Jack has climbed beanstalks, outwitted giants and faced witches and ghouls, but this week, he celebrates a new milestone, his 50th anniversary.
The Jack Tale Players, founded by the late Rex Stephenson, are marking half a century of bringing Appalachian folklore to life. From Oct. 8-12, the college is hosting a week-long celebration honoring 50 years of storytelling and performance.
Founded in 1975 by longtime drama professor Rex Stephenson, the troupe began as a creative adaptation of folk stories collected by Richard Chase. The tales follow Jack, a clever mountain hero whose wit and courage embody the spirit of Appalachian life. Over time, that vision grew into a timeless tradition connecting generations of students, alumni and local families.
“The Jack Tales is one of my most favorite things,” said Rachel Blankenship-Tucker, a 15-year veteran performer. “I’ve played music and done theater almost all my life, traveling all over the United States, playing at a lot of really cool venues and festivals, but nothing is better than doing a Jack Tale in an elementary school in front of hundreds of children. You feel like a rock star.”
Participants hope this year’s golden anniversary will be one of the most vibrant celebrations yet.
“Our plans include live storytelling performances, musical showcases, alumni gatherings and campus tours,” said Professor Emily Blankenship-Tucker. “We hope to bring together as many former Jack Tales cast and crew members as possible for this milestone.”
The troupe is also welcoming four new Jack Tale Players, including Nick Gore, junior; Robyn Abshire-Sims; Sarah Montgomery, and Michael Tate-Blanks, first-year student, continuing the legacy of Jack and his friends.
“I can credit Emmet Otter, the college’s winter production, along with my husband for my entrance into Jack Tales,” said Abshire-Sims, one of the newest inductees. “He saw the post on social media and knew it would be a great fit. It is beyond a thrill for me to be inducted this year. I’m living proof that you can do anything you want in life.”
Even the youngest generation of storytellers is carrying the torch. The week also marks a special graduation for Silas Blankenship-Tucker, who moved from overalls to suspenders this week.
“I’ve been doing Jack Tales since 2020, and am still just happy to be here,” said Silas Blankenship-Tucker.
For others, the week served as a much needed homecoming. T.J. Baker, alumni, flew several thousand miles to be in attendance.
“I was one of the first students welcomed back into the Jack Tales program after its hiatus,” Baker said. “I got pulled into the room by Emily and Rachel, they brandished a scrapbook and said, ‘Come be with us,’ and I said, ‘Of course.’”
Performances continue through Sat., Oct. 12, with storytelling shows, music, and alumni reunions open to the public. Registration for alumni and guests remains open, and the Ferrum community is encouraged to attend and celebrate five decades of Appalachian magic.
