News and Events

SET 1: Friday June 20th, 3:00 - 4:30pm 

1A. MARIA GILLEN : GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD

As a Biodynamic Psychotherapist I have become aware of how we can separate ourselves from our bodies in our normal day (particularly if we are working with tech).  This workshop invites you to get out of your head and to allow you to connect with and gain pleasure from playing with your internal landscape and allowing your body to take charge.

English - All levels - NO LIMIT

1B. ANDREA BRIMMELL : FINDING YOUR DIVERSE VOICE IN STORYTELLING 

This workshop will explore how storytellers can cultivate their unique, diverse voices. Activities in this workshop will deepen cultural awareness and provide tools for authentic expression. The goal is for attendees to develop insights and techniques for weaving their diverse backgrounds and experiences into their creative work.

English - All levels - MAXIMUM 20

1C. SYLVIE PROULX & LYNDA BRUCE: BILINGUAL WORKSHOP FOR CREATING SOUND-ENHANCED STORIES

Hands-on bilingual workshop for storytellers who work with children and young audiences. The goal is to equip storytellers with the skills to create a sound-enhanced story with the participation of children, by providing an example of the creation process. Registered storytellers will take on the role of children to help their colleagues create a sound-enhance story!

Bilingual - All levels - MAXIMUM 20

SET 2: Saturday June 21st, 1:15 - 2:45PM

2A. PEARL-ANN GOODING : HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN - HIS FAIRYTALE LIFE? 

This is an insightful session looking at the enigma of one of the world's greatest Fairytale writers. Many of his fairytales, thinly disguised as fiction, were of a biographical nature of those he knew, including his own autobiographical story in 'The Ugly Duckling'. Born into a humble family - one could say a duckyard and yet prove he was a swan in achievement. Perhaps you will be exposed to some of his greater AND lesser known tales, both fairy and ghost, as we explore, learn and tell together. This workshop is designed to be part lecture and part interactive

English - All levels - NO LIMIT

2B. RACHEL SMITH : FIND AND DEVELOP A TRUE, FIRST PERSON STORY 

This workshop focuses on bringing out ideas from unexpected places and archived memories through collaboration and discussion in a safe and accepting atmosphere.   It will be helpful for people who would like to find their voice, build community and increase their personal communication skills. Telling our own stories makes space for us to connect with other people through shared human experience. Learn to tell your stories

and also listen to what other people wan to hear.

English - All levels - MAXIMUM 20

2C. JOHANNE PELLETIER : THE STORY SLAM/LE STORY SLAM  

Storytelling is an ancient art, but winning a storyslam requires a modern blend of skill, strategy, and creativity. Stories matter and while audience voting is not the only measure of a great story, the slam is an opportunity to learn more and test out strategies for audience impact. This bilingual workshop is an opportunity to learn about what makes storyslam story work different, challenging and fun. Together we will explore how you can rethink your storytelling strategies even if you never join a slam competition. This workshop will cover: (1) Choosing the right story; (2) Structure and pacing (for 99 seconds, 2 minutes, 5 minutes); (3) Performance, engagement AND authenticity; (4) How really short story structures relate to pitching (as in elevator pitches). Depending on interest and numbers of participants we will practice our short form stories using a microstory format (99 seconds). Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the world of story, this workshop will give you the tools to craft stories that resonate and stand out.

Bilingual - All levels - MAXIMUM 20

SET 3 : Saturday June 21st, 3:00 - 4:30PM

3A. CHRISTINE HENNEBURY : STORIES WE WEAR: HOW CLOTHING REMINDS OF WHO WE ARE

The sweater you hated in 6th Grade, those shoes that looked great but pinched your toes, the jeans you wore to that party…  Our memories, our heritage, and our identities are woven and blended into the clothes we wore, the  clothes we wanted, and the clothes we refused to consider.  In this workshop, Christine will guide you  through creative activities to help you remember key clothing memories to shape into a tellable story that will resonate with you and with your audiences. 
English - All levels - MAXIMUM 35

3B. NOELLA RICHARD : WHERE DO STORIES COME FROM?

Workshop for beginner storytellers or fans of storytelling. Brief look at the history of storytelling, the where and why we tell stories, how the art of storytelling has changed through the years, techniques to remember your own stories, and examine the purpose of storytelling in education and entertainment.  We will then use an easy technique to brainstorm ideas using well-known themes in order to create all new stories.

French - Beginner - MAXIMUM 20

3C. CINDY CAMPBELL-STONE : WE, MYSELF, AND I : EXPLORING FIRST PERSON NARRATIVE

This workshop will explore first person narrative in storytelling for memoirs or historical stories. Participants will be asked to share memory stories with each other in small groups before moving on to stories with an historical context (an example of an historical account will be provided). Participants will also explore character through exercises designed to establish voice, emotion, traits, and age, setting, time, etc. If time allows, participants will have the choice to share stories with the larger group and receive encouraging feedback, if desired. Bring a pen and paper.

English - All levels - MAXIMUM 35