Renowned storyteller Elizabeth Ellis performing at ETSU
Elizabeth Ellis, a renowned storyteller with Appalachian roots, is bringing her talents to East Tennessee State University.
On Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, Ellis will be the featured speaker at the inaugural Master Storyteller event.
Ellis has been sharing stories professionally since the 1970s. Known for her ability to weave tales that explore identity, imagination and community, Ellis sees storytelling not just as a craft but as a calling.
“Elizabeth Ellis embodies the transformative power of storytelling,” said Dr. C. Wesley Buerkle, professor and chair of Communication Studies and Storytelling. “Her work connects audiences to the heart of the human experience, reminding us that stories are not just entertainment – they are a means of understanding, empathy and change.”
Born in Tennessee and raised in Kentucky, Ellis draws on her Appalachian roots to inform her storytelling. She has performed at major festivals, including the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, and taught workshops inspiring generations to recognize the importance of imagination and oral tradition in fostering connection.
ETSU is home to a vibrant arts-related community, hosting dozens of concerts, exhibitions and performances throughout the year. The Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU, in which Storytelling is an affiliate program, serves as a vibrant hub for creative expression, bringing performances, exhibitions and events to life.
To purchase tickets, visit the Martin Center website.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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