival, Tamara uses humor and heart to celebrate ancestral legacies and the resilience of the human spirit.

FESTIVAL STORY SWAP

The Story Swap is the festival’s most interactive tradition, offering a vibrant exchange where every voice matters.

For tellers, it’s a low-stakes stage to test new material and hone performance skills before a supportive audience.

For listeners, it’s a front-row seat to authentic, diverse perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else. This open-mic format breaks the fourth wall, transforming strangers into a connected community through the shared power of narrative.

FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS

The afternoon workshops at the festival provide hands-on training for all skill levels.

New tellers gain a safe space to conquer stage fright and learn narrative structure through guided prompts.

Experienced storytellers benefit from expert coaching to refine performance techniques, like voice modulation and emotional pacing. These sessions transform raw memories into compelling narratives, empowering every attendee to connect deeply with their audience through authentic, polished craft.

TICKETS

  • Full‑day Festival Pass (all workshops + story swap + evening concert): $40

  • Workshops‑Only Day Pass (all afternoon workshops and story swap, no concert): $25

  • Concert‑Only Ticket (evening concert): $15

  • We offer deeply discounted codes for students, teachers, and low‑income community members (funded in part by donations and sponsorships)

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