Story Crossroads

Story Crossroads is a nonprofit storytelling arts organization dedicated to building empathy, connection, and community through the power of story. Founded by Executive Director Rachel Hedman, the organization serves diverse audiences locally and globally by presenting performances, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives that amplify a wide range of voices and lived experiences. Its inaugural Story Crossroads Summit & Festival launched in 2016, building on earlier grassroots efforts, including its first house concert on December 11, 2015—an initiative that grew to celebrate its 100th concert on March 21, 2026. Rooted in the belief that stories can bridge divides and foster understanding, Story Crossroads centers equity, access, and inclusion in all of its work, intentionally reaching youth, adults, and older adults across cultural and generational lines.

Through its flagship Summit & Festival, year-round residencies, and Story Crossroads Academy, the organization provides opportunities for individuals ages 5 to 95+ to develop storytelling skills, share personal and traditional narratives, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Story Crossroads contracts 50–60 professional artists annually and serves participants both in-person—primarily in Salt Lake County and surrounding areas—and virtually across multiple continents and time zones. Its All Things Story virtual series has offered more than 70 workshops, expanding access to storytelling education worldwide. By combining artistic excellence with community impact, Story Crossroads strengthens cultural understanding, nurtures creative expression, and empowers individuals to see themselves—and others—more fully through story.