Our workshop will be a participatory series of exercises in how to take a tale, be it folk, myth, or personal narrative, and form it into a story that is unique to you, the teller. Creating a safe space, we will help you find a story to share; or, you may already have one in mind that you’d like to work with. We will edit these stories on the fly in pairs and triads, polishing them, and go over forms of presentation, discussing ‘spin’ and audience. These fun exercises will keep you moving and thinking and will include time for Q & A. You can use this work for the written word as well as spoken word, although we will focus on the latter.

“Stories keep us human.” Since 1991, British storyteller, humorist and author Simon Brooks has been telling to audiences all over the world. He has won awards for his storytelling albums from Storytelling World and Parent’s Choice. His mission is to spread and share the art of traditional storytelling to a wider audience. To show the power (and need) of the ancient stories of folk and fairy tales, myths, and legends. To encourage others to tell their own stories (and favorite folk tales) in a way that is inclusive to all people of all belief systems. To keep the art of storytelling alive in all communities.

This workshop is sponsored by Western Maine Storytelling and ArtsFarmington. Register for workshop by contacting Peggy Yocom at 207-860-0392 or at myocom@gmu.edu

Space is limited to 12.  Registration required.

In addition, Simon will present a storytelling program on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Emery Center, UMF.