Storyteller, Author, Keynote Speaker, & Teacher

Mini Class on Personal Storytelling
2025-03-31 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Join me online for a short storytelling workshop for storytellers of all levels.
This 90 minute Better Said Than Done workshop will give some insights into what makes a great personal story, how to choose character traits and structures that support a short, personal story, and what to think about in the process of developing a new personal story. During the 90 minutes, participants will be given a writing prompt. A few will have time to share their stories and receive feedback.
Details and Registration here: https://bettersaidthandone.org/event/mini-class-on-personal-storytelling/
Bring ideas for a 5-7 minute story to work on in this 90 minute class. Learn about character development, story structure, and where to begin and how to end, and then spend some time writing. A few participants will be able to share their stories with the class.
This workshop will be recorded and registrants will have access to the recording for one month after.
This storytelling workshop will be led by Jessica Piscitelli Robinson.

Why Not Today Luncheon
2025-03-27 11:30 - 13:30
Storytelling is a powerful tool , whether using it to communicate a need, a funny incident, or to show how your business can help others. Jessica Robinson, Executive Director of Northern Virginia’s storytelling organization Better Said Than Done, will give some tips and tricks of the storytelling trade.
During this luncheon, she will:
✅ Provide insight into crafting a compelling story
✅ Suggest some ways in which to utilize storytelling in business
✅ Lead a writing exercise for all attendees
Attendees will leave with stories to use as content for their website, blog, or elevator speech.
Details and Registration Here

Generation Women DC
2025-03-26 19:00 - 21:00 | The Speakeasy at Capo Deli
I’m excited to join the cast of Generation DC Women. I hope to see you there.
Join Generation Women DC—the District’s newest, intergenerational storytelling series—for an evening of powerful stories from women and non-binary folks who have faced adversity and emerged stronger. Each storyteller will share a personal experience of overcoming obstacles, embodying resilience, courage, and the unwavering determination that defines strength. It’s a celebration of perseverance, grit, and the triumphs that come from pressing on, no matter the odds.
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT!

Mad World Stories
2025-02-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
On February 22, 2025, join Better Said Than Done for A Mad World: Stories about unreal people and situations, with emcee Carol Moore and storytellers Dustin Fisher, Jeanna Lee, Jamie McElhatton, Joe Morice, Ravi Pimplaskar, Jessica Robinson, and Kathy Stershic.
In-Person at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St, Falls Church, VA.
6:00pm Show Starts / Doors open at 5:30pm.
Mad World

A full dinner and bar menu is available.
Storytelling is intended for a mature audience.

Featured at The Grapevine
2025-02-12 19:30 - 21:30
February’s The Grapevine features storytellers Jamie Brickhouse and Jessica Piscitelli Robinson!

Join us on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:30 Eastern at Busboys and Poets Takoma; or, for out-of-towners, via Zoom.

You can register FOR FREE at https://fsgw.org/event-5935630 for access to the live stream or to catch the recorded show later. No registration needed for in-person.

Registrants will get emails with reminders on the date, time, and location, as well as Zoom information. We ask for donations to support our tellers, suggested $20 per person. Donations can be made in person or online before, during, or after the show, at: https://fsgw2.org/grapevine.html

The Grapevine is spoken word performance for adults and teens, celebrating the timeless art of the story, hosted by storytellers Renée Brachfeld and Tim Livengood.

ABOUT OUR TELLERS:
Jamie Brickhouse is a “natural raconteur”, says the Washington Post, and is a multiple Moth StorySLAM champion. Jamie is a fixture on the New York storytelling scene, and has appeared many other places, too. He is the writer/performer of the solo shows, Dangerous When Wet: Booze, Sex, and My Mother; I Favor My Daddy: A Tale of Two Sissies; Pearl Necklace: A Gay Sexcapade; and The Brothers Orphan.

Jessica Piscitelli Robinson is the person behind the annual Women’s Storytelling Festival. She has performed at Exchange Place at the National Storytelling Festival, on WGBH’s “Stories from the Stage,” has been featured in the Stone Soup, Florida, and Hampton Storytelling Festivals, and is a 2023 ORACLE Award recipient. Jessica is the author of the Guide to Personal Storytelling, for Story Crossroads, as well as Stages: My Life in Stories, a memoir in stories.

Your Story and More
2025-02-10 19:30 - 21:30
I’ll be leading a 5 week storytelling course, online, for Better Said Than Done, starting on February 10th and finishing on March 10th, 2025.
5 two hour classes, over five weeks, to help you develop stories of varying lengths to be performed on stage. Each class will cover a different storytelling theme, with exercises geared to inspire. Students will be able to workshop and hone at least one, and possibly several, stories over the course of 5 weeks.
This workshop is led by Better Said Than Done Executive Director Jessica Piscitelli Robinson. Jessica has led storytelling workshops and presentations for BAE Systems, George Mason University, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Jack Morton, K4Health at Johns Hopkins University, the George Washington University School of Business, The World Bank, the Brookings Institution, and Atlassian, as well as regularly teaching Better Said Than Done in-house storytelling workshops, and through libraries, senior centers, and adult education centers.

Author Event in Reston, VA
2025-01-26 17:30 - 19:00 | Reston’s Used Book Shop, 1623 Washington Plaza North, Reston, VA, 20190, United States
I am excited to be reading from my new memoir, Stages: My Life in Stories, for the Reston Readings series at Reston’s Used Book Shop!
If you don’t already have a copy, you will be able to purchase the book and I’d be happy to sign your copy.

WTF Storytelling Show
2025-01-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Epicure on King, 703 King St., Alexandria, VA
Better Said Than Done storytelling at Epicure on King, in Alexandria, VA.
Join emcee Bonnie Gardner and storytellers J.R. Denson, Carol Moore, Jessica Robinson, Jack Scheer, and Zach Wilks on January 25th, 2025 for WTactualF: true stories you won’t believe, our first in-person show of the new year, and our first time at this shiny new Epicure.
$15 Tickets Here:
WTF Storytelling at Epicure

Virtual Author Talk and Book Party
2024-12-04 20:00 - 21:00
On December 4, Claire Hennessy, of Six Feet Apart Productions fame, will be leading a not so serious discussion of books with authors Bil Lepp, Jessica Piscitelli Robinson, and Donna Washington.
The storyteller-authors will discuss their latest books, writing, storytelling, and possibly stray off the path into a few tall tales. They are, after all, storytellers.
This event is free, but you have to register to attend. The link to register is below or click here.
Stages: My Life in Stories was published September 2024 by Tucker DS Press. You can purchase the book through Tucker DS Press here, or find out more about where to meet the author and purchase the book from jessicapiscitellirobinson.com
Find out more about Bil Lepp and Donna Washington, and links to get their books, here!

Storytelling Show in Falls Church
2024-11-30 18:00 - 20:00 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
Excited to premiere a new story about everybody’s favorite family member in Better Said Than Done’s “A Family Affair: stories that are all relative,” at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, VA. A full bar and food menu are available.
November 30th is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Stay local. Avoid traffic. Bring – or avoid – family. Come and hear some great storytelling.
$15 per person tickets here.
On November 30, 2024, join Better Said Than Done for A Family Affair: Stories about family stuff, with Emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Bonnie Gardner, David Hollingsworth, Jenn Kamara, Kory May, Sarah Snyder, Zette St. Charles, and Zach Wilks!
In-Person at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N. Washington St, Falls Church, VA.
6:00pm Show Starts / Doors open at 5:30pm.
A full dinner and bar menu is available.

SFAP Online Storytelling Show
2024-11-20 21:00 - 22:30
I’ll be telling the story of how I wrote my first novel, Caged in this Six Feet Apart Productions online storytelling show, By Hook or By Crook.
This event is a Story Slam – which means there is voting and a winner. At stake is a SFAP coffee mug. I really want that mug! So please register, come to the show, and vote! This is one time your vote really matters. (That was a joke. Voting is important!)

The Inner Loop Literary Reading Series
2024-11-19 19:30 - 22:00 | Sonny’s Pizza, 3120 Georgia Avenue NW., Washington, DC, 20010, United States
I am thrilled to be joining the Inner Loop for their November reading series, featuring A. B. Spellman and 9 local writers (8 plus me) – including Author’s Corner Spotlight Luke Sutherland! It’s FREE and there’s pizza! To be clear, the pizza’s not free, but you can get pizza and listen to literature! Could it get any better?
Mark your calendar, grab your friends, and head to the back patio of Sonny’s Pizza on November 19th at 7:30pm. Whether you’re a bookworm, an inspiring writer, or just enjoy listening to stories, The Inner Loop readings have something for everyone. Our mission is to create an inclusive writing community in DC, so we encourage you to grab some food, a drink, and meet other literature lovers. We can’t wait to see you there!

Author Event at Winchester Book Gallery
2024-11-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Winchester Book Gallery, 7 N Loudoun St, Winchester, VA, 22601, United States
I will be telling stories, taking questions and signing copies of my new memoir, Stages: My Life in Stories, on November 16th, starting at 11:00am, at the Winchester Book Gallery in beautiful Winchester, VA. Come for the books, stay for the stories.
About the Stages: My Life in Stories:
In Stages: My Life in Stories, spoken-word storyteller Jessica Robinson has collected twenty-five stories that span from her childhood in the eighties to the creation of her own children through IVF. The collection is meant to be read as a memoir in stories. Each story is complete in and of itself, but represents a different pivotal moment, a different stage in the life of the storyteller.
“Jessica’s stories create a work of heart. Each chapter reads like a conversation in which I listen to an old friend’s experiences, and recognize my own. Thoughtfully written, presented in pastel touches of humor and pathos, this book is an appreciation of all the colors of a life.”
– Lyn Ford, spoken-word storyteller and author
“Oh, this book is subtle and delightful. At first glance, it’s a memoir, a collection of amusing, moving stories that follow the author through her life. As you reach the end of the book, of course, you see the larger picture, like an image arising out of mosaics.

But it’s also a masterclass on storytelling, and Jessica Piscitelli Robinson a master storyteller. She holds our attention while using a variety of story forms, clearly enjoying playing with screenplays and allusions to Greek myths. Each story wraps up perfectly, making a compelling and complete package.”
– Author Anne Janzer

Publisher Information:
Stages is published by Tucker DS Press
https://www.tuckerdspress.com/books
About The Winchester Book Gallery:
The Winchester Book Gallery is the 51-year old, independent, locally owned bookstore serving the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. As a cornerstone of our community, we offer new books, Local Art, Cards, Book Fairs and Special Orders. The Book Gallery regularly hosts book signings, book clubs and community nights. In addition, we offer everyday discounts for teachers and book clubs. The Winchester Book Gallery inspires, informs and amuses customers with compelling book selections and a diverse selection of other merchandise.
About the Author:
Jessica Robinson is the Founding Executive Director of Better Said Than Done, the Northern Virginia-based storytelling organization that, in addition to its semi-monthly shows, hosts the annual Women’s Storytelling Festival. A spoken-word storyteller, Jessica has performed at Exchange Place at the International Storytelling Festival, on WGBH’s “Stories from the Stage,” and for the Stone Soup, the Washington Folk, the Florida, and the Hampton Storytelling festivals. Jessica is a 2023 ORACLE Award recipient from the National Storytelling Network. In addition to magazines, reviews, and anthologies, Jessica is the author of Caged (under pen name JP Robinson) and co-author of the anthology Roar: True Tales of Women Warriors.

Free and Frightening Storytelling
2024-10-29 19:00 - 20:00 | MLK DC Public Library, 901 G Street NW, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
Join Better Said Than Done storytellers J.R. Denson, Bonnie Gardner, and Jessica Robinson for a terrifying night of stories that will haunt you.
Haunted Stories and Ghastly Tales
Free and open to the public. Come and hear some terrifying tales – if you dare.
Stories are rated – old enough to drive or Metro home by yourself, though you won’t want to be alone.

Halloween Stories in the Park
2024-10-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Park, 36441 Blueridge View Ln., Purcelville, VA, 20132-3565, United States
Jennifer Hine and I are returning to Franklin Park, in Purcelville, to tell stories for Halloween in the Park!
This event is free for all ages and open to the public – and is so much fun! Come on out, trick or treat, see some wild animals, listen to some stories, and plan to have a fabulous time at Franklin Park! I know we will.

Jessica Robinson tells stories for all ages. If you’d like to book Jessica for a storytelling concert, please make sure to include what age range is expected to attend.

Mostly True Story
2024-10-19 19:00 - 21:30 | Performing Arts Studio, 224 E. Main St., Port Jefferson, NY, 11777, United States
On October 19th, 2024, I will be joining the cast of (mostly) True Things, in Port Jefferson, NY, for their 10 year anniversary show! (mostly) True Things comes from the wonderful and wild brain of Jude Treder-Wolff. A show in which storytellers share mostly true stories, and the audience has to figure out the lie.
(mostly) TRUE THINGS is a game wrapped in a storytelling show. True stories that range from wildly comedic to fascinating to profound – are told by a fantastic line-up of performers. All but one of the storytellers include subtle little lies in their story. In Act 2, the audience gets to question the storytellers – who can improvise their responses – then votes for the person they think told their story with no lies. Some improvised, story-inspired music and songs written for the show by host/creator Jude Treder-Wolff are additional ingredients for a high-energy, often hilarious, emotion-packed and entertaining show. There are prizes involved, if you can believe a thing like that.
The show opens with an “open mic” portion in which audience members can share their own brief true story on the theme of the evening. The themes for this 10th anniversary show are: ANNIVERSARIES and 10! With storytellers Jessica Piscitelli Robinson, Rita Rigano, Ihab Ibrahim, and Adam Grundfest.

Super Scary Stories Online
2024-10-17 20:00 - 21:30
I will be telling some terrifying tales, online, on October 17th, for Better Said Than Done.

On October 17, join storytellers Lyn Ford, Amanda Lawrence, Teri Lott, Jessica Robinson, and Terrell Shaw, on zoom, for a night of terrifying tales – if you dare!

Teaching Storytelling to an Agency
2024-10-10 10:00 - 17:00
I will be leading a storytelling workshop for an agency as part of their conference on communication for their corporate leadership team. This event is not open to the public, but it’s on my calendar and I am preparing for my part nonetheless.
As a business owner for over 20 years. I have worked in corporate leadership, communications and marketing, and organizational storytelling, even discounting my over 15 years of teaching storytelling. I understand goals and missions and teams – and how all of those tie in and are tied together with an organization’s narrative. Or, at least, they can be – if the storytelling makes sense.
I work to craft each workshop so it works for my clients, and so it meets the needs of my clients. And I am already working towards those goals for my October workshop.
I teach storytelling through community centers, libraries, and for organizations that hire me. Primarily, though not exclusively, I teach and am booked through Better Said Than Done. If you are a community center, library, story center, organization, adult education center, middle grade school through university, or individual looking for public speaking or storytelling coaching, please feel free to reach out to me to discuss a storytelling workshop or course. Whether you wish to hire me as an independent workshop leader or through Better Said Than Done, email me here.

Hurricane Helene Benefit Concert
2024-10-06 14:00 - 17:00
Join Better Said Than Done, Northeast Storytelling/NEST, and Six Feet Apart Productions online on October 6, 2024, for a free storytelling concert to raise money to provide relief to those hit hardest by Hurricane Helene.

Here’s the link for more information and to register.
bettersaidthandone.org/event/storytelling-benefit-concert
You’ll also find links to organizations you can donate to to help with relief.

The concert features storytellers Adam Booth, Norm Brecke, Alton Chung, Willy Claflin, Lyn Ford, Kevin Kling, Katie Knutson, Brandon Leake, Anne Rutherford, Regina Stoops, Dovie Thomason, Donna Washington, and emcees Claire Hennessy, Jessica Robinson, and Linda Schuyler Ford. With Michael P. Carson, President of the International Storytelling Center.

Campfire Stories
2024-09-21 13:00 - 22:00
On September 21st, Jennifer Hine and I will be telling family friendly stories to a group of campers at a private camp-out event. We’ll be telling some classic campfire stories as well as a few fun original tales.
It’s always a good time when fire and marshmallows and stories mix!

Jessica Piscitelli Robinson tells stories. Some are scary, some are funny. Some are family friendly, some are not. Some are true and others are outright lies.
Contact jessica@bettersaidthandone.com next time you need a storyteller. Everybody needs a storyteller.

Mirrors and Magic: True Stories of Wonder Storytelling Show
2024-09-12 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Town Hall, 3999 University Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
On September 12, 2024, Carol Moore, Laura Packer, and Jessica Robinson will bring a little magic to a night of true storytelling. This 90 minute show will feature stories full of wonder, and truth, though not necessarily from true events.
This free storytelling show will take place at The Old Town Hall, 3999 University Dr. Fairfax, VA. The show starts at 7:00pm and doors open at 6:30pm. If you cannot attend in-person, there will be a live-stream to YouTube.
You do not need to register to attend in-person but will need to register to get the link to the live-stream.
Mirrors and Magic

Your Story, Your Life Workshop 1
2024-09-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
Your Story, Your Life Workshop Series – The first of 5 two hour classes, over five weeks, to help you develop secondary characters, dialogue, non-linear structure, enhanced performance skills, and stories of varying lengths to be performed on stage. Students will be able to workshop and hone at least one, and possibly several, stories over the course of 5 weeks. Workshops will be on Zoom, taking place on Wednesdays from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET. $199 per 5 classes per registrant.
