From February 26 – March 2, revel in the magic of our shared lived experiences, with five days of storytelling, music, poetry, and a dash of improvised true stories.
Replay Story Fest celebrates storytelling with connection, compassion, and community through our personal stories and journeys.
This year, we are thrilled to bring you two new solo storytelling shows, the return of Musical Musings, InnerGenerational, and The Story Collider, and a new collaboration with Toronto’s oldest queer storytelling series, Queers in Your Ears.
Wednesday, February 26th at 7:30pm: Magical Moments
Join us for the opening night of Replay Story Fest with Magical Moments — true stories of memorable, marvellous and meaningful memories.
Experience captivating true tales of cherished memories, life-changing marvels, and deeply meaningful encounters.
Thursday, February 27th at 6:30pm: The Story Collider
The Story Collider returns to Replay Story Fest sharing true, personal tales of science, discovery, and defying norms. Five storytellers will take you on a journey through the unusual, the exceptional, and the one-of-a-kind moments that shaped their lives. Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a story lover, or just looking for a night out that’s unexpected, this show is for you.
Thursday, February 27th at 9pm: InnerGenerational
Exploring themes of identity, intergenerational trauma, and healing, Anto Chan’s debut album invites audiences into a powerful and relatable experience. Featuring musical performances by the brilliant Aiko Tomi and hosted by the charismatic Hannia Cheng, the evening promises a dynamic fusion of art forms that celebrate heritage, self-love, and legacy. Join Anto and his InnerGenerational team for an unforgettable night where humour, emotion, and creativity intertwine in a unique and inspiring performance.
Friday, February 28th at 7pm: Things My Dad Kept by Ronit Rubinstein
What happens when, 12 years after losing someone you love, you discover that they documented every moment of your life (in triplicate)? A new storytelling show from Ronit Rubinstein about the ways we show love and the ways grief evolves — the things we forget and the things that are worth keeping. This piece was developed in part within Nightwood Theatre’s Creatryx 3.0 Unit.
Friday, February 28th at 7pm: Musical Musings
Join us for an electrifying storytelling experience where musicians take you on an intimate journey through the stories behind their songs. From heartwarming to hilarious, each tale uncovers the profound connections between the music and the musician, leaving you moved, inspired, and yearning to learn more!
Saturday, March 1 at 7pm: Queerin’ What You’re Hearin’
Do you remember those magical moments when your grandmother told you fairy tales, transporting you to a world of wonder? When we came of age as 2SLGBTQIA+storytellers we realized something was missing. In 1997, Rico Rodriguez started Queers In Your Ears to tell stories about being queer. The collective focusses on original material, embracing a wide range of queer voices and perspectives. From personal histories to re-imagined fairy tales, QIYE pushes boundaries, sharing deeply personal stories, while bringing new perspectives to the art of storytelling. QIYE is a platform where our queer tales can thrive and inspire listeners.
Saturday, March 1 at 9pm: Don’t Feed the Vultures, by Jillian Welsh
A comedic one-hour storytelling show of embarrassing truths and questionable real life choices, all brought to light through the neurodivergent diagnostic process. No the title is not a metaphor, it’s literal, and very good advice.
Sunday, March 2 at 6pm: Spontaneous True Tales
Join host Christel Bartelse and four talented storytellers, each with a wealth of experience in improv, as they take the stage to share true, personal tales — completely unprepared and off the cuff. Just moments before stepping up, each storyteller will get a prompt from the audience and have 8-10 minutes to craft and deliver a captivating, impromptu true story, live! What could go wrong?
Sunday, March 2 at 8pm: Replay Storytelling’s 9th Anniversary!
It’s our birthday! No seriously, today is Replay Storytelling’s actual birthday. We launched this show on March 2, 2016 — 9 years ago! Come celebrate with us as we bring you stories of do-overs, new beginnings, starting from scratch… and maybe a twist. We’re shaking things up… just a tiny bit… because one or two of these stories is not actually true… and it’s up to you to find out who is the trickster on our stage.
Workshops
Saturday, March 1 at 11am: How to Come Up with Story Ideas with Christel Bartelse – $45
Ever find yourself wondering where to start on your next story? Maybe you’re given a theme for an event and feel a bit stuck. Your desire to create is there, but the path to begin isn’t always clear. We have so much of our past life to use, and compelling stories unfold around us every day. How do you recognize and harness them? In this two-hour workshop, led by Christel Bartelse, we’ll dive into practical strategies for discovering fresh story ideas. We’ll explore techniques for overcoming writer’s block, staying open to the world around you, and being present in the moment so that inspiration can flow naturally. Whether you’re looking to start a new project or break free from creative stagnation, this session will provide the tools and mindset to get you writing/creating.
Saturday, March 1 at 2pm: The He’art’ of Performance – Passion and Precision with Shreya Parashar & Sachin Sharma – $60
In The He’art’ of Performance, we’ll dive deep into the emotional core of storytelling, where passion meets technique. Whether you’re an aspiring performer or a seasoned storyteller looking to refine your craft, this workshop will help you connect with your story—and your audience—on a whole new level. With a mix of guided exercises, games and group discussions, you’ll learn how to take your performances from good to GREAT by tapping into the raw energy and authenticity that makes every story come alive. Whether you’re telling a personal story or stepping into a character’s shoes, The He’art’ of Performance will teach you how to craft your performance from the inside out. So, are you ready to put your heart into it? Let’s get started!
Sunday, March 2 at 11am: Let’s Start at the End with Paul Aflalo & Chantal Lim – $45
So, you have a story you want to tell, but where do you start? At the end of course! In this two-hour workshop, Paul Aflalo and Chantal Lim will help you structure your story and narrow your focus. Together, we‘ll find the beats in your story, and bring it to life. By the end, you’ll be that much closer to telling your story on stage!
Sunday, March 2 at 2pm: Finding Your Inner Villain with Collette Micks – $60
A remarkable story must have a remarkable Villain. Telling a true story without revealing the Villain is criminal. But it takes courage to tell a true story. It takes skill to tell it well. And crafting a compelling story requires great vulnerability. So, what does the Villain have to do with vulnerability? Well, everything really! Come join Collette for three diabolically delicious hours and dive into the cast of characters of a great story. Collette will introduce you to the architecture of story and stall the elevator on the stunning floor where the Villain lives. You’ll walk away feeling compelled to expose that little devil in all your future stories and inspire your audiences to want more!
Buy all workshops for $180!