Policy and Procedures relating to the membership and operation of the Ottawa StoryTellers’ Gig Group
“Gigs” are storytelling opportunities that are not sponsored by the Ottawa StoryTellers. Requests for gigs come from a range of organizations in the community.
Ottawa StoryTellers will offer a "Hire a Teller" service connecting outside clients and approved tellers.
Approved tellers can place descriptions of themselves, including the types of performances they offer, their preferred audience level, contact information, and rates, on the Ottawa StoryTellers’ website. Tellers who do not wish to advertise their availability on the web may also belong to the gig group.
Based on the descriptions (coming soon) on the website, clients can contact tellers directly.
So that we keep a space for less experienced tellers and for unpaid events, and as a convenience to clients, we will also offer clients the option of phoning the Gig Group Coordinator for help in finding a teller. This service will be posted on the website along with the information about tellers.
If the client wants a teller selected for them, the Coordinator will send a notice to the Gig Group, indicating the particulars of the gig. Interested tellers will get in touch with the Coordinator. If several express interest, they will decide among themselves who will take the gig, sharing opportunities in a fair way. The teller who is going to do the show will contact the coordinator and the requester within a reasonable time.
If the client wants to choose from several tellers, the client’s information will be given to the gig group and the tellers will make applications directly to the client. The client will be told that if they receive no calls within a set time, there is no interest in the gig.
If there is a difference of opinion among the tellers as to who should accept the gig, the Coordinator will discuss the situation with the interested tellers and will select one. The coordinator’s recommendation will take into account the number of opportunities available, the number of opportunities a teller has already had, etc. to come to a fair distribution.
Admission to the Gig Group
New members will be considered for admission to the group annually. Applicants will be required to submit application forms and must meet the following criteria:
- The teller must be a member in good standing of the Ottawa StoryTellers.
- All applicants must provide a bio, summarizing their experience, the kind of gigs they can do, and their interests related to Gig Group performances.
- A majority of the executive committee must approve the candidate as a suitable representative of the Ottawa StoryTellers in terms of selection of material, performance skills, repertoire, and professionalism. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that some members of the executive have seen them perform publicly.
At the time of voting, the members of the Executive Committee will decide who will convey the results to each candidate. In the event of a negative vote, every effort will be made to offer constructive suggestions and encouragement.
The application 
process will be posted on the Ottawa StoryTellers’ website. Applications will be also solicited by word of mouth.