Kicking off on May 1, 2024, in Iowa City at the Englert Theatre, Story Pirates' upcoming national tour, "The Amazing Adventure," is a testament to the power of children's creativity. The tour, spanning eight cities and culminating in Joliet, Illinois at the Rialto Square Theatre, showcases the boundless imagination of kids, transforming their original stories into a vibrant tapestry of sketch comedy and music.
From Imagination to Endorsement
Founded by Lee Overtree and Benjamin Salka, Story Pirates has always stood at the intersection of high-quality arts education and family entertainment. Initially a grassroots endeavor, the organization has blossomed into a multifaceted media empire, its success buoyed by early support from luminaries like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jon Stewart, and John Oliver. Their endorsement underlines the universal appeal and impact of Story Pirates' mission: to bring the extraordinary imaginations of children to the forefront of culture and education.
"Having icons like Miranda, Stewart, and Oliver champion our organization has been immensely gratifying," said Salka, the company’s CEO. "It's a testament to the power of our mission and the universal language of creativity that transcends age and background."
Bridging Gaps Through Celebrity Collaboration
The Story Pirates' journey has been marked by notable collaborations, amplifying children's voices through the arts. Their podcast, now in its sixth season, is one of the top shows for kids and families with over 85 million downloads. It’s a treasure trove of original stories submitted by real kids, transformed into sketch comedy and songs by Overtree and his creative team. It has also featured contributions from a roster of celebrities, including Julie Andrews, Kristen Bell, Bowen Yang, Seth Myers, Billy Eichner and Stephanie Hsu, to name a few. This blend of A-list talent with the raw, imaginative stories of children, has made the Story Pirates Podcast a top-recommended show by Vulture, WIRED, The New York Times, and The Today Show.
"Our collaborations with celebrated artists add an extra dimension to our work," shares Overtree, the group’s creative director. "When some of the most talented actors in the world stop by to be guests on our show, it shows kids everywhere that their ideas are worthy of the world's attention."
The Amazing Adventure Tour
As The Amazing Adventure Tour unfurls its sails, it carries the legacy of these collaborations into live performances that promise to be as entertaining as they are imaginative. The tour is not just a show but a moving narrative of empowerment, encouraging children to see their own potential mirrored in the stories brought to life on stage.
"We’re thrilled to bring the magic directly to audiences nationwide, featuring some of our fan-favorite songs and sketches," Overtree adds. "And if this is your first time seeing the Story Pirates, you’re in for a treat. This show will make you laugh till you cry, but it will also leave you feeling inspired by our mission to celebrate the creative genius in every kid."
An Ongoing Legacy of Inspiration and Creativity
As Story Pirates charts its course through the Amazing Adventure Tour, the organization remains devoted to fostering a love for storytelling and creativity.
"As we hit the road to meet new families and fans around the country, we're reminded of the incredible journey we've had," Salka concludes, "a journey made possible by the best, most creative writers in the world: kids.”
For more details on the tour and to experience the unforgettable journey of Story Pirates, visit their official website.
Inspired was created by Situation Project 501(c)3.
