Sat 2/8 @ 10am
Storytelling is probably humanity’s oldest art form. Before the inventions of written language or the printing press, storytelling was our ancestors’ greatest teaching tool. It’s how knowledge (and misinformation) was propagated across cultures.
Beacon Street: Performing Arts in Ministry’s 25th anniversary fundraiser, The Late Winter Storytelling Festival, asks you to invest in them, by investing in yourself — specifically your communication skills.
This year, Beacon Street has abandoned their traditional dinner/auction benefit format. Why? Because they realized they had something much more valuable to offer you. Stories. Well, not just stories, but the art of storytelling itself. Their Late Winter Storytelling Festival is a full day of workshops and lectures designed to improve your storytelling ability.
The day will begin and end with international storyteller Ed Strivender. In the morning, he will present his “Storylab” workshop for teachers, librarians, performers and other professionals and educators who can use stories to communicate concepts. His lecture will include tips on how to get started with storytelling and his five rules of success. At 7pm, Strivender will tell two full hours worth of stories with the assistance of musical instruments. He is considered one of the best storytellers in the business.
In between Strivender’s morning workshop and evening performance, Beacon Street will offer three additional workshops from 2-4pm. Local puppeteer Marisa Matero will present Creative Learning Through Storytelling and Puppetry. Matero is currently doing an artist residence in Shaker Elementary Schools. She has 20 years of experience with puppets.
Robin Pease’s workshop will discuss Storytelling Across Cultures. Pease is the founder of Kulture Kids, a nonprofit aiming to enhance arts and cultural awareness in kids of all ages. She also works with the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (formerly Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio). She received her MFA in Theater from Case Western Reserve University.
Lastly, Beacon Street’s founding director, Bob Kloos, will discuss the uses and benefits of storytelling with his workshop Story is the “App” for That. Kloos’ presentation will explain the potential of storytelling to both captivate and enlighten an audience.
“I always begin with a story. It sets the stage, captures imaginations, and serves as a reference point for the rest of the program,” explains Bob Kloos, Artistic Director of Beacon Street. ”Stories are just about the most flexible, affordable, and accessible resource there is for education, motivation, fund-raising, and team-building. Beacon Street is celebrating 25 years of storytelling and our annual event will give attendees a variety of practical workshops and a delightful evening concert. The Sisters of Charity Health Foundation have recently provided funds for workshop scholarships for teachers, librarians, counselors, aides, and anyone else who relies on story in their service of others. Contact our office immediately for an application. First come, first served.”
Clear communication skills are only going to get more important as we attempt to translate increasingly complex and abstract ideas. Storytelling is one of the most important tools we can use to connect with each other. This is a wonderful opportunity to develop and enhance your ability to express your thoughts.
The Late Winter Storytelling Festival is sure to be an enriching experience for educators, as well as anyone who wishes to better connect.