True Tales Shatter Myths

You won’t find Vicki Juditz’s name on a movie theater marquee or in a local guidebook, but the Pennsylvania native has established herself as an insightful storyteller who honors her own experiences and the experiences of others.

Her performances are anything but routine, featuring spirited and witty dialogue. On Wednesday evening, you can catch Juditz, who has devoted the last seven years to writing and performing, when she debuts “L.A. Stories” at Borders Books and Music in Westwood. The program includes such tales as “The First Lesson,” “Dave’s Gun World” and “The Grier Musser Museum Trip.”

“Each story can stand on its own,” Juditz said. “After I had written these pieces, I noticed that they had a nice theme and went together.”

Juditz has written and performed dozens of stories, many of which, she said, involve sharing her experiences with the audience.

Such was the case with “The First Lesson.”

For two years, Juditz worked as a literacy tutor. She talks about going to a neighborhood that she wouldn’t ordinarily visit, getting to know her pupil and the pressures of teaching a single mother from Ecuador. Throughout the 10-minute piece, she emphasizes the importance of taking chances, working together and developing friendships.

“Hopefully by being honest about these experiences, I can shatter myths,” Juditz said. “My hope is my stories encourage people to take that extra time to reflect on our community and get involved in whatever strikes them.”

As a student at Bucknell University, Juditz wanted to pursue creative writing, but instead took up acting. She said that by performing in numerous school plays and productions she was able to develop confidence as a performer. After graduation, she moved to New York City to do television commercials. For 15 years, she sold everything from cat beverages to non-stick pots and pans to laundry detergent.

Although she had enjoyed success acting in commercials, Juditz felt that she had more to offer and wanted to explore other things in her life. “I enjoyed (the commercials) but there came a point that nothing was my own,” said the Burbank resident. “I had something to say but no vehicle to do it.”

Continuing to work in television, Juditz moved to Los Angeles in 1988 and began taking writing classes. Picking up her pen for the first time since college, she wrote a story about the death of her father and of dealing with mortality.

Shortly thereafter, a friend introduced her to the Santa Monica Storytellers, a group that shared written works aloud. Juditz said that this group lead her to storytelling, which she considers the perfect combination of writing and acting.

“I take real life and transform it into a true story,” she said. “I think there’s a way to tell a story, put people at ease, draw them in and make a point. I choose things where I see a positive change.”

Vicki Juditz performs “L . A . Stories” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Borders Books and Music, 1360 Westwood Blvd., Westwood. The performance is free. For other Westside engagements and information: (310) 471-3979.