By telling true, personal stories, we unearth universal human experiences. Storytelling is sharing our vulnerabilities, discoveries, and struggles, which bonds us by way of identification and empathy.
In this workshop, participants will internalize the elements of an impactful story and learn how to tell one. All participants will be telling a five-minute true, personal story at the end of the class. To maximize personalized attention, this workshop is limited to 10 participants.
Agenda:
Introductions and ice breaker (20 minutes)
What is and is not story? (30 minutes)
Watch a story and analyze (50 minutes)
Students to write a mini story each (20 minutes)
Break (30 minutes)
A story by the instructor (5 minutes)
Presentation and Q&A (60 minutes)
Redoing stories and finals preparation (30 minutes)
Five-minute stories by students (50 minutes)
Closing remarks (5 minutes)
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online, using the video meeting platform Zoom, which means students may participate from the comfort of their own homes (or anywhere with a reliable, fast internet connection). Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. On Thursday, July 23, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, MWPA’s Hannah Perry will offer a test session on Zoom. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the test session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, and those who do not are responsible for ensuring that they are able to use Zoom on their own. The week of the workshop, students will be emailed a link that they may click to enter the test session and the class.
+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
If you would like to quickly and easily test your internet connection and your computer’s compatibility with Zoom, click HERE. Full details on supported Operating Systems, internet browsers, and more can be found HERE. To download and familiarize yourself with Zoom, click HERE.
Javed Rezayee is a storytelling coach, writer, editor, and artist. He has taught storytelling at Tufts University and at GrubStreet in Boston. He founded StorySlam! Boston, a Moth-style community group featured in the Boston Globe. Javed has told stories live at numerous venues, including WGBH/World TV's Stories from the Stage. In addition, he has organized storytelling events overseas in Nepal, Turkey, Morocco, and Sri Lanka. He is currently writing his father’s story and cookbook.
Before turning to writing and storytelling, Javed spent eight years working in the nonprofit and human rights sector. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Tufts University.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via PayPal. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION
QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Hannah Perry at hannah@mainewriters.org.
REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.
REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.
SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one full scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Application Due on July 13 at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION