Tellabration™
Celebrating Stories, Near and Far
Did you know Tellabration™ started back in 1988 in Connecticut? J.G. Pinkerton dreamed it up as a way to both raise funds and introduce new people to the magic of storytelling. That first year, it was in just six towns—then Texas and Missouri jumped in, and soon it spread across the U.S. and beyond. Now it happens everywhere from parks to theaters to libraries (and even online).
This year, StoryMasters is proud to carry on the tradition! Not only are we collaborating with other Los Angeles storytelling groups to host a Tellabration™, but our community itself is worldwide—with members even traveling from out of town to be part of this special celebration.
Once Upon a Time LA
Step into an afternoon of magic and memory on Sunday, November 9. As part of the worldwide celebration of storytelling, StoryMasters, joined by Community Storytellers and Women’s Voices, invites you to experience Once Upon A Time LA.
Sunday, November 9, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
Fanatic Salon Theater
3815 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
The program features a lively mix of storytelling styles: quick-fire Flash Stories (90-second stories), alongside poetry, folktales, and deeply personal narratives. Together, these tales paint a vivid picture of the many voices and experiences.
Before and after the show, join us on the outdoor patio to relax, mingle with fellow story lovers, and enjoy refreshments provided. Come for the stories, stay for the community—and be part of a tradition that connects hearts across the globe.
Featured Storytellers
Want to know the voices behind the stories? Click the links to learn more about each storyteller.
Lee Amatangelo
StoryMasters
Karen Golden
Community Storytellers
Ife Keller
Women’s Voices
StoryMasters
StoryMasters
Storytelling Groups
Community Storytellers
Community Storytellers is a Los Angeles–based story swap group founded in 1981 by two remarkable women, Peggy Prentice and Kathleen Zundell. Though Peggy and Kathleen are no longer with us, they left a lasting legacy and a wonderful format for bringing people together through story. Over the years, the group has met in many locations, and since 2020, Community Storytellers has gathered virtually, attracting tellers from near and far. The mission remains the same: to offer a warm, welcoming space for seasoned storytellers and newcomers alike—to share polished tales, test stories in progress, or simply listen and enjoy.
(L to R) Karen Golden, Kathleen Zundell, Angela Lloyd, Vicki Juditz, and Leslie Perry. They performed for years at the Beverly Hills Public Library’s Adult Storytelling series.
Ashton Cynthia Clarke at StoryMasters’ Storytelling Bistro Book Launch Bash
StoryMasters
StoryMasters was organized in 2011 by Tina Tomiyama and Hiba Hamdan, two visionary women who used their passion for storytelling to create a nurturing environment where storytellers of all skill levels could develop and polish their craft. At monthly meetings, tellers gain practice in presenting polished stories, poems, and works in progress, followed by round-robin feedback. In addition, the club offers seminars and concerts in both live and virtual settings. The club meets on Zoom at 3:00pm on 2nd Sundays. StoryMasters happily welcomes guests, whether they are tellers or lovers of stories.
Women’s Voices
Women’s Voices is an ensemble of storytellers launched in 2011 by eminent storyteller Barbara H. Clark. The ensemble was drawn from the larger class of students who attended her annual storytelling class, Tell Me A Story. The merger of Women’s Voices and Tell Me A Story allows this diverse ensemble to carry on Barbara’s work, to celebrate the lives and varied experiences of the tellers. Women’s Voices has appeared on stage at the Institute of Musical Arts, at local libraries, and most recently at an invitation-only concert performed on the picturesque patio of Barbara’s home.
Stories connect us, inspire us, and remind us that we’re never alone. Come for the laughter, stay for the surprises, and leave with a story of your own. Don’t just hear the stories. Be part of the story.
Karen Golden
Community Storytellers
Karen Golden is a storyteller, musician, author, and award-winning recording artist. Performing in person on four continents and virtually in over 15 countries, she uses stories and music to inspire connection, understanding, and hope across generations. Audience members always leave feeling entertained and inspired to make the world a better place.
Ife Keller
Women’s Voices
Ife Keller, also known as Ifekimo, a retired early childhood educator with a Master’s degree in human development, has been enchanting audiences with her rich tapestry of folktales for more than four decades. Her storytelling prowess has elevated her to the status of a cherished luminary with “Tell Me a Story” and “Women’s Voices,” under the leadership of the renowned Barbara Clark. Here, she consistently captures audiences with her repertoire of original, personal stories.
She is the author of her self-published debut novel, “Like a Patchwork of Broken Strings.” Ife is also a member of Community Writers Group of Los Angeles. Her personal story will be printed in the upcoming book “Snapshots Vol. 11.”
Lee Amatangelo
StoryMasters
Camille Miller
StoryMasters
Camille Miller is a lover of words. Her first love was poetry but a few years ago, she found storytelling and now storytelling is her new best friend. She has the ability to charm the audiences with her humor and get her point across with poignancy. She has been on stages ranging from churches to detention center. She was also chosen as one of the speakers for the member showcase at the 2025 Bay Area Storytelling Festival. Her favorite stories are folktales, personal stories and the historical stories. She is a spiritual person who loves morning walks with a pocket full of mace; and plucking the gray hairs under her chin.
Miyo
StoryMasters
Miyo is a mischievous storyteller and comic who finds humor in life’s cultural collisions. Born and raised in Japan, she brings a sharp, cross-cultural perspective to stages across Los Angeles and beyond. A Moth StorySLAM Champion, she also co-produces ESL Comedy, a showcase of immigrant storytellers and comedians. Her solo show, How To Be Japanese: Your Normal Is Not My Normal, has delighted audiences around the world. Whether poking fun at awkward misunderstandings or reflecting on deeper truths, Miyo’s stories leave audiences laughing, thinking, and reimagining what “normal” really means.