Festival Workshops

Barbara McBride Smith, Master Class Workshop

Start in the Middle, Work Toward the Edges

Friday, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

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Every storyteller who writes his/her own stories knows the importance of structure.

Stories tend toward certain shapes, moving through a narrative arc in a linear fashion.

But creativity is rarely linear. Memories from our lives don’t always come to us in

chronological order. Is it possible to begin a story in the middle, then work forward and

backward? Can techniques such as foreshadowing, flashbacks, in medias res, and

framing give depth or humor or affirmation to a story? How do we get the ending right? This workshop for teachers, librarians, and storytellers will explore some ideas for polishing our work as story-crafters.

This workshop costs $35 and takes place at the LaQuinta Inn, Guthrie.

Barbara McBride-Smith, PLOTTING WITH KIDS Workshop

Saturday, June 11, 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.

Children are often asked to “write/tell a story” before they actually understand what elements are needed to shape a story. This workshop will explore a method for teaching plot structure using contemporary children’s

literature and folklore. Participants will then consider how to apply this method to developing original personal narratives. Some of the topics of discussion include plot structure, conflict vs climax, resolution, theme vs main idea, dialogue and characterization.

Jaye McLaughlin & Fred Peters, It Started In Guthrie

Friday, June 10, 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

McLaughlin+Peters_a Alternate Title: Research Stew: The Spice that Makes the Difference. Inspired by “Bud and Me”, which is the Abernathy Boys’ true story of courage and adventure, Jaye McLaughlin and Fred Peters followed the route of their second ride traveling to Washington DC and New York City. Come learn tips on crafting a successful NSN Research Grant, receive suggestions on locating the best information and hear about the serendipitous finds that became great resources.

Ryan Howell, Competitive Storytelling

Friday, June 10, 1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Ryan Howell, Coordinator. StorySlams/ competitions are a growing branch of storytelling. Participation can be nerve wracking and difficult. Come learn some tips about the StorySlam format and how to compete from a multi-slam winner and Tulsa’s 2015 Grand Slam Champion.

David Titus, Children’s Storytelling

Saturday, June 11, 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Let’s give our kids some of the old favorites. The Threes, Bears, Billy Goats, Wishes, Pigs, …Not the Disney version. Let’s do a few finger plays, poems, and story activities that are the basics but new to each generation. We don’t need to go high tech. They can’t enjoy fractured fairy tales until they know the real ones.

Cynthia Calloway & Eldrena Douma, Ethnic Storytelling

Saturday, 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

America is collection of all peoples. This time is dedicated to bringing life to stories other cultural and Native traditions. Eldrena Douma will bring to life stories from the Native American tradition. Cynthia Calloway will tell territory stories from the African American Tradition. The open-mic following is then open for audience participation, so come prepared to bring stories to share from your traditions and cultures.

Cynthia Calloway, Sacred Telling

Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Using the book, Bring the Word to Life by Richard Ward—a member of Territory Tellers—and David Trobisch, Cynthia Calloway will give information and show techniques for making the many stories of the Bible exciting, real and entertaining. This workshop is open to all who desire to bring life to their Sunday School classes and church Bible studies.

After the workshop, tellers can tell their favorite sacred stories from the Bible and other traditions.