Tag: Kevin Allison

Celebrating “College Try”

One year ago, we had a very special show at Symphony Space! View this glimpse of how our shows work and highlights from the “College Try” story swaps.

Huge thank you to “Here & Gone” storyteller and friend Rosalie Chandler who created this fantastic featurette for us.

The show also raised funds and awareness for Bottom Line, an educational nonprofit that partners with thousands of degree-aspiring students from under-resourced communities as they get into college, graduate, and go far in life.

Learn more at bottomline.org. Want to support or attend Bottom Line’s HATS OFF! Spring Benefit on May 22 at the Tribeca Rooftop? Contact us at noyoutellit@gmail.com for more info.

Stories Highlighted:

  • A Trophy-Less Life by Brett Felder, Performed by Dion Flynn and Directed by Ellie Dvorkin Dunn
  • Buried by Dion Flynn, Performed by Brett Felder, and Directed by Ellie Dvorkin Dunn
  • The Pickles Pickle by Kevin Allison, Performed by Najah Imani Muhammad and Directed by Nicole Shawan Junior
  • When Billymackin’ Goes Wrong by Najah Imani Muhammad, Performed by Kevin Allison and Directed by Nicole Shawan Junior

Symphony Space Success

“No, YOU Tell It! is a treasure of a show. You have to witness it to really get how special it is. Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons assembled a team that puts so much heart and soul into guiding storytellers of different ages, races, genders, and backgrounds to swap stories, so that the performers are in each other’s shoes, as the saying goes. The result is hilarious and heartwarming, but also, such a profound experiment in fostering empathy. Everyone in the room, storytellers, show producers, and audience members, have an unforgettably moving evening of entertainment together, and that special sort of connecting of people going on in the show really is something to be cherished.”

– Kevin Allison, RISK!

Story partners Kevin Allison and Najah Imani Muhammad. Photo credit: Russ Rowland

What an incredible night at Symphony Space last week! We’re still on Cloud 9 and couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who made the night a success by attending in person, via the livestream, and/or donating. Check out more “College Try” photos on Facebook or Instagram.

Hey, while you’re there, why not LIKE or FOLLOW?

Special shout out to all who helped us provide free student tickets to high school juniors. We had a wonderful pre-show college essay jumpstart workshop, and the students loved the show!!

Want to help No, YOU Tell It! provide more opportunities for future storytellers and students? Click here to make a tax-deductible donation.

What’s next? So glad you asked. SAVE THE DATES:

I can’t think of a better way to kick off our 11th year! Thank you again from all of us at No, YOU Tell It!

The College Try and Then Some!

Left to right: Dion Flynn, Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons, Brett Felder, Ellie Dvorkin Dunn, Najah Imani Muhammad, and Kevin Allison. Photo credit: Russ Rowland.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Thanks to everyone who came out or watched the show on the live stream.
We had a great time, and we hope you did too!
Thank you to our storytellers for sharing their words and those amazing performances.
Thank you to our host, directors, and creative team!
Thank you, Symphony Space, for the amazing space and for being an amazing host.
AND we raised $500 for Bottom Line, thanks to your generosity!
Didn’t win a copy of our anthology? Grab a copy here. Until next time, friends!

Meet “College Try” Storyteller Kevin Allison

Mar 16 2023 @ 7:00PM

Two days until show day! We’re so excited for you to meet our final storyteller Kevin Allison!!

Buy your tickets here. Don’t live in NYC? Livestream tickets are available, so you can watch from anywhere.

As a writer and actor for projects on HBO, Netflix, and MTV, and the creator of the hit storytelling podcast and live show RISK!, now in its 14th year, Kevin Allison is an expert on the power of narrative in communication. Kevin is the editor of the book RISK! True Stories People Never Thought They’d Dare to Share, available from Hachette Books, and the founder of the storytelling school The Story Studio, where he has trained the staff of businesses such as Google, Pfizer, and Citibank.

Event Information

Mar 16 2023 @ 7:00PM

Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th St.)

Storytelling, performance, and college admissions all at Symphony Space!

Mar 16 2023 @ 7:00PM

Storytelling, performance, and college admissions all tied together into one fun evening at Symphony Space. More info and tickets HERE!

Entertainers and educators trading true tales inspired by the theme “College Try” is an excellent way to encourage high school students to think about the story they want to tell with their college application essays.

High school students can sign up for a pre-show workshop with producers and college essay writing instructors Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons and Tim Lindner to jumpstart a college essay that will wow admissions officers.

Contact noyoutellit@gmail.com to register for the pre-show college essay workshop or to arrange for a block of tickets for your school.

Plus, play story trivia for fun literary prizes and donations made to Bottom Line on behalf of the winners.

Bottom Line partners with thousands of degree-aspiring students from under-resourced communities as they get into college, graduate, and go far in life. Learn more and get involved at bottomline.org.

Event Information

Mar 16 2023 @ 7:00PM

Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th St.)

Welcome “College Try” Storytellers!

Mar 16 2023 @ 7:00PM

World Read Aloud Day feels like a perfect time to share our four “College Try” storytellers who will trade true tales and speak each other’s words aloud, empowering voices on the page and Symphony Space stage!

Learn more about the show, storytellers, and save your seat by CLICKING HERE for info and to buy tickets. In-Person and Live Stream available. See you on March 16th and spread the word!!

Event Information

Mar 16 2023 @ 7:00PM

Symphony Space (2537 Broadway at 95th St.)