Back to All Events

An Adventure in Improvised Story-making

  • Ashfield Baptist Church corner of Holden and Norton Street Ashfield, NSW, 2131 Australia (map)

From Spy-Puppies to Jedi Penguins:

An Adventure in Improvised Story-making

A chance for Storytellers to practice their own on-the-spot narration creations. And experience different ways to inspire story-making in others.

Storytelling is an art of connection. We bring ancient tales and share them with our audience, connecting people with our common humanity, old wisdom and rich cultures. But there is also great power and great joy in creating a new tale, together. This ephemeral magic happens when you make something that can only have occurred with these people, in this place, at this time. An improvised tale makes full use of the dedicated listening and love of audience contributions that are often the more subtle attributes of a good storyteller.

Story-making can be fun and enriching for others, too. Having a context to be heard, having ideas that are valued, and having your creativity respected can be very powerful. It can also be very daunting. For some young storytellers, the challenge is to shape a story that has a satisfying structure without dismissing all the wildly creative ideas. For others the challenge is moving beyond self-consciousness or embarrassment to discover the freedom to play and express ideas through stories.

This workshop will explore both improvised storytelling (where a teller creates a tale on the spot with input from the audience) and different ways in which a storyteller can facilitate story-making with groups. It will involve practical exercises, discussion, analysis, and playful experimentation using puppets, music and more. There are ideas for helping self-conscious beginner storytellers, as well as tools to keep a chaotic group on track. It is hoped that storytellers will be able to use ideas from this workshop to create or further develop their own unique approach to improvised story-making.

Facilitator Jill Webster: Jill is an experienced storyteller who enjoys using puppets and props to bring her tales to life. Her storytelling style is theatrical and participatory, and her storytelling workshops are hands-on fun.

Morning Tea Provided, Bring your own lunch

Short Walk from Ashfield Station, Catch the bus or drive.

Members $75

Members with Government Concession Card $55

Non Members $120

Non Members with Government Concession Card $65

Try Booking

Earlier Event: 6 March
Stories From the Flames
Later Event: 29 March
Lunch and Tales - What a Surprise.