[Ancram, Nov. 12, 2025] — Shared stories — whether told around the dinner table, at school, or in a theater — remind us of our common humanity and strengthens social bonds.
On Nov. 22 at 3pm, Ancram Center for the Arts caps off its 10th anniversary season, welcoming three new storytellers to the Opera House Stage in “Real People Real Stories,” a community event where local residents share true to life personal narratives.
“Real People Real Stories has been a community favorite since 2016,” said Ancram Co-Director Paul Ricciardi, who created the series and works with the storytellers to prepare their narratives for a live audience. “Storytelling is part of the human condition. Stories keep us connected and form community. Ancram Center’s theater is an ideal venue for storytelling. With our intimate space, audiences are close to the stage. It’s such a special experience: these stories are authentic and real, and we always look forward to this event.”
November’s storytellers are:
· Diane Mattes (Sharon): with a story about her parents’ unexpected late-in-life divorce and equally unexpected reconciliation.
· Jeffrey Dreiblat (Copake): with a story about how saying “yes” can sometimes land you in cold water.
· Alexandra Angeloch (Woodstock): with a story about dashed dreams and the surprising lessons that lie in their wake.
This installment of Real People Real Stories, Ancram Center’s twentieth edition, is directed by Paul Ricciardi and Ancram Center Lead Teaching Artist Sarah Katan. Following each story, Ricciardi and Katan will interview storytellers about unanswered questions within their anecdotes. Storytellers are coached for five hours to develop and shape their narratives with guidance from Paul Ricciardi and Sarah Katan. The results are an array of poignant, humorous, and captivating tales that celebrate community and personal connection. For more information, please reach out to Paul Ricciardi at paul@ancramcenter.org.
Tickets may be purchased online at ancramcenter.org, or at the door. Price: $25 general admission, $15 with student ID.
Ancram Center for the Arts is an award-winning theater located in New York’s Hudson Valley. Housed in an historic Grange Hall, Ancram Center has since 2016 presented groundbreaking theater and musical performances by nationally recognized theater artists. Ancram Center receives significant annual support from the New York State Council on the Arts. For more information visit www.ancramcenter.org. Ancram Center for the Arts is located at 1330 County Route 7, Ancram NY.