Story Reunion: Meeting Old Tales as New Friends

Perhaps you have a story that you used to tell that has gone dusty. Perhaps you want to put new life into a story you tell over and over again. Regardless of the reason, you may be in need of a story reunion.

Taking the first steps toward a story reunion could be awkward, as it was when I attended my 10-year high school reunion. The relationship with the story has been unattended to and you are unsure as to the first words to say out of your mouth to tell it.

To get reacquainted, here are some ideas:
1. Tell the story backwards or out of order
2. Focus on the characters and their profiles
3. Draw a map of the setting
4. Create a backstory

Tell the story backwards or out of order
At a reunion, usually you share what you are up to currently and then work backwards to the time you knew your classmate in high school. Sometimes the same principle is needed for a story you haven't told for awhile.

Many national storytellers--from David Novak to Nancy Donoval--have suggested to shake up the order of telling a story. If the only types of stories you have told are chronological, then be prepared for an adventure of using flashbacks, premonitions, time travel or anything else that may inspire a new way of telling.

Focus on the characters and their profiles
Before I went to my reunion, I opened the yearbook and studied the pictures of my classmates. Perhaps I would have been more successful if I dedicated a piece of paper for each person so as to brainstorm any details or moments related to that person. This is one way how national storyteller Donald Davis is inspired.

A story that you tell probably will not need as many pieces of paper as if you were doing it for your graduating class. Looseleaf paper you can place in a binder is the best as then you can always add pages if the pen runs away from you from remembering so well. When you have squeezed all the information possible from your brain, then you can let the binder sit on a shelf until you are ready to add more.

Whether the characters in your story are real or make-believe, you can also list on the paper answers to questions often asked during an interview. If one of the story characters happen to be you, then you could pretend that a double of you walked into the room so that you can interview yourself. As for a family member or friend, then invite that person over for a fun get together.

For make-believe characters or perhaps characters who have passed on, then ask what your character would be like if you met them in-person. Pretend the person is in the same room with you.

Some questions you can "ask" your characters:
1. What is a typical day like for you?
2. What are your greatest strengths?
3. How do you think you got your strengths?
4. What are your greatest weaknesses? What bad habits do you have?
5. Who inspired you to be who you are today?
6. What would be a "dream come true" for you?
7. What would be your worst nightmare?
8. Do you have any rituals in the morning? Evening? If so, what are they? Why do you do them?
9. What is your most embarrassing moment?
10. What is your most triumphant moment?

Obviously, there are so many more questions you could ask. You may even explore such things as favorite colors, food, activity, etc. Many--or even none--of these things may not directly come up in the telling of your story, though are you not having more fun with your story? You the storyteller could know secrets about your characters that your audience may never know.

Draw a map of the setting
Many famous authors have at one time drawn a map of the place they plan to share adventures. J.R.R. Tolkien created the image of Middle Earth for The Lord of the Rings. J.K. Rowling took many on a train ride to Hogwarts and other places of the wizarding world in Harry Potter. The story becomes more real when there is a map to get there. The tricks of the author can also be the tricks of the storyteller.

The more elaborate you get, the more that images and adventures come to mind. Add color, labels, and landmarks.

Create a backstory
It would be nearly impossible to understand the background of all your classmates though it is possible to know the background for your story.

With the completion of the character profiles and the map, you may have so many stories coming to mind that a story you thought was dead is now reborn.

When Stars Wars first came out, the backstory was unknown except to George Lucas. We learned that Darth Vader was more human than we first supposed and the great friendship between Obi-wan Kenobi and Anikan Skywalker. Perhaps Star Wars would not have been as successful if Lucas at least at some idea as to the foundations of his story. Who knows? With time, the back story you create may be connected with your current telling of the tale like what happened with Star Wars.

The question to ask now: When will be your next story reunion?

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman
Professional Storyteller
Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance
(801) 870-5799
info@rachelhedman.com
http://www.rachelhedman.com
http://www.yesalliance.com

December Tales: From Candle Light to Star Bright

When someone wants you to share stories in December, it may not be so simple as to know what tales to tell. Any kind of story—from winter to Hanukkah to Christmas to Kwanzaa—could be implied.

Sometimes sponsors narrow the field by saying, “I want Christmas stories” or “I want Kwanzaa stories”. Seems like easy requests, right? Wrong!

In the case of Christmas, does this mean stories about Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or does this mean stories of the Christ Child and Mary and Joseph? Does this mean memories associated with Christmas? What about other Christian stories? You will always want to know more than simply “Christmas stories”.

The setting helps figure out what kinds of stories would be most appropriate.

Since public libraries have books on all the December holidays, these places tend to be open to storytelling programs that give equal time to Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. With the United States being mostly Christian, there will also be the libraries where complete programs would be dedicated to Christmas.

Within public schools, there could be tension toward anything religious so often Christmas is reduced to the commercial side of the holiday and without any mention of the baby Jesus. As Hanukkah celebrates a miracle and is not theologically important to the Jews as compared to Passover or Yom Kippur, schools may feel more freedom to discuss Hanukkah in the classroom. Kwanzaa is not based on any type of theology—rather it celebrates the culture of African-Americans.

Private schools have their own rules, especially ones of religious affiliations. They do not have to follow the traditional "separation of Church and State". One Christian elementary school I performed at requested that no Santa Claus-type stories be shared. Christmas memories and spiritual stories were encouraged.

Ironically, for the churches I have performed at, usually Santa Claus is one of the special guests. This opens it up for me to share mostly religious stories with a last story about Santa Claus as he usually arrives after my storytelling concert. There are even stories that combine Santa and the Christ Child so that the theme can run throughout my session.

Corporate settings with diverse workforce usually want to respect all of the December holidays. I told in one building for the company holiday party where the first floor was dedicated to Christmas and the second floor was dedicated to Hanukkah. I was on the third floor where my program gave equal time to the three main December holidays: Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. I would not be surprised if some day there will be another floor dedicated to Kwanzaa.

Care must go into crafting the holiday stories so as to respect either the religion or the culture they are coming from.

When sharing stories about a holiday that the audience may not be familiar with, you may need to tell a quick version of “the Hanukkah story” or “the Christmas story” or “the Kwanzaa story” or at least make references to some of the important symbols and principles celebrated. In many ways, the background of how these holidays came to be is more of your introduction to your program rather than your core repertoire.

I feel most comfortable sharing Christmas stories—whether religious or social ones—as well as combination programs that give equal time to Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. I am not Jewish so I would feel inadequate to share a whole program on Hanukkah just as I am not African-American and I would feel inadequate to share a whole program on Kwanzaa. I would be an “outsider” to their cultures and telling their “insider” stories.

I find Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa as holidays I can completely celebrate and support. Jews tend to encourage people of other faiths to participate in Hanukkah and in Passover. Christmas tends to be celebrated everywhere, especially when out shopping. It seems almost impossible to not celebrate Christmas. As far as I understand, Kwanzaa is also a time that welcomes people of all cultures to share. The seven principles of Kwanzaa—symbolized by the seven candles—are ones that any one can honor.

To discover how you connect with these three holidays, enjoy some online resources below. You will find that many elements overlap.

So light those candles and stare up into the sky . . .there are many reasons to celebrate this December.

Online Resources:

All Three Holidays--

“December Holidays”
http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/jcheek3/holidays.htm

Many links to Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa—though not specific to stories, you will get great background and ideas through the sites given.

“In the Spirit of Winter Holidays” from Bare Bones for Storytellers/Story-Lovers
http://www.story-lovers.com/bareboneswinterstories.html

Jackie Baldwin, a professional storyteller, upholds this site so you will get great insight on possible stories to pursue. She always reminds to get permission from any source before you tell.

Hanukkah Resources--

“Hanukkah Resources” from Flint Public Library
http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/fpl/hanukkah/index.shtml

This site lists the titles and authors as well as at least a line or two on what each book is about.

“Adopt-A-Book Hanukkah List” from Temple Beth Torah Library
http://sample.bitsurf.net/adoptabook/hanlist.html

This site lists the titles and authors and even appropriate age level, which could help when determining your audience.

“Hanukkah Stories” from Story-Lovers SOS Story Lists
http://www.story-lovers.com/listshanukkah.html

Jackie Baldwin, a professional storyteller, upholds this site so you will get great insight on possible stories to pursue. She always reminds to get permission from any source before you tell.

“Recommended Reading—Celebrate Hanukkah” from The New York Public Library
http://kids.nypl.org/reading/recommended2.cfm?ListID=51

This site lists the and authors for each book and divides by “older readers” and “younger readers”.

“Chanukah” from Fayette County Public Schools
http://www.picadome.fcps.net/lab/currl/holiday/chanukah.htm

Here we find several links that have stories to crafts to background information.

Christmas Resources--

“Christmas Stories” from The Children’s Literature Web Guide
http://www.ucalgary.ca/~dKbrown/christmas.html

Discover many Christmas stories including several classics and legends.

“Christmas Stories from Around the World” by the Net Rag from Infostarbase.com
http://www.infostarbase.com/tnr/xmas/

This site ranges from religious to social stories on Christmas.

“Christmas Stories” from Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries
http://www.joyfulheart.com/christmas/

Find religious stories--or at least ones geared toward touching/spiritual stories.

“Merry Christmas” by In His Image
http://www.annien.com/Holidays/Christmas/ChristmasStories/menu.html

This site lists favorite stories that anyone can post. You can even go under “Do You Know This Story?” and either ask how to find a certain story that you have little memory of or perhaps receive help from others in discovering the stories.

“Christmas Stories” from Story-Lovers SOS Story Lists
http://www.story-lovers.com/listschristmasstories.html

Jackie Baldwin, a professional storyteller, upholds this site so you will get great insight on possible stories to pursue. She always reminds to get permission from any source before you tell.

Kwanzaa Resources--

Kwanzaa Information Center
http://www.melanet.com/kwanzaa/symbols.html

Here you find great background information and even some pronunciations of key words.

“Kwanzaa Stories” from Story-Lovers SOS Story Lists
http://www.story-lovers.com/listskwanzaastories.html

Jackie Baldwin, a professional storyteller, upholds this site so you will get great insight on possible stories to pursue. She always reminds to get permission from any source before you tell.

“Reading about Kwanzaa” from Kansas City Branch of Kansas Public Library
http://www.kckpl.lib.ks.us/YS/BOOKS/KWANZBKL.HTM

This site provides title, author, synopsis, and even call numbers for each of the books so to be easy to find in the library.

“Kwanzaa” from the site of Eshu Bumpus
http://eshu.folktales.net/resources/kwanzaa/index.htm

Eshu Bumpus, a professional storyteller, shares stories that connect to each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

“Kwanzaa, An African-American Cultural Celebration” from Flint Public Library
http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/fpl/kwanzaa/index.shtml

This site lists the titles and authors as well as at least a line or two on what each book is about.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman
Professional Storyteller
Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance
(801) 870-5799
info@rachelhedman.com
http://www.rachelhedman.com
http://www.yesalliance.com

Gracing the Perfect Stage: Ideal Worth Asking For

Before an audience steps into the place to find their seats, there can be an aura that says to all “this is the right place to be”.

Any sponsor of an event wants their audiences entering the doors with smiles and leaving for home with smiles. Sometimes with the rush of planning, storytellers and sponsors do not get a chance to discuss how to make this magic happen.

When I get a call about a gig, I set up an appointment to see the performance area. Not only does this help me mentally prepare for the concert, but I can also make note of any technical issues that need to be resolved. In no way am I trying to be difficult. Most of the time it seems that a sponsor is grateful to hear what could be done to create the ideal setting.

If for some reason I cannot go to the location to see the stage before performance day, I request that the sponsor email me pictures of the intended area. Suddenly I have a virtual tour so that when I stand on that stage, I feel like I am at home.

One of our responsibilities is to educate sponsors on how to create an ideal environment for storytelling.

Here are things to ask about—whether in-person, by telephone, or through email:

1. Distracting noises

2. Position of the doors and other objects

3. Background busyness

4. Schedule to tell in relation to meals or other entertainment

5. Acoustics of room and need of amplification

6. Room temperature

7. Emcee

Distracting noises
Audience members may not only be hearing the words from your mouth. You may be placed near other entertainment venues that host loud music, megaphones, dance groups, or any number of activities. Hopefully the sponsor places you far enough away to respect the magic that you create through your tellings. It is hard to have a dramatic pause without silence.

If you are telling at a school, there may be intercom announcements or bells that could interrupt your stories. Even libraries are not the quietest places as they may have intercom systems, too. Sometimes it is possible for these places to quiet or even turn these distractions off. All you have to do is ask.

Loud heaters or air conditioners could be a problem. Unless the room temperature needs to be fixed, see if these devices can be turned off for the performance.

Position of doors and other objects
The storyteller needs to face the doors so that the audience is unaware of any latecomers that are likely to arrive.

One time I performed at a library with a raised carpet stage with the entrance to the right of me. Though the architecture deemed the stage as the place for me to set up, it would have been better to place my portable backdrop on the opposite side.

If there are windows, I prefer for the shades to be closed so that my audience focuses on me rather than the outside.

At times, there may be objects in the way such as at East Tennessee State University with national storyteller Jon Spelman. Being a classroom, there was a computer/desk fixture bolted to the raised carpet stage. Originally someone had placed chairs in rows across the whole length of the room. We rearranged the chairs and shifted the center of the stage more to the right. We may have had more space on the left, but it was better to add more rows of shorter length than to cause any audience members to have a poor view of the teller.

Background Busyness
Some of the most colorful places I have performed have been in schools. The teachers work so hard to make their classroom exciting for the students. To tell in such places as a storyteller can be tricky due to the busy backgrounds. There needs to be some type of focal point for the audience.

To solve this riddle, I created a portable backdrop, which consisted of two 6’X6’ panels that came together at roughly a 90 degree angle. Sometimes I hung a sparkling gold-lettered sign of “Storyteller” so that I could hear the oohs and aahs from the audience before I even spoke.

Schedule to tell in relation to meals or other entertainment
One time I was asked to tell stories for a church group while they ate. I was too new a teller to realize how dangerous this request would be with the clinking of the utensils and the volunteers clearing plates. I could see the audience but, for some reason, they needed to look at their food. With storytelling being an interactive art form, this lack of eye contact was frustrating.

To add to the craziness, they had me sit on top of a piano. This was not the most comfortable place to tell stories. Perhaps it was the only way for me to be tall enough for the audience to see me. Now I know to give my sponsors an idea of how much room I would like such as having a 6’ by 10’ area.

You may not have to worry about telling through meal times, but you may be competing with other activities. There was a festival that had two stages—one for music groups and one for storytelling. Sometimes the musicians would go over time and could be heard while one of the teller’s told a touching tale. I tried to tune my ears to only hear the teller and sit on the front row.

If at all possible, have the sponsor be aware of the scheduling conflicts. It may not help for the current gig but may improve future tellings at that event.

Acoustics of room and need of amplification
All attendees need to be able to hear the storyteller. With groups of 25 people or more, some sort of sound system is recommended. The sponsor may need to reserve or rent the equipment so be clear about your request.

One time, for a Halloween party, I was asked to tell stories in the gymnasium. With the high ceilings, already I knew the sound would be lost. I asked for a microphone. The organizer shooed the idea and said I would be fine. To make matters worse, I was not placed on stage and there was no announcement that I would share stories. Some kids gathered around me, but as the adults were not asked to be quiet, I had to compete with their chatter. Suffice it to say, I am now quite firm when it comes to sound systems.

Sometimes it is not about the sound system. Sometimes it is about choosing another room, if available. About a year ago I told at a school that had two options—the gymnasium or the music room. I chose the music room as the students could fit without being cramped while having a more intimate feel.

Room Temperature
Indoor venues can sometimes be as hot or as cold as outdoor venues. Once in a while there may be someone who forgets to put on the air conditioning or the heat. This can be a shock for audience members.

If it had to one of the extremes, I would prefer that the room be too cold than too hot. At least with the cold, the audience would be inspired to sit close to each other rather than leaving empty seats between each family or group. Plus, the coolness keeps one less grumpy and more awake. Of course, if the theme is “bedtime stories” then perhaps warmth is a good idea!

By arriving at least 45 minutes to an hour before performing, you have enough time to adjust the temperature.

Emcee
The emcee has a direct relationship to a successful show. Their time may be brief on stage, but their presence and excitement are felt.

When I go through my questionnaire with the sponsor, I always ask who will be my emcee. I provide an introduction card that the person paraphrases or reads.

If at all possible, I like for my emcees to stay for the whole performance. At certain places they may be understaffed so I understand if they can only introduce me and then excuse themselves. Even so, I remind them that they need to be there for at least a moment to show the audience that they sponsor this performance.

When I lived in Fresno, I told at a museum along with some storytelling friends. No one from the museum introduced us. We did not even have a normal room to perform; it was in the walking area by the paintings. With no official person to organize the event, my friends and I almost felt like we had to chase down our audience. We still had fun, but the event could have touched more of their patrons if only an emcee was provided.

Having the perfect stage is possible, especially when you share with the sponsor that you want to create the best possible experience for everyone involved.

So smile as you step onto that stage. With the mood set, you are ready to do your best.

Until we tell again,

Rachel Hedman
Professional Storyteller
Co-Chair of Youth, Educators, and Storytellers Alliance
(801) 870-5799
info@rachelhedman.com
http://www.rachelhedman.com/
http://www.yesalliance.com/