The University of Hawai'i at Hilo (UH Hilo) is looking for storytellers to participate in the first live episode of Wailau.
The event is intended to build connections across campus and increase community engagement, according to a press release from the university.
As the first four episodes were pre-recorded, the live premiere of Wailau will occur on Nov. 8 with the theme of New Beginnings, the press release noted. The deadline for applications is Sept. 6 or until the storyteller lineup is finalized.
"As we begin reconnecting and seeing each other in person again, Wailau will be staged live in front of an audience on UH Hilo's campus," Kathleen Baumgardner, strategic planning project manager, said in the press release. "The theme 'New Beginnings' might explore a life change, recovery from a loss, a career change, or a new adventure. Perhaps telling your story will mark a new beginning!”
The word Wailau means "where water from diverse sources comes together to commingle and become a more powerful, unified whole," according to the press release. Event organizers intend to highlight voices and personal stories that fit the theme in various ways. Wailau will showcase five storytellers: a UH Hilo faculty member, a staff member, a student, an alumnus or alumna, and a Hawai'i Island community member. Submissions from former faculty and staff members and storytellers of all ages will also be accepted.
Students from the English Club are responsible for determining the theme for Wailau, reviewing applications, and choosing the storytellers, the press release noted. Other university students are involved in selecting the theme and stories; operating lights, sound, and cameras; and participating as hosts and storytellers.
Two new student hosts will be introduced in the live episode of Wailau: Dane Dupre, an undergraduate performing arts major, and Tori Matsumoto, an undergraduate English major who is also a former Wailau storyteller.
"Being a part of Wailau continues to inspire me toward personal and artistic growth,” Matsumoto said in the press release. "I'm so grateful to co-host with Dane and to collaborate with our brilliant technicians, storytellers, and director. It truly is a new beginning for all of us, together."
Applicants are asked to attach their story in either a text-based document or an audio/video file or link. Stories should be approximately five minutes long with a one-minute grace period. Potential Wailau storytellers are encouraged to view earlier episodes before applying. For information, visit https://hilo.hawaii.edu/wailau/archives.