Live Storytelling

After browsing the art and enjoying some music, stop into the Highland Square Branch Library to relax, cool off and enjoy some great readings and storytelling. Throughout the afternoon in the library, Art in the Square will have two wonderful storytelling events.

The Upstart Crows Open Mic Reading

The University of Akron's Upstart Crows will be holding an open mic reading event in the Highland Square Branch Library from 1PM to 2:30 PM. You are invited to bring your poetry, short stories and other works to read for the crowd. There is a 2-page limit until everybody has had a chance to read. Sign-up at the door on the day of the event.

Square Stories: Collecting an Oral History of Highland Square

Square Stories is a live storytelling project that will be featured in the Highland Square Branch Library at 2:30pm. We are looking for participants to recount stories of personal experiences in Highland Square. If you have ever listened to This American Life, The Moth or Risk, you know exactly what we're talking about.

Here's how it works: you tell a 5 to 10 minute true story, live without notes, about a wild, funny or interesting experience from your life in the Square. The stories will be recorded and posted online for all to enjoy. David Giffels will be on hand to pick a favorite story of the day. The winning storyteller will receive his or her own episode of Life & Lyrics, a once in a lifetime opportunity to share all-time favorite songs on 91.3 FM The Summit. This is a perk normally reserved for their highest donors, so you won't want to miss your chance at this great prize!

To be part of the contest, you will need to register below. If we have more than 10 registrants, the committee will choose ten storytellers from the synopses that are submitted. All registrants will be notified when the selections are made prior to the event.

Square Stories Registration Form