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
* Vocal and Facial Expressions in telling a story (including tone, inflection, sounds and rhythm)

Session 2
* Body language
* Working on a story step-by-step
* 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.