Storytelling Basics Workshop Series
January 16 - April 9

Two Mondays each month, 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
4200 Lake Road, Robbinsdale

Note: Due to popular demand, a second session will begin in June on Sunday nights. Email Katie now to reserve your spot. More details will be coming soon.

Learn the basics in a fun, safe and supportive environment. The small group of participants will engage in a variety of hands-on activities, games and coaching that explore the art of storytelling. Topics include:

1. •Using your voice properly
   

2. •Choosing, learning, and performing a story
   

3. •Crafting your own version of a traditional tale
   

4. •Writing personal or family stories
   

5. •Incorporating movement and character voices
   

6. •Breaking bad habits
   

7. •Peer coaching
   

This will be a place to get your questions answered and improve your skills, whether you are brand new to storytelling or simply want to up your game. The group will determine whether the last session will be another workshop or a performance with peer review. To register or ask questions, call or email Katie Knutson at stories2teach@gmail.com or 763-535-7509. If you email, please write “STORYTELLING WORKSHOP” in the subject line. Group size is limited to 10 people, so register early. Payment plans are available.

Price: $250

Dates: January 16 & 30, February 13 & 20, March 5 & 26, April 9

This workshop series will be presented by Katie Knutson, a professional storyteller, actor, director, playwright, coach and teaching artist. She has been called an “enchanting and magical” performer, and an “articulate, fun and inviting” workshop leader, and has now spent more years in her life as a storyteller than not. Katie holds a degree in Theater and Drama with an acting emphasis and has presented numerous workshops for storytellers and teachers in the Twin Cities area, at the regional Northlands Storytelling Network Conference, and at the Storytellers of Canada International Conference in 2010. By day, Katie is a teaching artist for Stages Theatre Company where she uses theater and storytelling to teach everything from literacy and playwriting to the inner workings of a theater company.

Other Available Workshops Include:

Vocal Warm-Ups and Care

A crying baby can fill a theatre without damaging her vocal chords or using a microphone, yet many storytellers struggle to reach a small crowd. In this workshop, we will cover extensive vocal warm-ups, including ways to train yourself to use your voice properly. We will also discuss basic vocal care in warm and cold weather. Participants should come well-hydrated and wearing comfortable clothing. Handouts included.

2-3 hours

Presented at the 18th Annual Storytellers of Canada - Conteurs du Canada Conference in Newfoundland and as part of a 3-hour intensive at the 2009 Northlands Storytelling Network Conference.

Stunning Stage Pictures: Adding Physicality to your Stories

We’ve all heard the cliché “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.” When you perform a story, do the pictures you make with your body say as much as your mouth does? Come explore new ways to move and think about movement, including the 8 Efforts (or Qualities of Movement) developed by Rudolf Laban. Use these qualities to create dynamic new characters in your stories. Come well hydrated and prepared to move in this intense physical workshop.

1.5-2 hours

Presented as part of Northstar Storytelling League’s Tellabration! Festival in 2010 and at the 2010 Northlands Storytelling Network Conference (scheduled again in 2012).

Vocal Warm-Ups and Character Voices for the Performer

Similar to the workshop above, in this hands-on workshop, we will cover how our voices work and do extensive vocal warm-ups that you can use to train yourself to use your voice properly. Then, we will play with character voices that won’t damage our vocal chords. Come well hydrated and prepared to move.

Handouts included.

2-3 hours

Presented at the 2011 Northlands Storytelling Network Conference.

Storytelling Delivery Skills

This class modeled on the program developed by Flora Joy and the National Storytelling Network explores story selection, voice, body, genres, story habits, and effective beginnings, middles, and endings. Textbook and handouts included.

10-12 two-hour sessions

Presented for Northstar Storytelling League in 2007

Using your Mac to Create a CD

Making a CD is easy with a Mac.  In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to record themselves, optimize the sound quality, burn the story to a CD, and upload their story to a website. Handouts included.

90 minutes

Presented at the 2008 Northlands Storytelling Network Conference. 

One-on-One Coaching

Learn the basics, put the finishing touches on a story, or expand your character vocabulary in these one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to your individual needs.

Group Coaching

Whether you are a group of storytellers, children, teachers, actors, families, or business professionals, Katie will work with your group to use storytelling effectively. We will discuss the unique needs of your group and design the coaching sessions accordingly.