Storytelling is communication.
Storytelling is performance.

Storytellers tell stories from memory, without the use of notes or reference materials. In storytelling, the storyteller uses his (or her) body and voice to communicate with the audience, like a bard or travelling minstrel. Nothing comes between the audience and storyteller; no screen, no pages. Some storytellers use a musical instrument, or a simple prop like a scarf. But the primary mode of communication is always the storyteller, his voice, and his body.

It is a very natural mode of performance, and can be easily used in many situations, such as in classrooms or social work. The course offers an introduction to some of the skills storytellers use. At the end of the course participants will tell a section of a story, and receive some suggestions on how to further hone their skills.

A condensed outline of the course is as follows:

Session 1: What is storytelling about? Overcoming the No. 1 fear of storytelling – forgetting the story
Session 2: Vocal and Facial Expressions in telling a story.(including tone, inflection, sounds and rhythm)
Session 3: Body language, Working on a story step-by-step
Session 4: Storytelling and Critique - participants tell stories that they have prepared, and receive feedback from the group.

If you enjoy this course, there are some intermediate storytelling courses available from STAGES, including Teaching With Tales, an extended version of the seminar that will premiere at the GEP teachers’ conference in November 2003. For those who would like their children to get in on the action, STAGES also conducts a storytelling course for ages 10 to 12, which is conducted annually at the GEP Creative Arts Programme camp.

Kevin has just graduated with a First Class honours degree in Media and Communication from the University of Central England. His adventures in this often falsely-glorified part of the world have been published by the BBC website as a warning to those who expect nothing but good food, great service, rural charm and urban excitement from the country. He has been involved in storytelling through several media such as print, film and radio, and believes in making full use of the medium to tell a story.

Kevin first started performance storytelling in Birmingham, UK, when he took a floor spot at a storytelling event. Finding the experience memorable and highly addictive, Kevin has developed his skills and gone on to tell stories in both Britain as well as Singapore. His most recent performance has been as part of a group called Birmingham Voices, which toured the West Midlands in May this year.

In Singapore, he has performed both in schools and public venues, including the opening of the Library@Esplanade. Equally comfortable in front of audiences of adults and children, Kevin’s repertoire spans a broad range of stories; from the dark and bizarre to the light-hearted and funny.

Kevin views storytelling as an enjoyable and important part of education, and has conducted workshops for schools such as St. Joseph’s Institution. He is also a regular feature at the Ministry of Education’s Creative Arts Programme camp for P5 students.

According to the feedback from the last (and first!) class conducted, on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best), participants gave the course an overall average score of 8.

They also graded the trainer as follows:

83% (5 out of 6) participants felt that the course was good value for money.
83% (5 out of 6) participants felt adequately supported and assisted in the course.

Some responses to the questions in the feedback forms:

Overall response to the trainer
"Very experienced, thus a good teacher, friendly, approachable, articulate."
"Practical recommendations, speaks of points which are most easily improved."
"Entertaining and informative, able to convey techniques well."

How practical was the course for you and why?
"Very much so. I am trying to improve myself as a performer as I am keen to break away from relying purely on a script."
"Good for building self confidence."
"Opens up the world of teen and adult storytelling."

Did you feel adequately supported and assisted on the course?
"Not enough for me to go before an audience."
"The emails are most useful."
"Yes, Kevin really knows his stuff and is able to answer most, if not all our questions."

Other comments
"Rarely do I find a trainer as conscientious and passionate as you."
"I would certainly like a bit more hands on practice, but I do understand that this is an introductory course. Maybe have courses at higher level that we can move on to."