Resources
Journey Into Storytelling
Journey Into Storytelling by Cathy Miyata. Hamilton, ON: TreeHouse Press Inc., 1995. $19.95 ISBN 1-89641748-5.105p.
Cathy Miyata is a storyteller and education consultant who has performed and lectured in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Japan. When a participant in one of her workshops asked her to recommend a book that would cover what Cathy had taught them, Miyata was hard pressed to come up with a suggestion. “Then write one," the participant ordered. So she did.
Journey is a step-by-step guide that leads the reader through the stages involved in preparing and telling stories. It is participatory, offering users the opportunity to respond in writing to the various steps in the process. For instance, in one section, the teller is asked to make note of the moments in the story where one might anticipate a physical or audible response from the audience. Elsewhere, the teller is led through a post-performance analysis by using a series of questions on the story, the audience, delivery, and even room set-up.
From finding and learning a story to rehearsing, doing vocal exercises, and managing the audience, Journey covers what should be found in introductory storytelling workshops. It is clear, carefully conceived, fun to work with, and best of all,Miyata draws on her own experiences to reassure and encourage the beginner, and makes the journey a pleasurable and inviting one.
The Second Story Review, Vol 1, No. 1, March 1996
Cathy Miyata is a storyteller and education consultant who has performed and lectured in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Japan. When a participant in one of her workshops asked her to recommend a book that would cover what Cathy had taught them, Miyata was hard pressed to come up with a suggestion. “Then write one," the participant ordered. So she did.
Journey is a step-by-step guide that leads the reader through the stages involved in preparing and telling stories. It is participatory, offering users the opportunity to respond in writing to the various steps in the process. For instance, in one section, the teller is asked to make note of the moments in the story where one might anticipate a physical or audible response from the audience. Elsewhere, the teller is led through a post-performance analysis by using a series of questions on the story, the audience, delivery, and even room set-up.
From finding and learning a story to rehearsing, doing vocal exercises, and managing the audience, Journey covers what should be found in introductory storytelling workshops. It is clear, carefully conceived, fun to work with, and best of all,Miyata draws on her own experiences to reassure and encourage the beginner, and makes the journey a pleasurable and inviting one.
Joumey Into Storytelling has been selected as the text for storytelling courses at three universities. It is published in the U.S. by Continental Press Inc.
The Second Story Review, Vol 1, No. 1, March 1996