LANES/CT Stories+Storytellers: Mainstream Is Where?

[Editor's note: Ever wonder why storytelling isn't generally recognized as an art unto itself? Why it doesn't seem like a popular genre of entertainment? We do. Check out this interesting article, originally posted on the LANES blog, about what storytelling would look like if it went, "mainstream."  Originally posted by Carolyn Stearns] Click here for the original post


LANES/CT Stories+Storytellers

LANES.org - Connecticut storytellers and their stories + events, essays, news and media on the art of story in Connecticut.

Monday, September 10, 2012
Mainstream Is Where?

Some thoughts about "mainstream," that elusive place we want to move storytelling to. It is more than place, it is recognition in place. It is business in place. Mainstream is like ripples in a pond, it carries an impact to the farthest shore. If we drop a big enough rock in the mainstream we will all feel the ripple effect.

Where is mainstream?

Well for the most part, it is everywhere -- hiding and accessible. The quickest access is where the lights shine brightest. World class cities where thousands of people move about, a flow of humanity to receive our input. Traffic not just past the door but through the doors. We can create mainstream impact quickly here, if we make the right noise!

Some people may have quick access through the people they know; our networks help get us to mainstream. Connecting our network on social media we can get the "picture" of storytelling to them. People love pictures.

Mainstream depends on a few things - for storytelling,  mainstream is working locally in Jonesborough, TN. www.storynet.org  It took some time but there is a general knowledge and acceptance of the definition and expectations of storytelling. Drive out beyond the borders and it begins to slip away.

• Mainstream is not having to explain the difference between library story time and storytelling.
• Mainstream is names of prominent performers generally recognized by the public, not just peers.
• Mainstream is media, both traditional and social, carrying "news" of events and people. 

   This is mainstream media in action thanks CBS Sunday Morning:  http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7421122n

•  Mainstream might be someone recognizing a storyteller out of context. 
•  Mainstream is corporate recognition, the CD industry  knowing all about storytelling, the radio industry knowing about storytellers, the news programs understand our kind of story.

We are getting closer to mainstream here. It is very complex and individuals will have their own definition and vision.

Atlas is not amongst us, no one can lift storytelling to mainstream alone.  It is a shared weight and sharing works.

Super human powers are left for the stories. If we want storytelling and storytellers to become a more mainstream item then it will take a team effort. We are coming together to lift storytelling, best foot forward and with constant effort, we reach for the elusive goal.

What will mainstream be like?

We won't all be rich. Darn it! There will still be a wide variation. We will be more like the music industry. There will be well recognized genres in place.We know them, they need to learn them.  People (in numbers much larger than now) will follow favorite artists and genres. Special venues will come together in support and promotion of those types.  There will be top tellers with careers of more substance. There will be Garage Band style storytellers, playing the best backyards and  private gatherings in America.  There will be dreamers working their way to the top and support industry helping with the climb. There will be some for whom mainstream will always be elusive, but they will know what it might look like. Some will be content to be the local-known talent. It will be like it is now, only bigger!

We see mainstream in the distance.  Buck Creacy and his live 365 radio show A World of Storytelling, is lifting us toward mainstream. You can hear it happening right here:  www.live365.com/aworldofstorytelling

Timpanagos Festival is making strides toward mainstream, they get the numbers! In their community and beyond their festival has become mainstream, they made it there, now to spread the word! www.timpfest,org

Bill Harley has the established career credentials, awards (2 Grammys) and national recognition.  He is an example of being close to mainstream. www.billharley.com

We are a team,  let's do it for all of us...wading in, headed to mainstream:

• Tell everyone about storytelling
• Share through free social media all the events and ideas, photos and you-tubes you can.
• Create high visibility venues in high traffic locations.
• Do the hard work to let people know the 5 W's.  ( Who, what, when, where and WHY!)
• Promote, promote, promote
• Use standard and off-beat forms of advertising and promotion
• Be enthusiastic and spread the excitement
• Create professional materials
• Believe