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

Turn the Page | Preview

30s / TV-PG

With every step forward, we carry history with us as we are shaping our future. Raúl moves from El Paso to Boston and finds his artistic voice; Hannah buys a beloved community bookstore on the eve of the pandemic; and Rita makes a bold decision about her lifelong search for a mother. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TURN THE PAGE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

The Power of Name | Preview

30s / TV-PG

A given name is just that - one we have no choice over. But our names can provide us with such unexpected strength. Szifra discovers the hidden meaning of her Jewish name; U-Meleni celebrates her name as she sows seeds of renewal in the US; and Sofia finds that her name carries both power and identity. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THE POWER OF NAME.

Transformation | Preview

30s / TV-PG

We often believe that our circumstances are permanent, when in fact, this is not the case. If only we dare, change can happen. Jason discovers his voice and sees himself in a new light; Jackie embarks on a daring career change that leads to joy; and Judah changes his name and learns to trust his inner voice. Three storytellers, three interpretations of TRANSFORMATION, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Through Thick and Thin | Preview

30s / TV-PG

When faced with adversity, it's easy to believe that the universe is conspiring against us. However, the lessons we learn last a lifetime. Linda learns the difference between curses and kindness; ToRena works to recover economically after the 2008 crash; and Marlon uses comedy to lessen the pain of war. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THROUGH THICK AND THIN, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Culture Shock | Preview

30s / TV-PG

When experiencing a new and unfamiliar culture, we often feel like outsiders. But crossing cultures help us become more human. Micaela, the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, explores German culture; Anita lives in poverty in a wealthy community; and after being mistaken for a homeless person, Biar expands his view. Three storytellers, three interpretations of CULTURE SHOCK, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Modern Family | Preview

30s / TV-PG

“Family” has countless definitions. We are born into one, or find one by choice or creation. No matter how family comes together, they have influence on our lives. After divorcing, Laura forges a new relationship; Saket finds kinship after immigrating; and Mackenzie breaks new ground by taking on a "man's job." Three storytellers, three interpretations of MODERN FAMILY, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

New Chapter | Preview

30s / TV-PG

How do you start a new chapter in life? Experiencing that first time means confronting changes and everything that comes with it. In response to racism, Salil takes a different path; after COVID isolation, Estella reaches out to her neighbors; and Katie attempts a new approach after a disastrous first day on the job. Three storytellers, three interpretations of NEW CHAPTER, hosted by Wes Hazard.

The Perfect Gift | Preview

30s / TV-PG

It is often said that it is better to give than to receive. But no matter which side we’re on, gifts have the power to simply bring a smile or even save a life. Christine donates a kidney to a stranger; Stacey dreams of one gift but gets another; and on the night of her first high school dance, Mary gets an amazing gift from her dad. Three storytellers, three interpretations of THE PERFECT GIFT.

Raising the Bar | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Raising the bar calls for a promise to improve and keep that word. When setting a higher standard for yourself, the effect ripples to others. Samantha helps her dance students feel less pressure; Vernon discovers the reason why men want to do better by women; and Haley finds compassion for those who spoil her day. Three storytellers, three interpretations of RAISING THE BAR, hosted by Wes Hazard.

In the Name of Justice | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Standing up for justice means encountering opposition. When we have the courage to do what is right, we can help justice prevail. After a gas explosion, Gladys helps her neighborhood fight back; Eben switches careers to advocate for climate equity; and Antonio's protest sparks a media frenzy in Brazil. Three storytellers, three interpretations of IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Growing Up Latina | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Being a young Latina means living within a vibrant and varied global culture. It also means navigating identity and intersectionality. Rosanna discovers that friendship can cross all borders; Ana describes her last night at home before leaving Cuba forever; and Michele turns lemons into lemonade when she gets busted moonlighting. Three storytellers, three interpretations of GROWING UP LATINA.

Changemakers | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Change is never easy. But if we try hard enough, we can make the world a better place. Luciana strives for a new definition of beauty after experiencing sudden hair loss; Su extends a helping hand, even though it means breaking the rules; and Robin shows her fellow EMTs that women can excel. Three storytellers, three interpretations of CHANGEMAKERS, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Outside, Looking In | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Most of us crave a sense of belonging and want nothing but to be accepted. Sean attempts salsa moves and finds himself in the center; Shivani creates a marshmallow structure and discovers her place in the world; and Ivy learns that some friendships have an expiration date...while others last forever. Three storytellers, three interpretations of OUTSIDE, LOOKING IN..., hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Unfamiliar | Preview

30s / TV-PG

At a time in our lives, we experience the unfamiliar. And this means stepping out of our comfort zones. Alexis tries to find her true self as a third-culture kid; in school, Linda's Jewish identity is put to the test; and when Shay is asked to share his coming out story, he discovers that appearances can be deceiving. Three storytellers, three interpretations of UNFAMILIAR, hosted by Wes Hazard.

Growing Up Asian | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Every day, millions of people are creating their own definitions of what it means to be Asian American. Suzanne works with a parents association to organize during Boston's busing desegregation crisis and gains strength from the women; David travels to China for the first time to connect with his roots; and after being held at gunpoint in her family’s store, Eson learns the definition of love.

Match Made | Preview

30s / TV-PG

The search for a life partner is usually far from perfect - bad choices, parental pressure and twists & turns are all part of the journey. Tae crosses cultural barriers to find love; Diane turns to a how-to book to find her ideal partner; and Kevin fights to overcome his fear of marriage and finally tie the knot. Three storytellers, three interpretations of MATCH MADE, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

Family Ties | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Sometimes, we are born into families that nurture us. And for all the other times, we need to create our own. Gabriel looks for the imprint of the father he barely knew; Ariel makes a new family after being bullied for her queerness; and Kathleen's life is changed by an encounter with a cousin from El Salvador. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FAMILY TIES, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

One Way or Another | Preview

30s / TV-PG

In this 100th episode, tellers share how dealing with challenges showed them strengths they never knew they had. Brandon bridges the gap between their deaf grandma and a police officer using ASL; an allergic reaction turns Sara's vacation upside down; and Jeff takes on Mt. Kilimanjaro for cancer research. Three storytellers, three interpretations of ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

First | Preview

30s / TV-PG

There is a first time for everything. In many cases, firsts are game changers, becoming unforgettable lessons for life. Erin navigates her first steps into puberty; Dyan's first encounter with a penguin takes her halfway across the globe; and Ali’s dad helps ease the pain of his first car accident. Three storytellers, three interpretations of FIRST, hosted by Wes Hazard.

A Perfect Match | Preview

30s / TV-PG

Searching and finding the right match - whether forged, challenged, lost or kept - is not always easy. Carla battles bureaucracy to bury her mother alongside her father; Andy experiences a new way to relate to his identical twin; and Valerie connects a deceased donor with someone in need of a new liver. Three storytellers, three interpretations of A PERFECT MATCH, hosted by Theresa Okokon.

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