Our Story
Founded in 2004, Odyssey Storytelling is a project of Story Arts Group, Inc.
Our mission is to:
Bring true stories to light in Southern Arizona from diverse ages, cultures, orientations, and beliefs
Build community through personal stories
Create a safe and respectful space for all lived experiences.
About Us
Odyssey Storytelling brings Tucson’s diverse voices to the forefront through the art of community storytelling. Our passionate staff of volunteers includes journalists, doctors, artists, lawyers, and educators — among others.
We strive to enrich Southern Arizona arts and culture by sharing powerful narratives that resonate with and reflect our community.
Who we are
Odyssey Storytelling builds community through the art of storytelling. Our monthly event holds space for Tucson community members to take the stage and share a personal story.
The magic of this simple act of sharing their truth in front of a live audience builds bridges across the human landscape. People of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives join our stage and our audience.
The outcome is a celebration of the richness of the human experience and the fostering of empathy, understanding, and solidarity.
Celebrating the richness of the human experience
We believe in the transformative power of stories and their ability to connect people across different walks of life. Every month, we gather to celebrate this craft, offering a stage where novices and seasoned storytellers alike can share their experiences.
Our volunteer staff is dedicated to providing ongoing training and guidance, helping each storyteller polish their skills and deliver their tales with impact.
Our community commitment
Penelope Starr founded Story Arts Group in 2004
Odyssey has helped storytellers of all levels (experienced, or first time) find their voice and share their truth. “Along the way, I learned that profound changes occur when we tell and listen to each other’s stories, how a simple act can build community, dispel prejudices, foster creativity, and help heal.”
Meet the Team
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Steve Braun
Board of Directors President
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Angela Orlando
Executive Producer
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Laura Porfirio
Story Arts Special Programs Director
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Kenzie Morgan-Morton
Board of Directors Treasurer
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Jurg Zundel
Board of Directors Treasurer-Elect
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Phyllis Braun
Board of Directors Secretary
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Jonathan Grinder
Board of Directors Member at Large
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Roscoe Mutz
Board of Directors Member at Large
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Anna Marie Trester
Board of Directors Member at Large
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Rebecca Ursule
Board of Directors Member at Large
Frequently Asked Questions
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Check our upcoming themes on our Shows page, and email a one- or two-sentence story pitch to stories@odysseystorytelling.org. You can pitch for any show that isn’t already full. We'll be in touch!
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Stories should be true, personal, and about you, told without notes or props, and about 10 minutes or less. We'll help you shape your story during the mandatory rehearsal a week or two before your show.
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Come to the Club Congress on show night! Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7. Enjoy six true stories, an intermission, community announcements, one or two spontaneous stories from the audience, and an evening of laughter, reflection, and connection.
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Tickets are available online or at the door, cash or card. Tickets cost $12 for general admission and $10 for anyone affiliated with an educational institution or the military. Club Congress seats about 125 so we recommend getting tickets in advance. We will have your name on a list at the door, so you don’t need to prove your ticket.
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Paid parking is available in the Pennington Street Garage, Depot Plaza Garage, and nearby public lots throughout downtown Tucson. Limited metered street parking is also available. You can also take the Sun Link streetcar and exit at Congress Street & 6th Avenue, just a short walk from Club Congress (310 E. Broadway Blvd.).
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We're always looking for volunteers, storytellers, sponsors, and community partners. Email stories@odysseystorytelling.org to learn more.
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Make a tax-deductible donation, become a Patreon member, or explore sponsorship opportunities to help keep community storytelling thriving.
Listen to the Odyssey Storytelling Podcast
Get in touch
Want to pitch a story, subscribe to our newsletter, collaborate with us, or volunteer?
Reach out, and we’ll get right back to you.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SEASON SPONSORS
