Storytelling Workshops & Residencies

Most residencies begin with an assembly storytelling performance. Course lengths may vary from one, four, or more sessions. If time allows, all programs may include performance/sharing for classmates, other classrooms or the general public.
Pricing is based on the MN State Arts Board standard of $250 per day, up to 4 or 5 classroom visits per day, plus one day for prep and teacher meetings. A typical week-long residency costs $1,500.


For grades K-3

Animal Stories of How & Why: an Introduction to Storytelling
Students create their own “pourquois tales” to explain how the leopard got her spots or why the fish lives underwater. Students become their animals, experimenting with voice and movement. A great pre-writing activity!

My Imaginary Friend the Superhero
An introduction to plot and character through drawing, movement, and storytelling. Students create their Imaginary Friend and his or her adventures—another excellent pre-writing workshop.

Letters From the Woods: pen pal with a Troll
Margareta the Troll is small enough to play leapfrog with a real frog--and she loves to write letters! Students practice friendly letters to enhance literacy and writing skills. Margareta's letters are beautifully done in calligraphy pen, accompanied by hand-colored maps, family tree charts and photos of plants and animals mentioned in her stories.
This "distance residency" may be coupled with "Telling Troll Tales"


For All Grade Levels

Telling Troll Tales
The Troll under the bridge gets a story all to him- (or her-) self as students let their imaginations roam! Students learn about setting, characters, climax and dialogue by drawing their own Story Stages and performing for their peers.

The Flip-side of Fairytales: Old Stories Get a New Twist
There's more to "Cinderella" than Disney's version! Students read and hear different versions of classic stories to discover what happens when Cinderella moves to New York City or the Big Bad Wolf isn't really bad. Using oral storytelling techniques and drawing Story Stages, students create and share original fairytales.

The Juicer: Comprehensive Creative Exercises
Great as a supplement to science, social studies and literacy projects. Students get outside the box using theatre techniques, guided imagery, movement and more!


For grades 4-12

Story Skeleton: The Essentials of Oral Storytelling
Students use traditional folk tales to learn the art of telling a captivating story. Topics include character vs. narrator voice, theatrical tricks and tips, audience participation and how to give constructive feedback. No memorization necessary!

Center Stage: Acting and Improvisation 101
For first– or second-timers. Students learn how to read between the lines, improvise and add dramatic elements such as movement and voice.

Becoming a Bard: Exercises to Awaken the Poet Within
An intuitive approach to bring out each student’s poetic expression. Students experiment with various writing structures/forms to find their own unique style in an encouraging environment.

[ Stage Right ]: Playwrighting
Students create original scenes and stories in large groups and pairs through improvisation and writing exercises as well as becoming familiar with basic theatrical terms.

Making History: See History Through Your Own Eyes
Oral storytelling examples and writing prompts lead participants through first person accounts of what life could have been like in the early 1900’s.

Making Myth: What the Stars Are Made of and More
Students uncover what questions and mysteries are meaningful to them and then create original myths. Grounding, meditative and encouraging.


For Teachers & Adults
This workshop is available in a 3 or 6 hour format

Once Upon a Workshop: How to Tell Stories to Children
Learn the elements of telling a good story to connect with students, take story time beyond the picture book and a history or science lesson beyond the text book. No memorization required! Practical, Interactive, Entertaining.