Milda Varnauskaitė
WHAT IS STORYTELLING?
In the summer of 2015, on a sweltering day in Amsterdam, Milda Varnauskaitė stood before a small audience of twelve and shared her story aloud for the first time. Although terrified, the experience was transformative, as she felt deeply seen and heard. This pivotal moment set her on a new path. She decided to leave behind her job, family, and friends in Lithuania and move to the Netherlands to pursue a career in oral storytelling.
Her journey began with a course at Mezrab Storytelling School, which she completed in 2017. By 2019, she was a full-time storyteller, participating in international events, creating five storytelling shows, and contributing to a storytelling film. Milda began teaching storytelling at Vilnius University in 2018 and has since shared her expertise with a diverse range of students—from first-timers to professional performers. She also curated and produced events for institutions like Mezrab Cultural Centre and the National Museum of Lithuania, film festival Inconvenient Films and other.
Milda’s goal is simple: to inspire others to tell stories in their daily lives. She believes that storytelling is a powerful way to connect with oneself and others. "We are all hard-wired to tell stories", she explains. Without regular practice, however, this skill fades, and Milda sees her role as a guide, helping people reconnect with this innate ability. Her storytelling fuses Baltic folklore, personal experience, and comedy, and she regularly performs across Lithuania and Europe, including at festivals The Oerol Festival of Terschelling in the Netherlands, ‘Amsterdam International Storytelling Festival’, MIX UP festival in Paris, FESTival in Denmark, and La Nombril du Monde in France. Her workshops focus on teaching the craft of storytelling with a mix of theory and hands-on exercises. She creates a welcoming environment where participants feel safe to explore their voices. Her approach has been lauded by students from all walks of life, including professionals from academia, psychology, and journalism. Milda teaches not only the structure of a good story but also how to tap into emotions, making storytelling a deeply personal and transformative experience. Milda emphasizes the importance of using storytelling as a tool for connection in professional and personal settings. Whether it’s in a corporate team-building exercise or at a wedding, storytelling fosters vulnerability, empathy, and a sense of community. She offers her services as a storyteller, trainer, and event host, helping others unlock their own stories and strengthen their storytelling skills.
Reflecting on her journey, Milda notes that her passion for storytelling was ignited unexpectedly, but the art form quickly became a calling. She feels storytelling is an essential part of human existence, connecting us to our ancestors and to each other. "Spend a few hours telling stories with someone, and you'll leave as close friends," she says.
Milda’s storytelling style is rooted in authenticity. She believes that the best stories come from a place of emotional truth and vulnerability, and she encourages her students to embrace their full range of feelings, from anger to joy. She sees storytelling not just as a performance but as a dialogue between the teller and the audience, where true connection happens.
For Milda, storytelling is a powerful, almost primal, experience. She reminds us that telling and listening to stories releases oxytocin—the "bonding hormone"—which fosters trust and intimacy. To her, storytelling is not just a form of entertainment but a way of building deep, meaningful relationships. Milda continues to share her passion for storytelling, teaching others to embrace their stories and, in doing so, connect more deeply with themselves and the world around them. Through her workshops, performances, and events, she’s helping to keep the ancient art of storytelling alive in the modern world, offering people a chance to rediscover the power of stories to heal, connect, and transform.
COME AND MEET MILDA IN PERSON!
I WANT TO TELL A STORY
We established the Sal(i)on five years ago with the desire to create a cozy space in Vilnius where people could come together and share their stories. Our goal was to let Lithuania’s centuries-old, suppressed stories finally rise to the surface—through your voices, dear saloniers! We believe that by sharing stories, we not only free ourselves but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and others, build empathy, and, most importantly, have fun.
This year, we want to hear even more of your stories, and we encourage you to find the courage to share them aloud. That’s why:
- Before every Sal(i)on, we’ll host one-hour speed consultations where you can receive advice on your story and gain the confidence to tell it. If you want to share a story but feel nervous, we’re here to help you find your courage. Join us an hour before each Sal(i)on at 6 PM.
- Do you want advice on your story? Have an idea but don’t know how to tell it? Send a (voice) message via IG: @istorijusalionas or @storytellermilda – we’ll help you refine it.
Have any questions? Write to us:
MEETING LOCATION
Storytelling Nights usually take place at VU Mažosios Aulos Café ("Morgas") near St. John's Church, Universiteto St. 3 (entrance through VU’s Grand Courtyard).
Come join us in the world of stories!
Vytautas Kontrimas
WHAT IS THEATRE IMPROVISATION?
Associate professor Vytautas Kontrimas is an actor, educator, public speaking coach and artistic director of VU Improv studio. Vytautas Kontrimas has an incredible experience in TV, theatre and cinema. He uses this knowledge in his seminars, where people learn communication, body language, improvisation and stage freedom skills.
Vytautas Kontrimas has a solid public speaking training and improvisation experience. He works a lot with business clients, teaches upper and middle managers. His teaching specialty - theatrical methods, practical exercises, feedback - helps to quickly and effectively learn acting prowess techhniques in public speaking.
COME AND MEET VYTAUTAS IN PERSON!
Vilnius University Culture Centre founded the project "Theatre improvisation" in 2021 and as of today the Improv group has gained a lot of interest as well as already organized the first ever "Impro Ring" in Vilnius University!
Theatre improvisation - it consists of thousands of theatrical games, which develop our communication skills, the ability to speak persuasively, reasonably and without stress in any kind of situation. Improvisation helps to develop all skills required for team work, studying and examination, managerial work, etc.
You don't have to have any kind of experience or special talents in acting, if you are interested, you can just join and have fun exploring yourself and others! In this creative journey you will be surprised how much humour, freedom and creativity there is in each of us. Here you will experience how another person is able to inspire you.
Categories of Improv games:
- Status
- Time management
- Storytelling
- Emotions
- Quick thinking
- Attention developing
- Non-verbal communication
- Musical
- Trust
- Association
While you play and have fun pracitising improvisation you will lear how to manage not only yourself and the stage fright, but also you will be able to try the methods to increase observation skills, improve quick thinking and become better at being a dialog partner. This will in turn help you become more confident in you studies or career.
MEETING LOCATION
Improv usually takes place at VU Mažosios Aulos Café ("Morgas") near St. John's Church, Universiteto St. 3 (entrance through VU’s Grand Courtyard).
Come join us in the world of improvisation!