What will it be like at "Telling Tales"?
You will have the opportunity to hear four marvelous featured tellers----Awele Makeba, Kirk Waller, Nancy Schimmel and Walker Brents III---in solo performances on our outdoor stage. In between, you can chose to hear many outstanding community tellers and even take a turn yourself at an "Open Mike". We're especially excited to welcome storytelling teachers, Joe Petzel with Pooper Penquin and Matt Perry with Jubilee, back to Berkwood Hedge.
How do I get tickets?
We recommend that you purchase tickets through this website and they will be held for you at "Will Call". Of course, you may also purchase tickets at the gate with cash, checks and VISA/MC. Admission is $7 per person or $20 per family.
What ages will enjoy the festival?
This is an event for families and we are aiming to please and entertain a wide range of children and adults, from kindergartners through---who knows?---octogenarians or even beyond! We realize that some families may have siblings in the preschool set and that it's a full afternoon for everyone. Parents are asked to be attentive to their children's needs and considerate of tellers and others in the audience.
Is there childcare for younger children?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide this service and we ask that families make other arrangements for the very young. There will be some areas where children, accompanied by family, can take a break. But, there will be no staff supervision provided and children may not be left unattended.
Will there be food and drinks available?
Yes, there will be salads, sandwiches and desserts from Poulet, a great local cafe as well as coffee and other drinks available for purchase. You are also welcome to bring your own food. However, alcohol is not permitted.
What are the seating arrangements?
We plan to have mainly chairs. There will be some benches and there may be areas with carpets or mats. You do not need to bring your own seats, but very low portable chairs are allowed.
Will there be disabled access?
The school site is accessible. To request details about disability accommodations, please call 510-883-6994, e-mail us at heather@berkwood.org, or call California phone relay at 711. We will have specified disabled parking and festival staff available to give information about disability accommodations. Disabled parking will be near the intersection of Bancroft Way and McKinley Avenue.
Will there be signing for the hearing impaired?
We will provide signing if requested by October 1st.
Please contact heather@berkwood.org as soon as possible.
How do I get to Berkwood Hedge? Is it close to BART?
The school is a block west of Berkeley High School and only a few blocks from the downtown Berkeley BART station. Check this map for directions. One easy way to get to Berkwood Hedge from BART is to walk west Allston Way to McKinley Ave. Go south on McKinley for one block and then turn right onto Bancroft for half a block to 1809 Bancroft Way.
What about bus access?
The #15 bus runs on Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, which is about a block away. Get off at Bancroft Way and walk down to 1809.
If I bike, is there a secure place to park my bicycle?
Yes, we will provide supervised bike parking.
What about automobile parking?
Parking can be challenging near Berkwood Hedge; many nearby streets have two hour limits. Of course, carpooling or coming by BART, bus, foot or bike is best if you can do that. If you do drive, be sure to allow plenty of time and be prepared to possibly walk a few blocks.
May I take photos or record the tellers?
No, due to arrangements with tellers, we ask that no photos or recordings be taken. You will be able to purchase recordings at "The Marketplace" throughout the day.
Are dogs and other pet animals allowed?
Only service dogs are permitted on the festival grounds.
If your question has not been answered here, please contact heather@berkwood.org.
Many thanks and we hope to see you at "Telling Tales" on October 18th!