"Once Upon a Time ..." Meet the Storytellers
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​Have you ever wondered why you relate to a certain fairy tale or a myth from a long time ago? Is there a hero or villain you connect to that mirrors your life? Join us for an evening of laughter, tears and music as storytellers explore their fairy tale, and how one tale can colour how we view our reality.
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"Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten." G.K. Chesterton.
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Saturday February 15, 2025 @ 8:00 p.m. Oakville Center for the Performing Arts Get your Tickets here
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Content Warning: The content presented at the story slam addresses and explores real issues that have impacted peoples lived experiences that you may be sensitive to, including; race, Indigeneity, mental health, substance abuse and addictions, sexual orientation, and gender.
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The Three Knights by Alicja Pytlak,
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Alicja is an intentional living teacher & soulful healer. Her passion lies in guiding others toward intentional living and inner peace, encouraging them to declutter their lives—both physically and emotionally—to make space for what truly matters. With a deep understanding of the challenges that come from being stuck in unhealthy dynamics, she is dedicated to helping others break free and nurture conscious, healthy relationships. Through her personal growth, she to believes that cultivating a healthy relationship with oneself is the foundation for positive connections with others.
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The Golden Coin by Allyah Dickie
& Vocalist
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Allyah is a performer, composer, and creative from the GTA and currently is a 3rd year at Sheridan College studying musical theatre performance. With extensive background in dance, classical piano, and singing she looks forward to the beginning of her performance career. Allyah currently works as a composer for video games and film with her latest release to Spotify and all streaming platforms titled Blood Money, an indie film she composed music for last year. Additionally, she attended Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts in their musical theatre program. One of her motto’s is “Teamwork makes the dreamwork”! Shoutout to my found family.
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The Magic Potion by Karen Capindale-Smith
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As a life-time volunteer, Karen, has worked over the past 10 yrs in bereavement support positions with The Carpenter Hospice, Burlington and Acclaim Health, Oakville. Prior to this work, she was responsible for helping to coordinate the palliative care services in the Niagara region through her work with the Health Council.
Karen's love of nature and the outdoors is palpable. As a Certified Hike Leader and a Level 2 Ski Instructor she continues to share this passion with many.

The Blind Prince by Alex Sheppard- Reid
& Vocalist
Alex is a first-year musical theatre student at Sheridan College. Born and raised in BC, Alex moved out to Ontario this past September to start College. He wants to thank his parents for always being so supportive and loving of him and his dreams. He’d also like to thank Ue Tran and June Cupido for involving him in this Story Slam!

The Hidden Tower by Olivia Frisico
& Vocalist
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Olivia is a classically trained musical theatre performer with a passion for integrating art forms to create dynamic, innovative experiences. A graduate of York University, where she specialized in devised theatre, Olivia is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans across theatre, fashion, literary and visual art, and education. Olivia teaches these disciplines to students in local public schools, fostering creativity and self-expression in her community.
In addition Olivia runs a small fashion business, @calabriankiss where she explores the intersection of artistry, design and social justice. Above all, Olivia is driven by a deep commitment to push the boundaries of how life and art can intersect to inspire and empower youth.

The Magical Mushroom by UE Tran
& Vocalist
​UE Trần is a Vietnamese-Canadian performer and musician born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam. UE is currently in her first year at Sheridan College in the Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance program. Her selected credits include Heart’s Desire (Odyssey Theatre), ANIVIA (Factory Theatre), The Addams Family (RHSA), and Dừa - Coconut (TIFF). As a musician, UE has performed with the Oakville Choral, the Toronto Chamber Choir, and the VIVA Singers. Besides singing, she served as a conductor at RHSA Chamber and SATB choirs, as well as a composer. UE is thrilled to be part of the Story Slam project. She was introduced to Story Slam with the theme being “Fairy Tale.” She is grateful to her storycoach and director, June Cupido, for providing her with such a meaningful experience. She wants to thank Senn Gelinas for introducing her to Story Slam, and Alex for joining her in this project.
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The Storyteller Michael Williams
Michael Williams is a writer, storyteller, and end-of-life planning facilitator. Born and raised in Hamilton, he studied English at the University of Western Ontario before moving to Edinburgh, Scotland to take up a Ph.D. After a career in teaching, Michael became a professional storyteller and education consultant. In 2009, following his time in the Middle East, Michael established a story coaching practice, working with individuals as well as community and corporate clients on issues of leadership, conflict resolution, and managing chronic illness and mental health. In 2017, he returned to Hamilton where he spends his time writing, teaching, and helping men and women sort out their end-of-life plans.
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June Cupido
Creative Director of the Story Slams.
We all have a story ...let's hear yours!
As a dramaturge I have been developing personal narratives through story coaching for over 15 years. I am passionate about creative approaches that will provide transformative insights into what affects good story writing, positive mental health and well-being. As Joseph Campbell wrote, “The most rewarding mythological experience you can have is to experience how it lives inside yourself.”
If you are interested in developing your personal narrative, or to develop a story please contact me here directly.
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Please review Story Coaching Testimonials from people who have benefited from working with me.
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Michael Mulrooney Music Director
Michael Mulrooney studied piano, conducting, and voice at University of Toronto and has pursued an eclectic musical career centred on theatre. He has served as musical director, conductor, pianist, arranger, and/or composer on over 200 theatrical productions of every conceivable shape and size. He works as music director for Grace United Church in Burlington and as an adjunct professor at Sheridan College.
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Hannah Fogel
Hannah fell in love with the resonance of ensemble casts while singing in the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus. A comedian and singer/songwriter, Hannah applied the development of Truth and Illusion to her own recovery journey, with the help of June Cupido’s story-weaving magic. Now completing her studies, Hannah has seen how laughter, creative expression and psychodynamic exploration of narrative can fruitfully benefit overall health, and one’s search for deeper meaning.
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