The biannual Story Show is slated to take place Thursday with proceeds to benefit the Orrie Jirele Scholarship of Albert Lea High School.

The live storytelling event will feature stories written around the theme of “Light My Fire” and begins at 7 p.m. at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

Shane Koepke, one of The Story Show producers, said Jirele supported both sports and academics. He was a basketball coach and educator, and even after his retirement contributed as a substitute teacher and as an instructor for Adult Basic Education, impacting thousands of students over the years. He died in 2013 of a heart attack while duck hunting on Pickerel Lake.

Koepke said this year’s theme allowed for a wide interpretation of what it means to light your fire. While some stories are literally about fire, others are about a passion that was ignited through another person. Storytellers are selected after producers put out a call for submissions around the theme and then review the submissions and select the people to present. This year’s presenters cover a wide range of age, he said.

Storytellers will be Edith Haenel, Bev Jackson Cotter, Christopher Welter, Paul Heyl, Jaeda Koziolek, Scott Pirsig, Janece Jeffrey and Brad Kramer.

Music will be provided before the show by high schoolers Maggie Moller and Carley Talamantes, who will play acoustic guitar and ukulele.

“They’ve been working on songs around the theme of fire,” Koepke said.

During the intermission, Jeff Reinartz will perform. Reinartz is also performing earlier in the evening at Thursdays on Fountain, Koepke said, and afterward will walk up to Marion Ross Performing Arts Center to perform there.

Koepke encouraged people to attend the event, as there are still tickets available.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased the night of the event at the box office or from any of the speakers.

 

If you go

What: The Story Show

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for students