Adopt-A-Teller Program 

We are pleased to announce that members of the National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) from across the nation are coming to Atlanta, GA, November 17 through November 23, 2025.

We will be celebrating Black Storytelling with our 43rd Annual National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference. Our four-day event, November 20 -23, includes workshops, storytelling concerts, a hilarious world-renowned liar’s contest, youth storytellers, and a dynamic scholars’ panel.

A special highlight of our conference is a week of our FREE Adopt-A-Teller Program (AATP), offering performances to eligible venues beginning November 17, 2025, and a free public concert.

What is the Adopt-A-Teller Program?
The Adopt-A-Teller model began in 1991 in Horry Co./Georgetown Co. SC at the Ninth National Festival of Black Storytelling under the leadership of NABS 2nd President, Eleanora E. Tate. Since then, over 192,400 students and adults have enjoyed our programs. Through AATP your venue has an opportunity to host an experienced, dynamic, nationally renowned storyteller FREE and without the added expense of providing travel and lodging expenses (see eligibility).

Our tellers have a wealth of stories that celebrate African-centered traditions from around the world. For students, we offer workshops, performances, residencies, and customized programs. Our stories and workshops help improve listening, critical thinking, and oratory skills. They also enhance self-esteem and stimulate the desire to read. For teachers, parents, librarians and community service providers, we offer workshops in storytelling and in the use of storytelling techniques as educational tools.

Who Hosts Adopt-A-Tellers?

Schools, libraries, museums, arts councils, colleges & universities, cultural organizations, living residences, community groups and more.

The Venue is required to pick up and return the assigned Teller to and from the host hotel. Embassy Suites at Centennial Park (The teller needs to be at the venue 40 minutes before the designated start time.)

        What are the criteria for Eligibility?

NABS projects are not exclusionary. Our programs are FREE due to the generous funding of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Nora Roberts Foundation.

              Selective outreach may include:

•      "underrepresented" audience members 
•      Title I schools
•       primary audience members classified as low income

        What Programs are Available?

         45-minute Performances:  

•   Single 
•   Back-to-Back
•   Workshop

 
        Customized programs designed upon request.

        Selections of dates will be between November 17- November 22 on a first come, first serve basis.
        November 17 to 19 dates and times are limited.

        Free Programming Rates

A limited number of programs are offered at no program cost due to the generosity of our funders, The National Endowment for the Arts and The Nora Roberts Foundation.

There is an application fee of $75.00 per storytelling service. 

        Upon acceptance of application, NABS AATP administration, will contact you.