Taking Chances: A New Season of Georgetown Tidal Tales Returns to the Stage

By Karen Owens, Publisher

What happens when you mix raw, personal storytelling with a live audience and a mission to do good? You get Georgetown Tidal Tales—an evening of authentic entertainment that proves $10 can buy both a night of laughter and a meaningful impact on our community.

Now entering its second season, Tidal Tales is the brainchild of Executive Director Janet Fricke. After moving to the Lowcountry from Baltimore, Fricke was inspired by the “Stoop Storytelling” movement, which aimed to empower individuals through the art of the shared experience. A lifelong storyteller herself, Fricke knew Georgetown was the perfect stage for a coastal twist on this tradition.

How the Magic Happens

The premise is simple but powerful: each performance revolves around a specific theme. Local residents are invited to pitch true, personal stories that resonate with that topic. The challenge? The story must be told in just five minutes, without notes, under the lights of the historic Winyah Auditorium.

To ensure every teller shines, Fricke hosts a workshop a week before the show. “We provide feedback and encouragement, but we only do one dress rehearsal,” Fricke explains. “It keeps the storytelling fresh and raw, rather than feeling overly rehearsed or rote.”

While the clock is ticking, the atmosphere is far from high-pressure. The Georgetown audience is notoriously supportive, often chiming in with encouragement or helping a nervous storyteller find a forgotten word. Between the tales, local pianist Tom Santopietro sets the mood, creating what Fricke describes as “an emotional journey that builds community with every word shared.”

Stories with a Soul

Unlike the for-profit models found in bigger cities, Tidal Tales is rooted in philanthropy. After expenses, proceeds are donated directly to local nonprofits. Last year, the series supported Habitat for Humanity, A Father’s Place, and the Black River United Way.

For the upcoming February 21 show, titled “Taking Chances,” the board has selected Amazing Journey as the beneficiary. This vital nonprofit assists with the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Reentry Program, helping individuals transition back into society after incarceration by providing essential skills and resources.

A National Spotlight on Georgetown

This season, the spotlight on our town is getting even brighter. Bluehost, a major national website provider, has selected Georgetown Tidal Tales as a featured customer. A film crew will be in town this February to capture the “Taking Chances” performance and the beauty of our historic city for a national video feature.

Join the Story

The deadline to submit a pitch for “Taking Chances” is fast approaching on February 1, 2026. If you have a story about a leap of faith or a risk that changed your life, now is the time to share it.

Tickets are just $10 and are available now through the Georgetown Tidal Tales website. Let’s show the world our Palmetto State hospitality and fill every seat in the Winyah Auditorium for a night of courage, community, and connection.