Storyteller, Author, Keynote Speaker, & Teacher

Scary Storytelling Workshop
2025-10-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcelville, VA
We’re gonna get a little scary at this next storytelling workshop at Franklin Park Arts Center. I mean, it’s October 30th. We can’t just ignore the ghost in the room.
Whether you want to work on crafting a personal story, or a scary story, this workshop will work for you.
Bring ideas for a 5-7 minute “scary” story to work on in this 90-minute class. Learn about character development, story structure, and how to build fear and dramatic tension into stories, and then spend some time writing. A few participants will be able to share their stories with the class and help prepare you for our Storytelling Open Mic nights beginning in November. Instructor: Jessica Robinson, Better Said Than Done storytellers.
Details and Registration Here

Family Friendly Frightening Stories
2025-10-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Franklin Park, 36441 Blueridge View Ln., Purcelville, VA, 20132-3565, United States
Join me and some other wonderful entertainers at Franklin Park, in Loudoun County, VA, for Halloween in the Park. I’ll be telling stories along the Trick-or-Treat Trail.

Join Better Said Than Done storytellers Jennifer Hine and Jessica Robinson for stories along the Trick or Treat Trail, at Halloween in the Park, at Franklin Park, in Loudoun County, VA.

In addition to storytelling, there will be pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, games, face painting, live animals, inflatables, vendors and more! All for free.

Ghost Stories at the DC Public Library
2025-10-22 19:00 - 20:30
On October 22, join storytellers Silvana Clark, J.R. Denson, Jessica Robinson, and Zach Wilks, for a night of terrifying tales at the Haunted Library.
Bring snacks and hot beverages and join us on the First Floor of the MLK DC Public Library.
Details here.
This concert is FREE and open to the public, but intended for a mature audience.

Reading at 804 Lit
2025-10-11 19:00 - 20:30
I’ll be reading from my one year old memoir Stages: My Life in Stories at 804 Lit.
October 11, 2025
7:00pm Open / 7:30pm Readings
804 Lit is located at 804 Quintana Place NW in Washington, DC
As a reminder, we ask that people do not park on Quintana Place because it’s a narrow street with people who are very attached to their spots. The surrounding streets, 8th, 9th, Quackenbos, all have parking.
FREE, but you must register in advance here.
The readings start at 7:30p after a half hour of conversation and wine, and we’ll have an intermission after the first three readers.
As usual, the series will include some readings and question and answer sessions to follow alongside snacks and drinks. We provide some wine and snacks but people are encouraged to contribute as well. It’s also encouraged to just support us via Venmo or newly released books as well!
Please note, I only have a handful of copies of the book left. (I’ll order more soon but they won’t be in in time.) If you still haven’t gotten your copy, I’ll have some books for sale and will be signing books, if you want that.

Otherworldly Stories
2025-10-09 20:00 - 21:30
I am looking forward to emceeing this virtual storytelling show. Join me, and Better Said Than Done, on Zoom for some Otherworldly Stories.
October 9th, 2025, at 8:00pm Eastern / 5:00pm Pacific for Otherworldly Stories, with storytellers Norm Brecke, Karen Golden, Steve Henegar, Tobey Ishii Anderson, Andy Russell, and Hope Wilder.
Tickets, from $5, here.

Healing Stories Alliance
2025-10-05 19:00 - 20:30
Kind Stories in Concert. Our theme for Oct. 5th is “The Power of Community”

Date: October 5, 2025
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm EDT
(Open Mic Story Share and Reflection: last half hour)
Format: The story session opens with a concert of seasoned tellers Jim Brule, Rishi Nixon, Elisa Pearmain, and Jessica Robinson, sharing stories with themes of kindness and the Power of Community. During the second half of the gathering, audience members are invited to share a story, moment, or reflection about kindness or community that emerged for them as listeners. With emcee Lee-Ellen Marvin.
Purpose: We all need a little more kindness and community in our lives. Perhaps a story can take us there.

Register here to Receive a FREE Zoom Link: https://www.simpletix.com/e/kind-stories-in-concert-oct-5-2025-tickets-234224
Click to Donate and help make programs like this possible: https://square.link/u/d9xbGN2I

Human beings are essentially social creatures and we need community to survive and thrive. For some, communities can be made of like-minded souls, families, co-workers, or neighbors. In these challenging times, the power of community will help us find ways to resist unacceptable changes and threats. Join us for traditional and contemporary stories about successful and kind communities shared by both professional tellers and community tellers and see what memories of community emerge for you.

Apple Pie Stories in Falls Church
2025-10-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
I’ll be sharing one or two stories on stage in Falls Church, VA. Join Better Said Than Done Storytelling on October 4th, at 6:00pm, at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, VA, for “Apple Pie Stories,” with emcee Jack Scheer and storytellers Nick Baskerville, Catherine Calvin, Jennifer Hine, Jenn Kamara, Rishi Nixon, and Jessica Robinson.
As part of ArtsFairfax’s month of art, we are offering a BOGO ticket discount. Buy one ticket at the regular price, and get $5 off the second ticket.
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack is located at 130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046. A full dinner and bar menu is available for purchase before and during the show. There is plenty of free parking nearby, including a parking garage behind Clare and Don’s.

Storytelling Workshop at the Library
2025-09-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Kings Park Library, 9000 Burke Lake Rd, Burke, VA
Stories can enrich the lives of the living, and immortalize those who have died. Learn the basics of crafting a personal narrative inspired by an event or person in your life. In this 90-minute class, presented by Better Said Than Done Executive Director Jessica Robinson, you will learn about character development, story structure, and how to edit the entirety of a life into one cohesive story. Participants will be given a writing prompt to work on and discuss in class.
Free. Registering in advance is recommended.
Register here: https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/15022503

Sun Day Storytelling
2025-09-21 19:00 - 23:00
Sun Day Virtual Worldwide Storytelling Concert
September 21. 2025
7:00pm-11:00pm
Live on Zoom
Free! (Donations Welcome)
To Register: https://www.simpletix.com/e/sun-day-virtual-worldwide-storytelling-con-tickets-226248
The NSN Eco-Tellers and Healing Story Alliance will be joining Third Act (Thirdact.org) and affiliated
climate groups from all over the U.S., and beyond in celebrating Sun Day, a day of action to celebrate
solar and wind power and the movement to leave fossil fuels behind.
I’ll be sharing my story in the first hour because I am a morning person and get up with the sun!
We will be hosting a virtual storytelling concert from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm EDT with tellers from around the country and the world. Please put this date in your calendar and consider joining us. We will have stories from Fran Stallings, Judith Black, Diane Edgecomb, Linda Yemoto, and Jackson Gillman, Jessica Robinson, and we hope, many of you! We are also expecting four tellers from India to join in!
Sun Day is a day of action on September 21, 2025, celebrating solar and wind power, and the movement to leave fossil fuels behind. Solar energy is now the cheapest source of power on the planet – and gives us a chance to actually do something about the climate crisis. But fossil fuel billionaires are doing everything they can to shut it down. We will build, rally, sing, and come together in the communities that we need to get laws changed and work done.

Better Said Than Done Online Storytelling Show
2025-09-18 20:00 - 21:00
Just saving the date for my favorite storytelling show.
Join Better Said Than Done storytelling on September 18, 2025, for Lesson Learned: Stories of Teachable Moments, with emcee Chetter Galloway and storytellers Clint Atwater, Roopa Mohan, Elisa Pearman, Laura Simms, and Patti Smith.

$15 Suggested/$5 MinimumAll Proceeds Split Between Producer and Storytellers
If you miss it live on Zoom, you can watch the recording on Youtube.

Moving Stories
2025-08-26 20:00 - 21:30
I am looking forward to emceeing – and selecting only the most awkward questions from the audience – for this online show.
Moving Stories: Across The Pond And Far From Normal August 26th
Claire Hennessy and Regina Stoops are bringing the Fringe show they performed at the National Storytelling Network Conference to the Six Feet Apart virtual stage. Each will tell how they decided to make California their home and build a family. Both paths are sometimes difficult, fraught with chaos and challenges, but also funny and heartwarming.
Their favorite producer and storyteller from the East Coast, the fabulous Jessica Robinson, will emcee and host a Q&A afterward.
Register here.

Never Had I Ever Stories
2025-08-23 19:00 - 20:30
I am excited to premiere a new story for Better Said Than Done, which is only fitting considering the theme – NEVER HAD I EVER.
Join Better Said Than Done Storytelling on August 23, at 7:00pm, at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, VA, for “Never Had I Ever: stories about firsts, somedays, and nopes,” with emcee Bonnie Gardner and storytellers J.R. Denson, Ravi Pimplaskar, Jessica Robinson, Jack Scheer, Zette St. Charles, Carlos Velazquez, and Zach Wilks.
Details and $15 Tickets here:
bettersaidthandone.org/event/never-had-i-ever/

Reimagining Stories Workshop
2025-08-14 19:30 - 21:00
A Free Workshop led by Jessica Robinson for the Story Center at the Mid-Continental Public Library
In this interactive workshop with Jessica Robinson, participants will take stories they know well and twist them, reshaping them into something new and different. Students will learn how the terms “fractured” and “braided” apply to stories, when and why to reshape a story, and practical steps to twist a tale. This class is part of the Oral Storytelling Certificate Program as a storytelling elective. This program will be held virtually using Zoom. Registration with a valid email address is required to receive the Zoom link. All start times are Central Time.
FREE but you must register here:
www.mymcpl.org/events/109084/braided-fractured-and-re-imagined-stories-zoom

Legendary Stories
2025-08-07 20:00 - 21:00
I am excited to emcee a night of Legendary Stories from some of the world’s most legendary storytellers.
Details and registration here:
Legendary Stories

Good Liars Club Festival 2025
2025-08-02 15:00 - 22:00
I love me some good lies, and the Good Liar’s Club Festival is chock full of the best lies! This year, as in years past, I will be emceeing one showcase and lying in another.
Live on Zoom, Anne Rutherford & Norm Brecke present:
The 2025 Good Liars Club Festival
Sat Aug 2
11am AKDT/ Noon PDT/ 1pm MDT/ 2pm CDT/ 3pm EDT
6 showcases of 24 fabulous liars stretching the truth in good-natured fun.

Showcases run every hour on the hour
One registration link lets you come in and out of the festival as you please.
Donors get a recording of the festival to watch on demand.
Don’t miss the fourth year of this festival of confabulation!

Festival schedule & registration:
https://www.anne-norm.com/2025-glc-festival

At 6:00pm Eastern, I will be telling a lie alongside fantastic fabulators Nancy Wang, Steven Heneger, Claire Hennessy, and emcee extraordinaire Tobey Ishii Anderson.

At 7:00pm Eastern, I get to say whatever I want (it is a lying show!) about the penultimate prevaricators Amanda Lawrence, Chetter Galloway, Clementine Ryder, and Ed Stivender! Oh, am I gonna have fun!

You can too! You can even watch for free, though donations are happily accepted.

Women Tell at the NSN
2025-07-17 12:00 - 2025-07-20 17:00
I am thrilled to be sharing a story in a Women’s Storytelling Festival showcase at the National Storytelling Network Conference in Georgia this July. Our showcase features storytellers Carmen Agra Deedy, Karin Amano, Lona Bartlett, Lyn Ford, Bonnie Gardner, Jennifer Munro, and me, Jessica Robinson. It really is a phenomenal lineup and I am thrilled to be sharing stories, and the stage, with these women.
The NSN conference runs from July 17 – 20, 2025. It will take place in-person at Kennesaw State University, as well as many of the events being available to watch online, including our women’s showcase.
You can find the complete conference schedule as well as details on how to register to attend in-person or purchase a virtual ticket here.

Hot and Spicy Stories
2025-07-10 20:00 - 21:30
Better Said Than Done’s Hot and Spicy storytelling show, online.
On July 10, 2025, join storytellers Vicki Bryan, Claire Hennessy, Jessica Robinson, Jude Treder-Wolff and Megan Wells, on Zoom, for Hot and Spicy Stories.
$15 Suggested/$5 Minimum
All Proceeds Split Between Producer and Storytellers
If you miss it live on Zoom, you can watch the recording on Youtube.
Details and tickets here.

Love is Love
2025-06-28 19:00 - 20:30 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
I am excited to attend and produce the June 28th Better Said Than Done storytelling show, “Love is Love: Stories Honoring All Love.”
Join Better Said Than Done storytelling on June 28th at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack for Love is Love: stories honoring all love, with emcee Jack Scheer and storytellers Phill Branch, Jamie McElhatton, Rajesh Mirchandani, Joe Morice, Vijai Nathan, Ravi Pimplaskar, and Ashlen Renner!
Tickets Here: https://bettersaidthandone.org/event/love-is-love-storytelling/
Love is Love is at Clare and Don’s on June 28, 2025, at 7:00pm. Doors open 6:30pm.
Clare and Don’s Beach Shack is located at 130 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA 22046. A full dinner and bar menu is available for purchase before and during the show. There is plenty of free parking nearby, including a parking garage behind Clare and Don’s.

Storytelling Workshop in Falls Church
2025-06-08 11:00 - 15:00
Want to learn to tell a personal story, or have the opportunity to practice one you’re already working on? Join Better Said Than Done Executive Director Jessica Robinson for “Spotlight on You,” a 4 hour workshop focused on crafting, sharing, and re-imagining your personal story.
You MUST register in advance to take this workshop.
Details and Registration here: bettersaidthandone.org/event/storytelling-workshop-in-falls-church/

Storytelling in Falls Church
2025-05-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Clare & Don’s Beach Shack, 130 N Washington Street, Falls Church, VA, 22046, United States
Are you having a staycation this Memorial Day weekend? Want to leave the “cook out” to someone else? Well, I have the show for you! Join Better Said Than Done storytellers at Clare and Don’s Beach Shack in Falls Church, VA on May 24th.
I’ll be there. Hope you will too.
The Great Escape Storytelling

Online Storytelling Show
2025-05-15 20:00 - 21:30
Join Better Said Than Done online on May 15, 2025, for Rise and Shine, with emcee Jessica Robinson and storytellers Walt Belcher, Alton Chung, Lyn Ford, Chetter Galloway, Howard Lieberman, and Linda Schuyler Ford! The show starts at 8:00pm Eastern, on Zoom, and will begin playing on Youtube approximately 24 hours later for ticket holders only.
$15 Suggested/$5 Minimum
All Proceeds Split Between Producer and Storytellers
Details and Tickets Here: bettersaidthandone.org/event/rise-and-shine-storytelling-show-online/
If you miss it live on Zoom, you can watch the recording on Youtube.

SFAP Story Slam
2025-05-06 21:00 - 22:30
I am the Guest Teller at the May 6th Six Feet Apart Productions Story Slam. Last month the guest teller was Ingrid Nixon, and the last time before that I attended, it was Bil Lepp. So, I am sorry to the May audience that they only get me. But since I am telling a story while votes are being cast, I assume no one will be listening anyway. Which is good, because I plan to sing. 😉
They still have 4 slots available for any storytellers who want to try to win the coveted SFAP mug.
Details and Registration Here.

Storytelling Performance in MD
2025-04-28 19:00 - 20:30
I am excited to return to Stories in the Round for another solo show. I premiered “Tech Babies” there, the solo show about IVF and prenatal complications that I have performed all over the country, and that makes up three chapters in Stages: My Life in Stories.
But in April, I will be premiering a new solo show. I’m thinking of it as a descent into the mystic, or an ascent into the mythic. Either way, I believe we will start in reality and then step away from mundanity.
Stories In The Round is a storytelling series at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Hagerstown, 13245 Cearfoss Pike, Hagerstown, MD generally the 4th Monday of the month.
$12 in advance, $15 at the door. Children 12 & older welcome when accompanied by a parent or group leader.
Contact: Fanny Crawford, 301-730-1638 or fanitsky@hotmail.com

Free Storytelling Workshop at Library
2025-04-26 14:00 - 15:30
Your Personal Brand Storytelling Workshop

Learn how to craft your own personal elevator speech and/or interview pitch using professional storytelling techniques. Attendees will hear tips about storytelling and personal branding, and then have time to work on writing their own story! Session focuses on storytelling techniques with a business focus.
Open to Adults, 18+. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Free
Details Here

Social Media Workshop
2025-04-12 14:00 - 15:30
In this National Storytelling Network PRO-SIG led workshop, Carol Moore and Jessica Robinson will discuss the media part of social media. This is a follow-up to the first Social Media workshop by Carol Moore and Jessica Robinson last Fall. It will focus on the MEDIA aspects of social media promotions.
Saturday, April 12, 2025
1-2:30 pm CDT
$10 (free for PRO members)
Details and Registration Here

A Reading from Stages
2025-04-10 19:30 - 21:30
Montgomery County Underground Writers Showcase
Thursday, April 10, 7:30-9:00 PM ET in person at the Sandy Spring Museum, 17901 Bentley Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860

Registration is FREE, but required for all.
Register here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36765/production/1187457?performanceId=11576855.

There are several nearby restaurants: (El Andariego, 108 BBQ & Pizza in Sandy Spring; in nearby Olney, there are chains like Greene Turtle, McDs, Cava Mezze, etc., as well as Salt & Vine, which is a bit more upscale).

The 2025 Women's Storytelling Festival
2025-04-07 20:00 - 2025-04-08 19:00 | Sherwood Community Center, 3740 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
The live performances have ended, but you can watch all 15 plus hours of recordings, on Youtube, through April 28th. Tickets are on sale through April 8th.
Get your tickets to watch the 2025 Women’s Storytelling Festival here!

The 2025 Women’s Storytelling Festival was truly phenomenal.
I am thrilled to be a featured storyteller in the 2025 Women’s Storytelling Festival in Fairfax City, VA. The festival takes place March 20 – 23, 2025, both in-person in Fairfax, VA, as well as streaming live online, with a one month viewing period after.
The Women’s Storytelling Festival is the only storytelling festival in Northern Virginia, and the only women’s only storytelling festival in the world. It is produced, annually in March, by Better Said Than Done, a Fairfax based nonprofit organization.

Mini Class on Personal Storytelling
2025-03-31 19:00 - 20:30
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!
