equal voices
Think you don't have anything important to say? Think again: StoryCorps stops inAustin for one month of recordings
The StoryCorps has rolled into Austin and is now taking appointments.
No, this isn't psychotherapy. No, you won't be asked uncomfortable questions by a stranger. And no, you don't have to broadcast your story if you don't want to.
What StoryCorps, a nonprofit organization, does is this: It records, shares and preserves the important stories of your life. Since 2003, StoryCorps has collected and archived more than 30,000 interviews from more than 60,000 participants.
Anyone can make an appointment to record a story or interview in one of its StoryBooths, which are soundproof recording facilities. In partnership with KUT, an Airstream (aptly named the StoryMobile) will be parked in front of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum to honor the stories of Central Texans over the course of the next month.
If this whole experience sounds too “out there” — rest easy. StoryCorps interviews are conducted between two people who know and care about each other. The point behind this exercise is to prove that every voice counts and every story matters equally — be it your story, your boss' story, your landlord's story or your grocer's story.
It's like one giant, never-ending episode of Ira Glass' This American Life. Only, it’s an opportunity to commemorate someone in your life or pass along pearls of wisdom that you wish you’d known when you were younger.
It's central to StoryCorps mission to remain as diverse as possible. And so important does StoryCorps consider your story that, with your permission, a second copy of your recording will be archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for future generations to hear.
To participate, you will need to make a reservation. Don’t let that tiny task deter you; you’ve got something important to say.
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The MobileBooth Bob Bullock Museum Jan. 6 through Feb. 6 as part of its cross-country MobileBooth tour.