The Stoop Storytelling Series Opens With BELIEVE IT OR NOT: STORIES ABOUT FINDING AND LOSING FAITH, 10/1

The Stoop Storytelling Series begins its season on Monday, October 1 with "Believe it or Not: Stories About Finding and Losing Faith." The show includes stories about growing up as a Scientologist, undergoing an exorcism, being gay and called to the ministry, joining the Black Muslims, creating one's religion, and losing one's religion.

Cocktails and live music from Letitia VanSant will begin at 7 pm before the show at 8 pm. Single tickets are $20 or available as part of a 5-show season ticket package for $85. All seats are general admission. Tickets are available by calling 410-332-0033 or visiting www.stoopstorytelling.com. The show is presented at CENTERSTAGE, 700 N. Calvert Street, Baltimore.

The full season will feature "Believe it or Not: Stories About Finding and Losing Faith" on October 1, "Holidrama!!!: Stories About Holiday Highs and Lows" on December 10, "Parenthood: Stories About Birthing, Finding, Raising (and Surviving!) Children" on February 4, Justice Talking: Stories About Crime, Punishment, and Life (and Death) in the Legal System on March 18, and "Eureka! Stories About Discoveries, Breakthroughs, and Brave New Worlds" on May 20.

The Stoop Storytelling Series will also feature a different band at each show as part of its ongoing effort to showcase great local music. The first act is Letitia Van Sant, "a cross between Dolly Parton and Iris Dement and her own self." Check her out at www.letitiavansant.com.

The Stoop will host a storytelling workshop on Sunday, October 28 from 1 pm to 4:30 pm. Participants in the Fall Storytelling Workshop will learn the basics of true, personal storytelling and have a chance to tell their own stories and get feedback. No experience required—-just an open mind. Space is limited, so please register in advance.

The workshop will lbe held at the Bolton Street Synagogue, 212 W. Cold Spring Lane, 21210. Registration is $45 in advance and $50 at the door. To register, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/271159.

The Stoop will also present "Second Stoop: The All-Audience Show" on Thursday, November 8. Based on the successful three-minute audience stories at the Stoop shows, "Second Stoop" is an entire evening devoted to them. The theme is "My Secret Weapon: Talents, Flairs, and Skills No One Knows About."

The show begins at 8 pm on November 8 at The Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave, 21201. Arrive by 7:30 pm to put your name in the hat to tell a story. Tickets are $7 at the door, cash only. For information, visit www.thewindupspace.com or call 410-244-8855.