Stories can be danced!

Storytelling

Basics

The story is the basic unit for all theatre and literary productions. Without a story, a play nor a novel would not and could not exist.

What is storytelling? Storytelling is dynamic, powerful & adaptable. Storytelling is sharing a story. Storytelling has existed from the beginning of time, even before written language.

Why tell a story? Stories heal; teach; beckon; explain; entertain; motivate, nurture; amplify & sharpen language arts skills; increase diversity & knowledge; magnifies our literature base & helps to present choices & provide role models.

Who tells stories? Everyone tells stories! Stories are told by friends, family, school mates, teachers, doctors, lawyers & religious leaders. Stories are told by folk in every occupation, including postmen, shop owners, sales people, chefs, police officers, government officials, nurses & by small & large business executives.

Where are stories told? Stories are told everywhere! You may hear a story on a bus, train, plane or subway; in a marketplace; at church; at a summer camp; on a golf course; at a sports event; at a PTA meeting or at a slumber party.

How are stories told? Stories can be told in a fax, on the phone, whispered to an individual or performed to a spellbound audience. Stories can be written in a letter, school paper, newspaper article, book or adapted into a movie script. Stories can be sung, danced, acted out or mimed.

Where can you find a story? Stories are found in poetry, jokes & in some children's games. Just look at your personal experiences, family histories, tall tales, fairy tales, folk tales, myths & legends. Stories can be found at your library or on the big screen. You can even find stories in your video games! And don't forget some of the greatest stories ever told are found in the Bible or other religious scriptures; or what about ancient cave paintings?

What are the bare bones of a story? Stories usually include an event (plot); person or character; place & time (setting); challenge, solution & conclusion.