2007 Conference Workshops

Friday Workshop

“Healing Stories 101” People of ancient civilizations have all known a wisdom via storytelling. Stories map our inspirations, memories, and dreams. Learn how stories can guide, heal, and empower us. Discusssion and demonstration. Length: 2 and a half hours, Presenter: Paschal Baute and Lexington Spellbinders.

Saturday Workshops

1. “Storytelling for Beginners” Learn how to bring stories to life through the art of storytelling in this fun, hands-on workshop led by a teller with over twenty years of telling experience. Length: 90 minutes, Presenter: Cynthia Changaris, Storyteller

2. “Creating Character” Apply theatrical skills to creating compelling characters as a storyteller; integrate physical and vocal choices to clarify and delineate each character in your stories. Length: 90 minutes, Presenter: Kathi E.B. Ellis, professional theatre director and teaching artist

3. “Storytelling and Kentucky’s Core Content” What is the core content and where does storytelling fit in? Hands-on. Handouts and links will be provided. Length: 45 minutes, Presenter: Betsy Fleischer, Gifted/Talented Resource Specialist for Mercer County School District, and storyteller.

4. “Explore a Story” Knowing a story is much more than knowing text. Experience easy-to-lead whole-group activities designed to encourage thinking beyond a folktale text. Length: 45 minutes, Presenter: Mary Hamilton, Storyteller since 1983.

5. “Voice: Use It, Don’t Abuse It” Learn theatrical vocal techniques to help you nurture and maintain your speaking voice for years of storytelling. Length: 45 minutes, Presenter: Kathi E.B. Ellis, professional theatre director and teaching artist

6. “Act Locally Panel” Hear how three different community models were started and take the ideas back to your own community – Spellbinders, a group that goes into schools; Higher Ground, a storytelling-based community theater project; Owen County Storytellers, a storytelling guild. Presentation followed by question and answer. Length: 45 minutes, Panel Members: Charlie Hardy, Pam Holcomb, Bill Watson

7. “Visiting Storytellers in the Elementary Classroom” “Miss Pockets” will present the why and the how for including storytelling in the elementary classroom with tips for stories to choose, props, timing, and more. Length: 45 minutes, Presenter: Donna F. Slaton, Children’s Librarian and Storyteller since 1974, Children’s Programmer II at Muhlenberg County Public Libraries.

8. Repeat of 5

9. “ASL Storytelling” Enjoy stories told through American Sign Language and learn tips for improving your ASL storytelling. Length: 45 minutes, Presenter: Nina Coyer, Assistant Professor, Interpreting Training Program at Eastern Kentucky University.

10. “So You Want To Make A CD?” The processes to create a finished product – planning, permissions, financing, pitfalls, roadblocks, quality control, time management, and a bit about marketing. Let’s talk! Length: 45 minutes, Presenter: Buck P. Creacy, Storyteller.

Interpreters provided for all sessions.