Liability: Aim for the Board and not the Fingers

I purchased my first staple gun. Then, I used one for the first time.

Sound like a liability problem?

Not really. I have an insurance license with Aflac and have the accident plan. I'm covered.

Though, I should be as careful as possible before the premiere day. After all, it will be filmed.

I was told about the various booths up and down the same street at the Covey Center for the Arts, the same place as my premiere. I knew a poster needed to be stapled to each one.

The booths were three sided with a fourth glass side. The glass side was reserved for the government. Depending on the space, I put up either a poster or two postcards.

Why two postcards? Then one side had the image of the soup, hands, and steam while the other side shared the information.

Along the way, I entered certain stores that displayed other posters that would occur in the Covey Center for the Arts.

I knew the people inside these stores would probably give permission to tape my poster alongside the other posters.

Then a group of ladies walked by.

I called out, "Hey, do you know how far these booths go?" They said that there were booths for a couple more blocks. Then it was best for me to turn around.

Eventually, they asked about my event.

I was only too glad to share.

I had their attention when I mentioned how the Family Famine: Hunger for Love program celebrated storytelling as the main stage art with the merge of an electric guitarist, an upright bass player, and a singer.

The ladies, who worked in the same building, said they would love to attend. It was the cue to give each of them their own Family Famine: Hunger for Love postcard.

Finally, I reached the last booth outside the Covey Center for the Arts. A man waiting for the bus was kind enough to take the picture you see with this post.

The same day that my fingers were in possible danger from a staple gun was also the same day that I bought liability insurance for the Family Famine: Hunger for Love premiere.

Part of receiving the insurance included asking questions like, "Will you have pyrotechnics for the show?"

Um. No. But what a great idea!

Then I crossed off the fireworks on my "to do" list as I had not budgeted for these items. Alas!

With the paperwork done, I handed over my debit card and was charged $125.00 based on the number of performers, the level of risk, and the estimate of people to attend.

Whew! Now I was covered there!

I tucked away my debit card and my staple gun and headed home.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Storytelling Delivery: "Way" South to "Way" North

My "way" south adventures started with the Utah Arts Council in Salt Lake City as I wanted to give Family Famine: Hunger for Love postcards.

The UAC was so important to me that I gave a postcard to every single staff member. Being a state-wide organization, that meant twenty-three people.
Yes, I signed and wrote a note for each one of them.

Then I traveled south and delivered posters and postcards (which also served as fliers) to the Pleasant Grove, Provo, and Orem libraries.

I was thrilled when the Pleasant Grove and Provo libraries offered to give a postcard to each staff member.

The Provo Library alone had over 100 people.

Since the Covey Center for the Arts is located in Provo, this was perfect!

To add to the travel adventures, I headed way north to attend the Ogden School District Storytelling Festival. Not only was I one of the judges for the youth tellers, but I was also allowed to advertise for the premiere. I also could not resist in having my Cub Scouts attend as a field trip. It is always wonderful for youth to see other youth tell stories.

In case you were wondering, "way north" from Provo translates to about 80 miles distance.

Good thing I can practice stories while driving!

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Posters: Not So Easy to Hang Up These Days

It can be hard to hang up a poster.

Oh, the actual lifting of the poster and taping it to a wall is not the issue.

It is if the location allows the poster to be hung in the first part.

Some places said "no" to me even though the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" Premiere was connected to my Storytelling Masters project. I thought the education part would be on my side.

Then, I pondered how I was a member of the Utah Storytelling Guild. That is a nonprofit group and places tended to be more open about hanging items from a nonprofit.

I called Wendy Gourley, the president of the guild, and described my situation. She said that she would be happy for the event to be sponsored in part by the guild. I took the USG logo and printed it on gold stickers.

The funny part is that I may receive more attention to the posters with the sticker than if the "Sponsored in part by the Utah Storytelling Guild" was printed directly on the posters.

I drove to the Covey Center for the Arts to hang some of these posters. I also traveled to several libraries in the Utah County, especially since I had my official guild stickers in tow.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Wisconsin Parents Fly for Utah Premiere

This picture was posted by permission of my parents.

Last night it seemed my parents would not come to the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" premiere.

Mom explained how nervous she would be to fly during the winter.

Then that all changed.

Before I walked out the door to attend Cub Scouts Roundtable Training, I received another call from Mom.

She asked, "So. . .you have room at your house?"

"Whoo-hoo!" I yelled so my husband, Casey, and the whole neighborhood knew my joy.

I started to walk wildly back and forth, which is my way to release the energy during such a moment. I would be late for the Roundtable Training, but I did not care!

I thought about the journey to this "yes" from Mom and Dad.

My Mom had clicked "maybe" when I invited her to the event through the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" Facebook support group. That had given me hope for at least a month.

I called Elizabeth Ellis, my professor from the East Tennessee State University Storytelling Masters program and guest emcee for the event. I told her that usually a Mom "maybe" transformed into "yes". Elizabeth wished that it would be true, though she doubted, especially considering the distance from Utah to Wisconsin.

When it appeared that the "maybe" could really turn into a "no", I was disappointed though I could not blame Mom and Dad for that possible answer.

I stressed to Mom that I did not know when I would do anything even close to what I was doing for this premiere. I painted a picture for Mom as to all the details (and money) being placed into this premiere.

At this point, Mom mentioned that they wanted to come to Utah for the 2009 Christmas. I had to laugh, as December was a winter month like February. What happened to her fear to fly during the winter?

Then I said, "Would you be able to trade the Christmas trip for the premiere? There will always be more Christmases."

I expected Mom would want to discuss with Dad, which she did.

Then tonight I received the news: they would be coming.

Their seats have since been reserved on the front row of the Covey Center for the Arts Grand Theater.

Before my parents response, I had already heard from my brother, Nate. He took off work and committed to drive from Idaho to Utah. He also has a front row seat.

My sister, Care, will be missed as she has college classes in Wisconsin and cannot fly with my parents. She will be missed. I told her about what I plan to film on premiere day so she feels part of the event. (You will need to attend and/or pre-order the DVD to find out what that will be.)

And my husband, Casey? He will be there next to my parents and brother. Casey is my constant story appreciator through which we will live "eternally ever after".

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Marketing Buddies: Many Eyes & Many Brains

I never like to make a decision alone. Not when it comes to advertising.

I sent the file of possible poster and postcard images for "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" to several storytelling friends including my story buddies for "The Gardener's Wife" and for "Forsaken Brother".

I also sent the file to Elizabeth Ellis.

Then I waited for reactions.

Dawn Bloxham, the artist, had sent a page of six different images. She let me know that any of the images could be changed and altered such as in the colors, shapes, and additions.

Two pictures were of two hands with palms up with a heart in it. Another picture was of a heart-shaped apple with a bite and light streaming from it. The fourth image was of a modern white soup bowl filled with tomato soup with a white cream heart and a spoon from an aerial view. The last picture was of a thick horizontal limb of a tree with a couple apples hanging from it with a little blue bird.

I had considered the tree because my business card has a tree with a single apple hanging from it. Perhaps this would be a way to connect my logo with the program's logo.

Yet, it was the bowl of soup that grabbed my attention. I knew the white bowl was too modern, but if it was a modern bowl, then that might be perfect. Most of my story buddies commented on how the bowl of soup grabbed them.

Joanna Huffaker, a storytelling friend, mentioned that the hands did give a human touch so I asked Dawn to add hands around the wooden bowl.

Besides the image, Dawn asked what information needed to be on the posters. I sent her the following lists--

Required Information for Poster:

• Title--Family Famine: Hunger for Love
• World premiere narrative production recorded live
• Starring Rachel Hedman
• Monday, February 9th at 8:00pm
• Covey Center for the Arts, Grand Theater
• 425 W. Center Street, Provo, UT
• Tickets: $10.00 general admission, $5.00 student/senior*, $5.00 for groups of 15 or more*, *Discount prices available only by phone or in person*
• Reserve your seats by calling (801) 852-7007 or go to www.coveycenter.org
• Light refreshments to follow

Debating on How or If to Share the Following Information for Poster/Postcard Due to Space:

• Guest emcee/national storyteller Elizabeth Ellis
• Singer Holly Robison
• Accompanist/Guitarist Joshua Payne
• How much of this standard description--Family life can starve when fed abuse and abandonment with stories that gnaw at the stomach. Then Rachel shares the feast of patience, humor and unconditional love through multicultural tales mixed with song and personal reflection. You are welcome to the table.
• More info at http://familyfamine.blogspot.com or email info@rachelhedman.com
• Merchandise available for purchase

Information for the "Save the Date" Postcard (besides required info for Poster):

• Extend your stay while at the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference (www.timpfest.org) from February 5-7 and take part in this event
• Please RSVP at info@rachelhedman.com
• Remember you could:
  

* Attend and celebrate
* Pre-order DVD at special price $15.00 (Normal $20.00)
* Invite Rachel to you
* Or all of the above!

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Utah First Friday: Sing through Noise in 60 Seconds

Whenever possible, I like to attend the Utah First Fridays, which are monthly gathering of business owners and entrepreneurs.

Usually I am the only storyteller so it catches people off guard when they ask me what I do.

Twice a year there are exhibits. As my posters and postcards were not done yet for the premiere, reserving a table seemed a waste. However, I did provide a prize for the drawing.

Any prizes needed to have at least $25+ in value. Though the Covey Center for the Arts is the only place allowed to sell tickets, I do have authority to give a few away as long as I give them the details. I decided to have four tickets ($40 value) plus a fruit basket. Since it is called "Family Famine: Hunger for Love", thought the fruit added a nice touch plus then they could enjoy the food while anxiously awaiting the premiere.

Part of the benefit of giving a prize is the 60 seconds given to the sponsor.

In my imagination, I pictured at least 100 or more business people all at rapt attention as the drawings were called out. The number was right but not the silence!

Due to the booths, people were chatting even during the drawings and the 60-seconds that people shared about their companies, products, or events.

Luckily, I had already decided that 30 of my 60 seconds would go towards singing the lullaby in "The Gardener's Wife" story. I thought about telling a snippet of a tale, but that may still seem similar to the regular talk shared by other people. I doubted anyone else would sing.

I was right.

Though there was quite a bit of chatter for other people's time announcing, it did quiet the most with me. I did not even give an introduction. I took the microphone and sang. I figured to get their attention first and then talk.

As a storyteller, I know that a list of facts will not get me anywhere. Stories bring emotions and songs are a level of storytelling.

I gave some of the details of the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" premiere and then gave the prize away. Afterward, I was pleased that people came up to me and complimented me on my singing. One lady became interested in joining the Utah Storytelling Guild. That alone made it worth it.

Though I did not have any posters or postcards yet, I did create make-shift business cards only on the event. I am confident that some people will attend the premiere from these cards.

***As a side note, I met a man named Clayton Rand from United Bank Card who showed me a credit and debit card processing system as small as a cellphone with a printer for the receipt about the same size. The picture above is when this small device on the right while the regular size is on the left.

Clayton can be reached at (801) 897-8911 or at claytonrand@gmail.com. "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" will tour and it will be nice to have a portable device to sell DVD copies of the premiere as well as any other storytelling merchandise. It is too late to add to the Christmas list, but eventually I will have something like that device. As of now, it costs $225. If you contact Clayton, please mention my name and say "hi" for me!

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

On the Web Officially: Covey Center for the Arts

The Grand Theater was reserved two weeks ago, though description for the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" premiere went up today on the Covey Center for the Arts website.


At first I was promised the information would be posted by Wednesday, November 26th but I did not send the description until that day so it was understandable that it was not up until December 1st.

Instead of saying "I have the Covey Center for the Arts", I can say "Go to the Covey Center for the Arts site"!

People are able to reserve their seats online as well as by telephone and at the ticket booth.

This is what I submitted and can be found on Covey Center for the Arts website:

"I'd rather do this than watch 'American Idol'. I laughed, I cried, it moved me!"
--Amanda, Teenager from UT

"Spellbinding for everyone attending."
--Marilyn R. Lawrence, Davis County, UT


Join the world premiere narrative production recorded live starring professional storyteller Rachel Hedman, guest emcee/national storyteller Elizabeth Ellis as well as singer Holly Robison and accompanist/guitarist Joshua Payne.

Family life can starve when fed abuse and abandonment with stories that gnaw at the stomach. Then Rachel shares the feast of patience, humor and unconditional love through multicultural tales mixed with song and personal reflection. You are welcome to the table.

Minimum age: 8.

Light refreshments to follow.

You may follow the story development journey at the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" blog at http://familyfamine.blogspot.com and join the support group on Facebook.

DVDs of the live show can be pre-ordered at a special rate of $15.00 (Normal $20.00). Contact Rachel Hedman at info@rachelhedman.com for more details.


About Rachel Hedman: As a recipient of the J.J. Reneaux Mentorship Grant given to one person a year on a national level, she has tapped into the techniques as taught by national storyteller Don Doyle while exploring her own style through sharing stories of family relationships within the lives of historical, mythical, and personal heroes. She pursues her Storytelling Masters from East Tennessee State University, though her involvment in the art started in 1994 as a sophomore high school student and on to her founding of the still active BYU Storytelling Club in 1997. Discover more at her website (www.rachelhedman.com), Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or the Professional Storyteller social network site.


Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Official Venue: I have Covey Center for the Arts!

I learned that the Covey Center for the Arts signed their half of the venue contract.

Now it is official: I have the place for my premiere on February 9, 2009 at 8:00pm!

I will wait to send out invites through Facebook, Twitter, Professional Storyteller, and other online avenues until the information on the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" narrative production is on the Covey Center for the Arts website. By November 26th the page will be up, if not earlier. When I receive notification, then I will also submit the event to online calendars including NowPlayingUtah.com.

Each event that takes place there has their own page to post a few pictures, description, and list any websites connected to it. Of most use is link so people could order tickets online.

Perhaps I should not have stalled to work on the "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" logo. I wanted to have the venue in place first as the location's information would be needed for posters, fliers, and postcards. The logo itself did not need those details. Still, there is a certain security to waiting when things are more in stone.

I could always have the logo uploaded on the Covey Center for the Arts website as I get it. In the meantime, I will submit the picture of me looking back over my shoulder. This is the same picture used for my Facebook support group.

I expect to have pictures of my accompanist and possible someone to sing duet with me for a song or two. This will be more clear as the structures of the stories progress.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Venue Contract: "So let it be written, so let it be done"

Having word that I could have the Grand Theater of the Covey Center for the Arts was a glorious moment.

Joyous sounds left my mouth when I heard that the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble and the Covey Center for the Arts would allow me to have my performance at 8:00pm on Monday, February 9th. (see previous entry for details)

When thoughts are placed onto paper, it had the finality of "So let it be written, so let it be done" as pronounced by the Pharaoh on "The Ten Commandments" movie.

I was amused that the service agreement that I send to those who hire me is only one page while this contract from the Covey Center for the Arts was five pages long. Despite the length of the contract, I gladly read every word.

Here are some details that may be of interest--

Deposit:

• $200 deposit. Deposit is applied to Base Rental Fee and is due at signing of contract. No date is confirmed without deposit.

Payments:

• Base Rental Fee (school project rate due to part of Storytelling Masters program, based on scheduled time-charge will be based on actual use)-$500
• Performance Day Cleaning Fee-$50
• Reimbursables (estimate includes use of technicians, ushers, etc.)-$205
• TULIP (at least $1,000,000 liability insurance coverage for event)-$125

Estimated Total Costs-$880

Other Sections of the Contract:

• General information (name, address, telephone, program title)
• Stage Requirements
• Stage Personnel
• Equipment Use
• Piano Tuning, if applicable
• Alcoholic Beverages and Smoking
• Royalties, Copyrights and Licenses
• Unsafe Practices
• Cancellations
• Insurance
• Ticket Requirements and Ticket Office
• Program Requirements
• Displays and Tables
• Sponsorships
• Publicity
• Custodians
• Merchandise
• Concessions
• House Manager/Security
• Ushers
• Parking
• Professional Recording
• Audience Recording
• Settlement
• Legal
• Signatures of Renter (me) and Covey Center for the Arts General Manager
  

Forms beyond Contract:

• Technical Questionnaire (two pages)--determine staging, sound, and lighting
• Marketing & Ticket Office Questionnaire (two pages)--target the audience desired such as minimum age admitted, recommended age, ticket prices, discounts if any, merchandise to be sold, etc.
• Provo City New Vendor Data Form (one page)--sell merchandise as well as pre-ordering DVD copies of "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" in the area
  
• W-9 (one page)--receive sales from tickets and merchandise

Though my deposit and contract as well as the other forms were mailed, it is not until the contract is signed by the Covey Center for the Arts when it is official. Even so, the prospect of having the Grand Theater in my mind is sealed.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller

Covey Center for the Arts: Could I really get it?

After the Covey Center for the Arts virtual tour, I fell in love with it.

It matched the dreams I have had for the premiere since the ideas formed in my head in 2005. The ambiance was perfect.

The big question: could I really get it?

From there I wondered--

• Will it be available on February 9, 2009?
• Could I afford it?
• Would my husband support the potential cost of it?

The Covey Center for the Arts is owned by Provo City and many organizations and performing artists reserve the spaces usually a year in advance. With about three months before my "Family Famine: Hunger for Love" premiere, it is a wonder if any dates would be available let alone the February 9th that I desire.

When I asked Jenni McCall, Scheduling and Events Manager, about February 9th, she said that though there was not a performance on that Monday night, the stage was reserved until 7:00pm by the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble.

I sighed. I had already called the SCERA Shell, another venue I considered, and February 9th was taken. Now with the Covey Center for the Arts out of the picture, I could not think of any other place that had the seat capacity or the ambiance that I wanted.

But wait!

I asked Jenni if it was possible to still have the Covey Center for the Arts as long as my premiere did not start until 8:00pm. Could I still be allowed to come early and set up displays in the lobby and hallways? Would the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble be open to my presence? How would the General Manager of the Covey Center for the Arts feel?

When I explained that the timing of this premiere was based around the time of the Timpanogos Storytelling Conference and that my professor Elizabeth Ellis would be in the state, I sensed positive vibes on the other side of the telephone from Jenni.

"I will check for you," she said.

That was what I wanted to hear. I have grown up with the mentality that it does not hurt to ask.

Due to needing to talk with the General Manager as well as the person over the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble, Jenni predicted that she should know the answer by Wednesday, November 12th. If I had not heard from her by that time, then I was to call her the next day.

November 12th seemed forever away, yet it gave time for me to call friends and ask for prayers. Perhaps this seems like a strange thing to pray for when there is so much to pray for in the world. Though, if the Lord saw it fit to amuse and to tickle me pink, then maybe this was not such a terrible request.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman

Professional Storyteller

Former Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance (2005-2008)

Tel: (801) 870-5799
Email: info@rachelhedman.com

URL: http://www.rachelhedman.com

How-To Blog: http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com

Performance Blog: http://familyfamine.blogspot.com
Other places to find me: Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Professional Storyteller