SOUTH PORTLAND — The League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling has been holding a conference for more than 30 years for the purpose of teaching storytelling techniques and celebrating the art of storytelling.

This year Maine will host the 32nd Sharing the Fire Conference at Sable Oaks Marriott from April 5 to 7. This is the first time that Maine has hosted this regional conference.

Storyteller Joseph Bruchac and his son Jesse will address the conference theme of “Preserving Culture, Creating Community” at their keynote presentation on Saturday morning. Other offerings include five intensive four-hour master classes for storytellers, 15 workshops on a variety of topics, three coaching sessions, a fast-paced Friday night Story Slam, a Saturday evening Storytelling Concert and lots of informal story swaps.

Dr. Phyllis Blackstone, LANES board member and conference chairwoman from Farmington, hopes that all Mainers who are interested in storytelling know they are welcome to attend any and all events of this conference, a news release said. The intensives and workshops will appeal to any who use storytelling in their workplaces such as schools, mental health facilities, places of worship and businesses.

Folks seeking a storytelling performance to enjoy will be interested in the Friday night slam and Saturday evening concert.

For a schedule of events, visit www.lanes.org.

For information, email Blackstone at phyllis.blackstone@maine.edu or Vernon Cox at mainestoryteller@gmail.com.