The AuSable
The AuSable runs through us. It has been a working river and a sanctuary, the route the white pines took downstream and the unrelenting 120-mile journey hundreds of paddlers race every July. Anglers call it the Holy Waters. A town was built on its banks and took its name from a fish that once swam here. For generations, the AuSable has carried the stories of everyone who paddled it, fished it, lived along it, and grew up listening. This summer, we’re making space for some of those stories to be told out loud.
The AuSable storytelling event takes place during the AuSable River Festival, a week-long community celebration anchored by the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, one of the most beloved traditions in this part of the state. It felt like the right week to gather around stories about the river itself.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The AuSable is the second event in our Storytelling Series, a recurring community evening built around true, personal stories shared in any form — spoken word, written word, songwriting, poetry, music.
This event’s theme is anything the AuSable touches. A childhood summer. A family tradition. A Marathon memory. A quiet morning on the water. A story you’ve carried about this place for a long time.
If the AuSable is in your story, your story belongs here.
We’re looking for three or four storytellers.
SHARE YOUR STORY
We want to hear from you.
Your piece can take any form, and you don’t need stage experience to submit. What we’re looking for is something true — a story you carry, told in your voice. Pieces typically run anywhere from a few minutes to fifteen.
THE PREP PROCESS
If selected, you’ll be supported through three Wednesday-evening sessions at the AAV Original Gallery, followed by a tech rehearsal at Paddle Hard Yard.
These are working sessions — a chance to shape your piece, hear the other storytellers, and walk into July 21 feeling ready. Rachel Teeter will lead the prep process, joined by our new hosts: Madi, Alex, and Ella.
01
MEET & GREET
Wednesday, June 24
Selected storytellers & performers gather to meet each other, walk through the event format, and talk about what makes a strong live story. Pacing, emotional arc, staying in time. A warm, low-stakes meeting.
02
STORY REVIEW
Wednesday, July 1
Share your story with a small group, focused to give you feedback on how the story lands, what can be adjusted, and what might be able to be expanded on.
03
GROUP REHEARSAL
Wednesday, July 8
Deliver your full story and receive constructive, encouraging feedback from peers & facilitators. Focus on pacing, arc, and opening and closing strength. Feedback provided for adjustments before the live event.
04
TECH REHEARSAL AT PHY
Wednesday, July 15
Head to Paddle Hard Yard and dry-run how it feels to deliver you story "on stage". We'll work on sound levels, ensure accurate equipment usage, and determine the potential for lighting or signage. Last practice before the final performance.
THE VENUE
Paddle Hard Yard
117 E Michigan Avenue, Grayling
There's no more fitting place for an evening of stories than a space that was built to celebrate the spirit of Northern Michigan.
The AuSable takes place outdoors at Paddle Hard Yard, with the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center as our backup in case of rain.
QUESTIONS
Good to know.
Do I have to submit something to attend?
Not at all. Come as an audience member, come to witness, come to be moved, come to connect.
What if my story involves difficult topics?
Bring it. Some of the most important stories are the hard ones. We do ask that all pieces are shared with care and consent — if your story involves others, please be thoughtful about how they're represented.
Can I read my own piece or have someone read it for me?
Both are welcome. If you'd like to share your piece but aren't comfortable reading aloud, let us know in your submission and we'll make it work.
Is this event only for women?
This event is open to everyone.
How do I buy tickets?
This event is free and open to the public to attend!
I have more questions. Who do I contact?
Reach out to Rachel directly at rachel@thehumandevelopmentcollective.org.