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Happy tales to you!
Linda Goodman New Voices
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping onto a stage to share your story, the Linda Goodman New Voices Program is your stepping stone. Whether you are new to storytelling or a seasoned Teller, this program offers a welcoming space to build confidence, develop skills, and make meaningful connections.
Each year, the Linda Goodman New Voices Program welcomes a new group of emerging storytellers to the stage at the Stone Soup Storytelling Festival. Designed to nurture fresh perspectives and unique voices, this program offers rising artists the opportunity to perform before a live audience, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and take their first steps toward a career in storytelling.
The New Voices initiative isn’t just a performance opportunity—it’s a launchpad for growth. Participants gain stage experience, professional exposure, and a supportive community that celebrates the power of the spoken word. Many past storytellers have gone on to feature at other festivals, lead workshops, and build storytelling careers that began right here in Woodruff, South Carolina.
New Voices
Where Emerging Storytellers Begin Their Journey
2026 New Voices
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have ever been selected as a Featured Teller at Stone Soup, or if you have been selected as a New Voice in the past two years (2024 or 2025 Festivals), you are not eligible to apply.
As a New Voices Teller, you will have the opportunity to attend a variety of activities and events beyond performing at the festival. Detailed information, directions, and an itinerary will be sent out to all selected Tellers well in advance. If you have any specific questions in the meantime, please reach out to a Coordinator.
New Voices Coordinators
Lona Bartlett
New Voices Co-Coordinator
518-732-5662
Karyn Page-Davies
Festival Coordinator
864-706-5532Absolutely! We wish we could accept everyone every year, however we are limited on time therefore we have to take a competitive approach.
We encourage all who are not accepted to apply again the following year and all are welcome and encouraged to attend the festival and our other events at MUSE regardless of acceptance.Yes. You must submit a video for consideration. However, it doesn't have to be a professionally produced video. It can be recorded on a cell phone in the comfort of your home, we just want to be able to see and hear you clearly.
Whether you're new to story telling or an old "pro" you are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Compensation details and expenses are listed in the 2026 SSSI New Voices Rules document below.
2025 New Voices
Last year’s New Voices storytellers brought unforgettable energy to the stage. From heartfelt personal narratives to laugh-out-loud folktales, each performer shared their story with authenticity and passion—reminding us that storytelling is both ancient and ever new.
Our 2025 cohort represented a variety of backgrounds, ages, and storytelling styles, all united by a love of story and the courage to share it. Their performances filled the room with laughter, reflection, and connection—truly capturing the spirit of Stone Soup.
As you enjoy the slideshow, we invite you to celebrate these storytellers and imagine yourself among next year’s New Voices.
It's difficult to describe, but performing in the New Voices show made me feel like part of a community. The quality of storytelling at the Stone Soup festival is extremely high, and it was an honor to share the stage with such talented performers. I truly hope to be invited back to perform in a future show!
Adam R.
I was able to be a New Voice this past spring. From the moment I arrived, everyone made me feel not just welcome, but like I’d always been part of the family. From my invitation to participate until the festival was over, the process was clear, the organizers were communicative, and the other storytellers were supportive. I met so many new, interesting, fun people, it’s easier to name who I didn’t connect with than who I did.
JR D.
It was a tremendous delight to meet other aspiring storytellers from across the continent, see storytelling friends I’d only known online, and be with internationally recognized storytellers, all in the same room. It was like a storytelling family reunion I didn’t know I needed.
Selection into Stone Soup Storytelling Festival’s New Voices was one of the most validating experiences of my career thus far. Any time doubt rears its ugly voice in my head, I remember that I was a New Voice – I know I’m on the right path.
Misty M.