Events
You can purchase individual tickets to each show, or buy a day pass for each day of the festival.
Individual Tickets are $20 | Day Passes are $30
All shows are taking place at Burdock | 1184 Bloor Street West.
Wednesday | February 26
REPLAY STORY FEST OPENING NIGHT
Magical Moments
Doors 7pm | Show 7:30pm
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.
Journey through the magic of storytelling, where every moment captivates you with heartwarming humanity and a dash of enchantment.
Thursday | February 27
THE STORY COLLIDER
Atypical
Doors 6pm | Show 6:30pm
The Story Collider returns to Replay Story Fest sharing true, personal tales of science, discovery, and defying norms.
From unexpected discoveries to defying the 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.
Hosted by Misha Gajewski and Sara Mazrouei.
INNERGENERATIONAL
Album Release
Doors 8:30pm | Show 9pm
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 28
THINGS MY DAD KEPT
Ronit Rubinstein
Doors 6:30pm | Show 7pm
What happens when, 12 years after losing someone you love, you discover that they documented every moment of your life (in triplicate)?
A storytelling show 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.
MUSICAL MUSINGS
Stories behind the song
Doors 8:30pm | Show 9pm
Join us for an electrifying storytelling experience where musicians will take you on an intimate journey through the stories behind their songs.
From heartwarming to hilarious, each tale uncovers the profound connections between their music and themselves, leaving you moved, inspired, and yearning to learn more!
Saturday | March 1
QUEERIN’ WHAT YOU’RE HEARIN’
Queers in Your Ears
Doors 6:30pm | Show 7pm
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 reimagined 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.
DON’T FEED THE VULTURES
Jillian Welsh
Doors 8:30pm | Show 9pm
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.
Written and performed by Jillian Welsh.
Sunday | March 2
SPONTANEOUS TRUE TALES
An evening of improv, stories, risk and reward?
Doors 5:30pm | Show 6pm
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?
REPLAY’S 9TH ANNIVERSARY
Second Chances
Doors 7:30pm | Show 8pm
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
You can purchase individual workshops or purchase all four and get $30 discount!
2 hour workshops are $45 | 3 hour workshops are $60 | Purchase all four workshops for $180
All workshops are taking place at Burdock | 1184 Bloor Street West.
Saturday | March 1 | Workshops
How to Come Up with Story Ideas
with Christel Bartelse
$45 | 11am – 1pm
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.
The He’art’ of Performance: Passion and Precision
with Shreya Parashar & Sachin Sharma
$60 | 2pm – 5pm
Would you like to tell your story to your audience, not just read it to them?
Ever wondered how ‘movements’ can bring life to the ‘moments’ in your stories?
Have you ever seen yourself as a character?
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. Through the workshop, 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 | Workshops
Let’s Start with the End
with Paul Aflalo & Chantal Lim
$45 | 11am – 1pm
So you have a story you want to tell, but where do you start? 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!
Finding Your Inner Villain
with Collette Micks
$60 | 2pm – 5pm
A remarkable story has to have a remarkable Villian. Telling a true story without revealing the Villian 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 Villian lives.
You’ll walk away feeling compelled to expose that little devil in all your future stories and inspire your audiences to want more!
Replay Story Fest Partners
