Other Storytelling Happenings

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More Storytelling Happenings

LINDA GORHAM, International Teller from Illinois
TRSS Storyteller's Workshop
Wednesday, February 15, 6:30~9 PM
GEEZ! Louise Offices @ 515 28th St., Des Moines
Reservations via Thea Nicholas, enTHEAstic@aol.com or call 515-274-1054.
Dynamic and exciting, award-winning storyteller, speaker, & author, Linda Gorham inspires her audiences by using movement, humor, and sometimes zaniness as she tells imaginative multicultural folktales updated with “attitude.” And be prepared -- many of her tales actively involve the audience. Get ready to chant, get ready to move, get ready for fun!
Plus, watch out, you may be inspired, relive a memory, and learn something new. Linda also tells fairy tales, December holiday, Civil War, and spooky stories. Additional programs include stories of African American legends and stories that explore themes of love, unity, “differences,” and respect.
Linda performs internationally as a storyteller, speaker, and workshop presenter. She was co-chair of the National Storytelling Conference held in Chicago in 2003. Linda has been featured on the PBS show, Arts Across Illinois. WTTW, Channel 11 television and the Illinois Arts Council produced her story-video, No Time for a ParTAY. Linda’s story CD, Common Sense and Uncommon Fun, won four national awards.
Linda received a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Montclair State College. She worked for thirteen years as a manager in Prudential Insurance Company’s Human Resources, Training, Public Affairs, and Actuarial Departments. This experience, combined with her storytelling skills, makes her a sought after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator for many major national corporations.
NSN Conference @ Cincy
Announcing the 2012 National Storytelling Conference! June 28-July 1, 2012 at the Cincinnati Marriott at River Center: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cvgdr-cincinnati-marriott-at-rivercenter/.
The hotel, like the Cincinnati airport, actually sits in Kentucky, with great views of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River, right outside the doors. National Storytelling Conference attendees will receive a highly discounted $99 plus tax room rate (regular rates are $259 weekdays and $159 weekends). Having the conference in June vs. July has saved us each $60/night on our room rate, and the hotel also will provide free in-room internet to NSN members, waiving the standard Marriott $12.95 per night fee.
Multiple restaurants are within easy walking distance, or a $1.00 per trip shuttle will take you a few minutes away to the Covington MainStrasse area, Newport on the Levee (restaurants, shops, outdoor concerts and the Newport Aquarium), or across the bridge to downtown Cincinnati, where the outstanding National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is less than one mile away. Bring your family to enjoy additional museums, the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Kings Island amusement park, and more!
We chose Cincinnati for many reasons, but primarily for our members’ convenience and budgets. Cincinnati is within a day’s driving distance of over 1/3 of our membership and is a Delta hub airport, making it convenient for those who will fly.
This will be “A Conference to Remember!” – a theme with double-meaning, proposed by Willy Claflin (and Maynard!) for our 40^th anniversary, to honor all our storytelling heroes who have passed on as well as one focused on our learning for the future. We hope you’ll save the dates and watch for more news to come about this exciting storytelling gathering!

July 24, 2011 __\\|//__

Storytelling Round the FirePit

Open to Iowa and Northlands Storytellers
...adult stories for those who want to practice them...

Potluck Picnic
hosted by Two Rivers Story Spinners
Greenwood Park Shelter
(west of Art Center, approx. 48th & Grand, Des Moines)

SAVE THE DATE: more details coming

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Cape Girardeau Storytelling Festival in Missouri in April http://www.capestorytelling.com

There are still seats available in Elizabeth Ellis' master class on April 8th, 2-5 pm. Seats are limited, however, for a more intimate class experience - register today at: http://www.storynet.org/masterclass.html.

See the class description below. Tickets are $75.00, and Elizabeth is generously donating all proceeds to the National Storytelling Network!

FROM PLOT TO NARRATIVE: Story Layering

Ever said, "I have this anecdote, but I don't know how to make it into a story!" Or "I want to tell this story from history (or the Bible, or....), but I don't want it to sound like a lecture!" This Master Class is what you've been looking for.

The plot is the bones on which a story hangs. Adding flesh to those bones requires an examination of story layers, such as context, conflict, characterization, sensory imagery, emotion, universality, humor and prophecy. Rich, memorable narrative emerges from skillful use of this layering.
Exercises and small group work will give opportunities to use the skills presented.

Happy story layering to all -

Karin Hensley, National Storytelling Network

Director of Operations - 1-800-525-4514 ext. 303

TRSS Workshops

with Jim May in May!

Storytelling Workshop:

“STORY and STORYTELLING for the 21st century"

Sunday, May 22, 4~6 pm

$20 per person ($10 for members)

This workshop is for storytellers, teachers, memoir writers, preachers and anyone interested in using stories to improve their communication skills or anyone who simply enjoys hearing a good story.

In a world dominated by digital data many futurists and social commentators believe that humanity is hungrier than ever for story. Facts are everywhere but are less meaningful if not presented in a narrative form, in a story.

Stories are the units of thought, the sum total of which make us who we are. When we form a relationship we tell our loved one our story. Young people are schooled by the stories of their elders and their peers. All of the world’s spiritual traditions have been passed down through stories and parables.

Come explore the world of story (and hear a few good ones) with EMMY award-winning storyteller and author, Jim May. The workshop will be adapted to the interests and questions of those in attendance.

Drawing on decades of telling and teaching, Jim May will go outside of his "storytelling in a box" box to bring each person to a new or deeper understanding of this oral tradition.

Personal Narrative, Culture and Myth

A Storytelling/Writing Weekend

with Jim May

Friday May 20 6:30 pm ~ Sunday May 22 noon $250

Save the date & send in your registrations NOW!

This workshop will encourage participants to examine their own individual and family experiences as sources for stories. As these memories are recounted, stories emerge that tend to instill a sense of integration, understanding, and pride in ones family and culture even when, in some cases, past histories may range from imperfect to tragic. The telling of these stories within the group process can foster healing, encourage new perspectives on one's own family/culture and result in an increased willingness and openness to appreciate and celebrate the cultures and family/life histories of others.
Our own life stories can also be seen in relationship to mythology. The traditional myths, from a variety of cultures, can be viewed as a compendia of the life stories of millions of people who have lived through the ages and who were able to artistically transmit their reality, dreams, imaginings, longings and spiritual experiences through the oraltradition. Our own life stories, then, when seen through the prism of these myths,

can take on new meaning and provide grounding and guidance--we see our past and our journeys ahead in mythological terms. This new perspective can provide insight, strength and spiritual depth to our own lives, and provide input into future decisions.

Stories retrieved and crafted through this process can have an originality and power that represents the very best of artistic expression. The class will utilize storytelling demonstrations, lecture, large and small group discussion, memory and imagery exercises and quiet time. There will be an opportunity for questions, reactions, and feedback. This workshop is appropriate for storytellers, writers, teachers, artists, people in transition and anyone interested in exploring personal narrative, family stories, and myth.

Learn Effective Oral History Skills

Historians or historical organizations (or historical storytellers!) conducting oral history projects , or thinking about doing one, should plan to attend this year’s Oral History Institute, June 7-9, 2011 at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio.

The program will train participants in planning and conducting successful oral history projects. Emphasizing hands-on experience, topics covered in the two-and-a-half-day schedule include interviewing techniques, transcribing and archiving and devising public programs based on oral history. To develop these skills, participants will work on a practice project that encompasses all stages of oral history and will also have time to consult with experts about planned projects. Sessions will also be available on using technology in oral history and on fundraising.

Volunteers or paid staff from local historical organizations, libraries, schools, and colleges and universities are encouraged to apply. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. Cost is $275, which includes two nights stay, six meals and workshop materials.

To obtain an application or for more information, contact Frank Dunkle, (800) 293-9774 or frankd@ohiohumanities.org. Applications are due April 22, 2011.

The Oral History Institute is co-sponsored by the Ohio Humanities Council and The Rural Life Center at Kenyon College, in cooperation with Ohio Association of Historical Societies and Museums and the Ohio Historical Society.

Know of other Storytelling Happenings?

Email information to avalonroad@yahoo.com

NEBRASKA

Come to the 21^st Nebraska Storytelling Festival March 5 at Southwest Church of Christ, 124th and Center St., Omaha, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and become part of the story. Sponsored by Nebraska StoryArts, the festival features an internationally renowned storyteller as well as two regional tellers in this cultural, intellectual and creative celebration. For more information, check their website: http://www.nebraskastoryarts.org