We do not accept registrations for our pop-up story circles. Pop-up circles are free, unpublished events with small groups (typically 12 participants or less) in community green spaces. We arrive unannounced and invite passers-by to join us in conversation with other members of their community. We hope to find ourselves in your community!

Each storytelling event is unique. A story circle for a family gathering will include logistics that differ from a conference storytelling package. Please reach out to us to learn more about a Compass Storytelling event for your group. We’d love to chat!

Compass Storytelling was born from a love of storytelling and a desire to engage diverse communities in conversations that otherwise may not happen. By sharing our human experiences, we relate to each other and develop compassion for our neighbors. From our first pop-up circle in D.C.’s Meridian Hill Park, the Compass Storytelling team was hooked on the power of story to unite.

Yes, and we are so glad that there are storytelling organizations across our country, engaging folks in thought and conversation. Through the groundbreaking cultural storytelling work of Roadside Theater, and projects like StoryCenter‘s digital storytelling and The Hearth‘s community-centered story work, we become better-engaged citizens and neighbors. We are proud of our own work at Compass Storytelling inside our free community pop-up story circles and our equally rewarding paying projects that enable us to offer these free events. Each event we host presents opportunities for engaging, emotional exchanges and transformations.

Compass Storytelling is based in the culturally-rich and diverse region of Washington, D.C. We so love engaging with our greater community, bringing locals and visitors alike into conversation, that we can be spotted in-the-round, story sharing in small groups in our local city parks and beyond. Founder, Lisa Barry, is also an avid traveler, and enjoys taking Compass Storytelling on the road and over seas.