Once upon a time, the people of Trail learned the art of storytelling
On Sunday, the Charles Bailey Theatre is putting on “Little Moths” - a day-long class designed to teach the finer points of telling a tale of sadness, romance, tragedy or even happiness to an audience.
Led by author and teacher Almeda Glenn Miller and actor/writer Nadine Tremblay, the workshop will take place in two parts – the lesson and the performance.
Everyone is welcome to join the class and share their favourite or most interesting personal story.
“I would say that this workshop would best suit any novice who wishes to breathe a spark into tales of ordinary life,” said Tremblay, also in marketing and programming with the Charles Bailey Theatre.
“Whether a developing writer or aspiring public speaker or actor, we will have fun exploring all the different ways a story can be told.”
The workshop will teach amateur story tellers how to keep the audience's attention
“Everyone loves a good story, and it takes a good storyteller we can trust, to take us on a journey and return us home safely,” said Tremblay. “Participants will learn to connect to their audience, will build confidence, have fun and most importantly, share a part of who they are with others.”
The only preparation required is to come with a story to tell.
“Come prepared with a tale of love, woe and adventure,” said Tremblay. “I would suggest coming with a few ideas stewing and then we can test them out through a speed dating style storytelling exercise.”
Tremblay says that stories brought to the workshop should be true and short to allow intensive work on the telling.
“The basic elements of storytelling will be explored at first, specifically addressing personal stories,” she said. “‘Little Moths’ storytelling must all be true stories and as we progress through the workshop, we will touch on voice work, audience, pace, physicality, props and simply refine our stories until they are as clear and compelling as they can be.”
Once the workshop is over, the newly minted storytellers will be hosting a performance, showcasing what they learned, at the Muriel Griffiths Room at the theatre on Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
To sign up for the workshop, call the Charles Bailey box office at 250-368-9669 or visit www.trail-arts.com.