Workshops and Residencies
"A well-told story is always true, even if some of the events described in it never happened." —Martin Buber
The Magic of Storytelling:
a sampling of workshops and residencies
Let your imagination burst into full flower—enliven your sense of play—and (if you dare!) peer into life’s deeper mysteries.
Storytelling is probably the world’s second oldest art (music being the first). Whether we are sharing the events of our day, the stories of our forebears, or the myths and legends that help to shape our values and way of being in the world, there is something about the story told live to at least one set of listening ears that has no parallel in human communication. Uplifting and supportive, all programs help participants develop confidence in their presentation skills. Imaginative experimentation fosters the unfolding of each person’s unique storytelling style.
Masks and Archetypes
This hands-on workshop is complete in two or three hours, and is particularly suited as a companion to the Twilight Tales. The program includes storytelling and a workshop where participants decorate pre-formed masks to represent a character of each participant's choosing. A closing process helps to identify and name the mask and describe its meaning for the person who made it. Limited to 12 participants.
Archetypal Journeys and Personal Stories
Shaping every life story are such characters as child, clown, fool, warrior, priest, healer, trickster and more. Each member of the class will learn to tell at least one story that reflects such archetypal energies at work in their own lives. This program is right for you if you are eager to explore more about how your stories interconnect with those of others while revealing the significance of your life’s journey. For neophytes and seasoned storyworkers, this workshop can help to heal internal discord while bringing forth new insights. (Can be extended to residencies and adapted for various ages.)
Animals as Teachers
Heartfelt stories drawn from personal experiences and world mythologies support our understanding of the intelligence of animals, and the importance of human stewardship in protecting all of earth's creatures. Suitable for families and all age groups. A special version for high school students and Earth Day festivities is available.
The Teachings of Mousewoman
As a powerful totem, the insignificant-seeming mouse — like Alice’s rabbit—can lead us through a tiny hole into another world. In truth, Mousewoman deserves a position with Raven and Bear when it comes to a distribution of motifs and themes throughout world folklore. Using mouse lore as inspiration, we’ll work with stories traditional and true as we reinforce storytelling practices that will be anything but squeaky. (Can be extended to residencies and adapted for various ages.)
Remembering and performing folktales
Delight the children in your life with a selection of 5-minute stories. Teacher will provide suitable stories and an extensive bibliography. You will come away able and ready to tell at least one story to an audience. (Suitable for beginners, although experienced storytellers will enjoy this class, too.)
In a longer version of this class, we develop simple masks, puppets and props to enhance performance of the five-minute tale. Story theatre and theatre games will explore the dramatic interpretive possibilities in a story. (Can be modified to work for just about any age group.)
Discovering the Inner Journey of Storytelling
Choose a story no longer than ten minutes in length. (A classic fairytale, such a Bluebeard, or a Greek or Celtic myth, and certain aboriginal tales would be good choices.) Please read it aloud five times prior to attending the workshop, and bring instructor an extra copy. Class exercises will connect the stories chosen by participants to a process that explores different dimensions of all stories. An expanded version of this class may involve some off-site research and writing processes and may end with a performance for an invited audience.
Turning Personal History into Performance
Take the anecdotes from your own life, or those of people you know, and practice crafting them into a tellable tale. You might review your journals or scrapbooks for events and insights. You could try keeping a dream and idea journal (if you don’t already) as soon as you decide to take this course. As you take part in this process of creative non-fiction you will find your own memory and imagination a rich resource for humor, pathos, insight and compassion. This work can be an important step in nurturing a storytelling tradition in your own family and community. (Another version of this can result in a developed writing project.)
The Feminine Touch: Native American Women Who Made a Difference
A storytelling workshop about strong native American women. Depending upon time and age level the content can range from traditional protectors (The Maid of Deception Pass) to well-known historical figures (Pocahontas, Sacajawea) doctors, authors, athletic stars, politicians and ballerinas. Botsford’s original playlets about these women can be learned and performed by students grades 6-12. The plays are enriched with traditional stories that have bearing on the heroine's life—and the lives of listeners everywhere! This ten-hour workshop is best spread over four to five days, with an extra day set aside for performances in the school and for the community. Storyteller will provide light costume elements and percussion instruments. This workshop can be created in conjunction with a research project in which selected students collaborate in putting together a scrapbook with additional information about the culture and environment of the featured women. Other students can work on publicity and postering in support of the performance.
*Note: Stories to local newspapers may need some lead time; scrapbook project should be supervised by someone else—possibly the school librarian with an aide—while Botsford works with performing students. Thirty-two 6th graders were recently engaged in this program at Orcas Elementary School, Eastsound, WA) Price: $2000 plus travel and per diem. Scrapbooking materials are extra and should be provided by sponsor. They can be as simple as loose-leaf notebooks with protective sleeves, to carefully designed pages on acid-free paper, depending upon budget and interest. Performance group will need a large room for rehearsal and a place for securing instruments and costumes. Libraries or similar spaces are ideal for performances.
Special Focus Residencies:
These workshops and residencies evolve around the themes and activities suggested by a single story, such as that of the Peacemaker. A group of stories related to a specific theme (multiculturalism, for example) can also be the subject of a workshop or residency.
Fees: $75 - $90 per hour (plus accommodations and travel when necessary).
Room Requirements and Supplies Needed for Most Workshops
Ideally, an airy, large room with access to the out of doors and a carpeted floor. Chalk board or equivalent. (Can use easel if necessary). The capability for providing refreshments during the break. Restrooms not too far away. It should be possible to move the furniture around. Chairs should be placed in circle for first meeting of all workshops.
Supplies: All students should bring journal/notebook, pens and pencils, and a snack for the break.
Other materials: Markers or pencils. Other supplies may include sticks; tag board; a bagful of assorted old hats, scarves, shawls and other “costumey” things. Yarn, feathers, bits of cloth or ribbon, miscellaneous beads and other “found” objects may be useful, depending on workshop.
NOTE: No money need be spent for the “materials” — all can usually be gathered from stashes in garage
