Mixed fortunes storytelling

Subject: Mixed fortunes storytelling
From: Northerner
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 01:43 PM

Hello there!

Just thought I'd share with you a bit of what I've been up to in the last year or two. Still amateur but progressing. I've been on workshops up and down the country (UK) a few festivals. Me and my suitcase have been to Devon (January), Shropshire (February) the Cotswolds (March or April), Pocklington near York, Aberdeen, South Wales, Edinburgh (several times) and down to Sussex. Told stories pretty much everywhere. Seen some fabulous storytellers along the way, from varying nationalities. I'm starting to create small songs to go with some of my stories, and am also starting to rework some stories. Am being given stories from Stanley occasionally - wonderful stories. Felt my stories in late spring were coming along and very strong and confident with them.

Summer hasn't been so kind to me. Went on a workshop where I disagreed with some of the teachings - stood my ground but felt very stressed. Felt cold, tired and stressed at Whitby and didn't do as much performing as I had hoped for. Coming back I attended a "storytelling performance" at a local gallery, had been assured by gallery it would be a professional storyteller and not a librarian from local library - turned out a librarian reading from a picture book (really not what I was wanting at all). To cap it all I mentioned to a singer at a local folk club that I'd like to tell a couple of stories in forthcoming singarounds - her response was "Will they be grownup?" Was a bit taken aback by this as my last story at the club had been a reworking of a story to give it more appeal to a folk audience (stronger emphasis on historical background and more realistic) and the story had been really well received - it is possible however that she may have been on holiday and missed this one.

At the moment I feel a bit deflated. I have some more workshops this autumn and a festival or two. I'm struggling to get my high spirits back. Does anyone have any advice for me?

Thank you all in advance.

Subject: RE: Mixed fortunes storytelling
From: GUEST,Black Hawk unlogged
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 02:08 PM

Sometimes its not the content that is 'childish' but the delivery.

I have sat through some 'local' storytellers efforts which felt like being back in infant school.
I can enjoy 'childish' games, songs, stories, tales etc. but I cannot stand being treated as a child.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Subject: RE: Mixed fortunes storytelling
From: katlaughing
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 02:22 PM

There's bound to be highs and lows; necessary even, so we know the highs when we have them! Perseverance is the best thing of all. Sounds as though you've done well with that, so just keep going and it will turn right round again for you.

As to specifics, ask some of the folks who were there if they'd like to hear more from you or ask them how they felt it went last time. I wouldn't just take one person's word on whether they'd like to have you tell stories again; as you say, she might not have even been there.

Subject: RE: Mixed fortunes storytelling
From: r.padgett
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 03:24 PM

Hey you are doing it and that's half the necessary

Can't please everyone all the time, need to sift through the chaff and decide where you feel it should be content and delivery wise

Audiences will be different of course

Keep it up, more "starts" the better

All the best Ray Padgett

Subject: RE: Mixed fortunes storytelling
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 03:31 PM

Obviously I can't tell you what to do. But what about starting your own club, with your own agenda. if you are resident, you can work on your vision of what you are doing without being messed about by external forces that are forcing you to compromise.

Believe me - if its successful, you will be fighting off other people who want to perform there.

Don't worry Northerner - Northern folks are renowned for the warmth of their hostility....

Subject: RE: Mixed fortunes storytelling
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 12 Sep 07 - 04:53 PM

The main problem with storytelling in singarounds is one of duration; most people go to singarounds to sing & listen to folk songs - to drink beer and join in the choruses - so concentrations are attuned to a certain level of attentiveness, so keep 'em short & snappy and it shouldn't be a problem. There's a sort of unwritten law that states whilst it's fine to do folk songs in the context of storytelling, the opposite isn't always possible...

Subject: RE: Mixed fortunes storytelling
From: Northerner
Date: 13 Sep 07 - 10:29 AM

Thank you all. I already aim to keep to a length that fits in with the singaround sessions. I am hoping to start a storytelling circle eventually with another storyteller who lives locally - she is a retired teacher and has had training.

I will try and ask someone else in the folk clubs if my choice of repertoire is all right.   However, I do tend to experiment with material and techniques, and that is normal for my level of development, so maybe some things will not please everybody.

I have had really good comments from the professional storytellers who have seen me in the last year. They say I have a beautiful speaking and singing voice, and that I have "presence".

Up in Edinburgh again for yet another workshop. Workshop leader tomorrow sounds very experienced and exciting. Woo hoo!!!

Thank you all.

Diane