Stories from the Stage

Arts and Music Series / 8 Seasons

Stories have the power to astonish us, make us laugh and cry, and open our hearts to the world. Hosted by Wes Hazard and Theresa Okokon, STORIES FROM THE STAGE invites storytellers from around the world to share extraordinary tales of what it means to be human. Each episode features both on-stage performances and interviews about their inspirations and craft, and the meaning behind their stories.

26m 59s / TV-PG

Fish Out of Water | Preview

30s / TV-PG

It can be a struggle to make sense of this world in which you don't quite belong. Shweta discovers that changing one's appearance to fit in has its drawbacks; Jenny tries tap dancing to get over the pandemic blues; and Carol, who struggled through high school, tries to find a college where she’ll fit in. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FISH OUT OF WATER, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Above and Beyond | Preview

30s / TV-PG

From time to time, it's okay to lessen our expectations. But expecting more should be the norm. Norah proves that women can measure up in the Boston Marathon; Corey‘s prostate cancer experience makes him an advocate for testing among Black men, and Candace uses microfinancing to help Tanzanian women better their lives. Three stories, three interpretations of ABOVE AND BEYOND, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Unexpected | Preview

29s / TV-PG

Big changes can happen when we least expect them. When they do, we have no choice but to improvise. Melissa uses an unconventional bait to lure her aging parents to relocate nearby; killer hornets enliven Erin's job in Japan; and Angel and her family trek through Kurdistan and an Iraq POW camp to find a new home in the U.S. Three stories, three interpretations of UNEXPECTED, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Perfect Storm | Preview

30s / TV-PG

The truth is that no one wants to be caught in a storm. While we don't know when or how they will hit, we do know there are lessons to be learned. Ellen attempts to balance pregnancy with caring for her stepmother; a friendship helps Kent weather adolescence; and Jen puts her skills to test against a tornado. Three stories, three interpretations of PERFECT STORM, hosted by Wes Hazard.

As Good As It Gets | Promo

30s / TV-PG

How do we make the best of a situation? With imagination, initiative, and a willingness to take risks. And the results can be unexpected and amazing. Brendyn adds a roller coaster to his marriage proposal plan; Kristin discovers an unconventional remedy for pandemic fatigue; and Adam gets creative to deal with a nasty celebrity. Three storytellers, three interpretations of AS GOOD AS IT GETS.

Off the Press | Promo

29s / TV-PG

The news cycle spins faster than ever, and the flow of stories never seems to end. Yet we rarely learn the story behind the story. A young Joe gets a chance to meet the Pope; Rinaz immigrates to the US from Syria on Christmas Eve; and Shannon jumps hurdles in her quest to become a journalist. Three storytellers, three interpretations of OFF THE PRESS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Stay the Course | Promo

29s / TV-PG

Staying in the game is hard. But when you hang in there for the ride, the memories you create can last a lifetime. Heather honors her father by running a road race dressed as Rudolph; Banafsheh learns a lesson from a disastrous dance performance; and Tim gives up watching sports for a year and discovers a new life. Three stories, three interpretations of STAY THE COURSE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

For the Greater Good | Promo

30s / TV-PG

It might be difficult for one person to truly make a difference. But by working together, through big and small actions, we can change the world. Mariama gets down and dirty for a cause; Adam volunteers as a human shield in the West Bank to experience the other side of the checkpoint; and Ronald stands up for interracial marriage. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FOR THE GREATER GOOD.

Second Chance | Promo

30s / TV-PG

How can you move forward when everything is lost? With luck...and a second chance. Mandy writes a eulogy for the mother she couldn’t connect with; Raquel tries to mend a family she lost at age 6; and a lost baby bird helps Warren channel his feelings about family. Three storytellers, three interpretations of SECOND CHANCE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Timeout | Promo

30s / TV-PG

For most people, playing sports is about meeting personal challenges - from first tries on the field to last hurrahs on the sidelines. Andrew dreams of throwing a wiffle ball no-hitter; Kioko signs up for the Memory Ride; and Sophie & her sister become the first girls to play tackle football on a private all-boys team in NYC. Three stories, three interpretations of TIMEOUT, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Serving with Honor | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Service members and their families demonstrate their character and resolve in the most trying of circumstances. As a case manager working with refugees, former military Kevin challenges his assumptions about others; after penpalling her brother’s Navy buddies, Juli-anne understands the impact of her letters; and James tries to connect with his brother killed in the Vietnam War.

Resilience | Promo

29s / TV-PG

Houston, Texas - the nation’s most ethnically diverse metropolitan area - is a community of people who have learned the fine art of resilience. Sneha travels a difficult road from sickness to health; actors and improv turn Brendan’s playwriting from lemon into lemonade; and Ebony learns the secret to taming her stress. Three stories, three interpretations of RESILIENCE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Newsworthy | Promo

30s / TV-PG

The news is often attention grabbing. But sometimes the story behind the story is just as interesting as the headlines. Phillip navigates civil rights strife in Boston, MA; Anne manages a local news phone line as Nixon’s White House collapses; and Jeff gives a disastrous speech with a very influential guest in the audience. Three stories, three interpretations of NEWSWORTHY, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Changed Forever 9/11 | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Twenty years ago, 9/11 changed the world. People struggled to make sense of the terrible acts, and to rebuild their lives in its aftermath. After the death of his father, David Filipov goes to Afghanistan where a Pop-Tart takes on a whole new meaning; psychology professor Michael Sargent confronts his biases on an airplane; and Jude Treder-Wolff finds seeds of hope to fuel her work as a therapist.

The Bright Side | Promo

29s / TV-PG

Dark times in life are inevitable. What can we do? Look at the brighter side! After becoming pregnant at 17, Liz experiences the lowest and highest points; Neil reassesses what compromise in relationships means; and Valerie takes an intermission from performing yet finds the strength to rediscover herself. Three storytellers, three interpretations of The Bright Side, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Silver Linings | Promo

30s / TV-PG

When we miss out on the one thing we want most, the universe conspires to give us something extraordinary. Ronna pursues a Hollywood dream but discovers another possibility; Luis faces depression and struggles to find the light; and Jackie misses out on the lead for the school play but the curtain hasn’t fallen yet. Three stories, three interpretations of SILVER LININGS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Up in the Air | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Some times we feel grounded. And other times, things up in the air can get scary until we touch down. COVID-19 delays Cris's path to citizenship and his civic duty; Rilda loses her beloved stuffed animal on an international trip; and Casandra, who is Black and deaf/blind, searches for the support she needs the most. Three storytellers, three interpretations of UP IN THE AIR, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Missed Connections | Promo

30s / TV-PG

At times, it can be hard to relate. But a missed connection could be a chance for redemption. James tries to connect with his brother killed in the Vietnam War; Mustapha’s journey from Ghana to the US is full of long-distance connections; and after her mastectomy, Musu-kulla reconnects to the dating world. Three storytellers, three interpretations of MISSED CONNECTIONS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Up Close and Personal | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Everyone has their own personal space...but sometimes, we have to share it. Kurt finds space at a premium, even on the Appalachian Trail; Matthew’s blindness creates a unique hands-on museum tour; and Meghann connects with a friend despite her solitary confinement. Three storytellers, three interpretations of UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Close Quarters | Promo

30s / TV-PG

Sharing space with others can test our limits. And sometimes, bring us joy too. Chuck and his girlfriend learn that small spaces can make problems bigger; Mariela feels trapped in the safe space she created; and Áine battles her claustrophobia in a tiny recording booth. Three storytellers, three interpretations of CLOSE QUARTERS, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Supported by