12/24/2025
Nebraska Storytelling Festival – This is a grassroots community event dedicated to the art of personal narrative. Unlike academic lectures or theatrical plays, this festival focuses on "regular people" sharing authentic, lived experiences—ranging from the hilarious to the deeply poignant. The festival was founded in 2021 by Randy Bretz and Mary Kay Roth, two Lincoln residents with backgrounds in broadcasting, education and journalism who wanted to create a space for human connection.
The festival is designed to be as much a personal experience as possible. There are no digital distractions or flashy visuals; the focus remains entirely on a single person standing behind a microphone. Tellers include everyone from high school teachers and local retirees to immigrants sharing stories of escape and resilience. Stories aren't just about grand adventures; they often celebrate the "extraordinary in the ordinary," such as surviving a disastrous first date, the absurdity of a bridesmaid dress, or a chaotic attempt to rescue a gaggle of geese. The evening typically begins with live piano music and a social hour, creating a warm, "living room" environment before the storytelling starts.
The founders view storytelling as a tool for social connection. By sharing struggles, triumphs, and "joy bubbles," the festival aims to break down barriers and remind the audience of their shared humanity. As Randy Bretz often says, "It's just a time when regular people get up on a stage and share a story... It's that simple."
Videos of the stories can be viewed on the group’s YouTube site, https://www.youtube.com/
