Storytelling Guidelines
Storytelling at
Tellabration or Community Events If you are a young performer who is interested in auditioning for Tellabration or performing at local community events, here are some guidelines: Performance Description: Performers will tell a folktale or authored story intended for an audience of children and families. The story should be about 5-10 minutes long (not a strict time limit) and should be told by memory and without the use of notes. The atmosphere of Tellabration is an afternoon of family fun and entertainment, therefore, lighthearted stories are encouraged. Materials: If the story is an authored work, it is expected that permission of the publisher will be obtained to tell the story in a public setting. If the story is a folktale, credit may be given verbally to acknowledge the cultural origin of the tale. Delivery: Wording: Keeping true to the oral tradition, folktales should be delivered in an extemporaneous, spontaneous, style. The story should be should not sound “memorized” and should be told in the performer’s “own words”, not memorized from a specific printed/recorded version. The ideal is a story told in a fluent, relaxed style with heightened conversational language and a strong sense of verisimilitude. Literary (authored) stories will be more fully memorized but should still be delivered in a similar style with a feeling of natural spontaneity. Focus: Open focus (speaking directly to the audience) is the predominant focus for traditional storytelling. Unlike in formal oral interpretation, closed focus points are not generally used for character dialogue. Facial expression: The face should be expressive and should enhance the sensory and emotive imagery of the story. Effective triggering should heighten the natural spontaneity of delivery. Vocal delivery: The voice should be expressive, using phrasing and variety that brings out the imagery of the story. Vocal quality should be resonant and clear unless altered to create character differentiation. The use of characterization during dialogue is accepted but should suit the style of the story. Physical delivery: Movement and animated gestures (suitable to the story) should be used. The storyteller is not expected to stand in one place but may use the performance space to enliven the story with actions. (Microphones will be used at Tellabration. Either a standing mike or a lapel mike may be used.) Audience participation: Using audience participation elements is certainly acceptable. Many stories are enhanced by inviting the audience to join in with repetitive phrases, actions, questions, etc. |
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