2011 Storytelling Conference

The conference will be Mount Vernon, Ohio. It promises to be better than ever - entertaining, enlightening, loaded with creativity and how-tos and, most of all, FUN! Entertainment will include stories presented by many of the finest storytellers in the region. Enlightenment will be rampant in many different workshops and a special Q & A session. Creativity and how-tos will be shared by all. Note that all the buildings and spaces being used are handicapped accessible! Socializing will include lots of food,entertainment, interactive games for getting to know each other, a get acquainted reception, story swaps and much, much more.

Workshop Flier with detailed directions and event schedule  - PDF of 2011 Brochure Legal Size

Schedule for April 30th, 2011.

9:30 OLIO - All workshop tellers and the featured teller perform one story.

10:30 Featured Teller Baba Jamal Koran

12:00 Lunch

1:00-2:00 - Workshops
A - Jack Tales with Octavia Sexton
B - Ghost Stories with Thomas Freese
C - Interactive Storytelling with Lindsay Bonilla

2:15 - 3:15
A - Jack Tales with Octavia Sexton
B - Ghost Stories with Thomas Freese
C - Themed Swap

3:30 - 4:40 ish
A - In the Voice of Our Ancestors: Performing Historical Narrative with Ilene Evans
B - Inexperience Counts with Jonatha and Harold Wright and Bizzie
C - General Swap with Brother Wolf
D - Take time to purchase books and c.d.s!

4:45 ish Wrap Up

6:45 - 7:15 Open Mic using three hat system.

7:30 - 9:30 Storytelling Concert featuring Ohio storytellers, John Locke and Cristie Merce and featured Storyteller, Baba Jamal Koran.

Baba Jamal Koram the StoryMan is storytelling performance, storytelling products, storytelling events, and storytelling organizations. The StoryMan represents the best in storytelling innovation, creativity and folkloric culture. He is distinguished in upholding storytelling traditions across a broad spectrum of cultures. At the 28th annual TESOL Conference (Teachers of English as a Second Language) he held 600 professionals spellbound with his presentation. This was written about him. "As a seasoned Griot, Jamal Koram captivates and energizes his audience with tales from the African Diaspora. Because of his unique focus on spirit and culture, Jamal Koram serves as a medium of African Folklore."

Baba Jamal has serves as a consultant, counselor, educator and friend for countless youth and for many schools, youth programs which have included Boys and Girls Clubs, TRIO Programs, and the African Heritage Education/Sankofa Drumming Camps for Boys. He is married and is the father of six children. Born in Greenburgh, NY, Baba Jamal credits his interest in African/American studies to John Harmon of White Plains, NY. "One of my truest mentors, however, was my foster mother, Maude Miller who, when I was ten years old, hugged my soul and helped heal the hole in my spirit

For More information on this Storyteller Read his Website

“In the Voice of Our Ancestors: Performing Historical Narrative”
Ilene Evans
Discover the process of building fictional or non-fictional historical characters. Ilene will help participants create historically plausible characters by focusing on their physical traits, their unique vocal styles and their individual word choice. Come with a personal story or an historical figure to share.
This workshop will take place during Session III

“Telling Ghostly Tales”
Thomas Freese
Join Thomas for a discussion of the background of spooky tales, identifying ghost story themes and audience comfort level. Then, get ready to raise goose bumps with some practice ghost story telling.
This workshop will take place during Session I and Session II

“Jack Tales”
Octaiva Sexton
This lively workshop will engage participants in creating their own original Jack tale using a Jack Tale rubric. There will be whole group participation in improvisation and role-playing. Learn to better use the three tools of a storyteller, imagination, voice and body to create a good protagonist or antagonist.
This workshop will take place during Session I and Session II

“Interactive Storytelling: Involving the Audience”
Lindsay Bonilla
Lindsay’s workshop will get participants thinking about ways to actively involve the audience in their tellings. Reasons for interactive storytelling, how to choose appropriate material and different levels of audience participation will be discussed. Opportunities for us to look at stories and try to make them interactive will also be given.
This workshop will take place during Session I

“Inexperience Counts”
Led by O.O.P.S. Facilitators
Presentation by and Conversation for those new or just stepping into storytelling – all are welcome!
This workshop will take place during Session III

“Story Swap”
Led by O.O.P.S. Facilitators
Join in at this special time if you have a story you would like to share – all are welcome!
This workshop will take place during Session II and Session III

Saturday Evening Concert Tellers

Cathy Jo Smith, Emcee, has been telling stories most of her life but professionally for a dozen years. Specializes in Irish and Irish-American history, stories and songs. And she occasionally throws in a down-home tale. She will be telling an original story, “The Stolen Necklace.”

Crisite Merce, is a storyteller and collector of over 300 hand-written stories about life’s journey. She will be telling “Grazie,” an old Italian story.

John Locke, is from the UK. He tells stories from all over the UK and Ireland. He is the author of a book titled “British Twist.” He will be telling “Danger in the Basement,” from Rab Tails.

and of Course the Main Storyteller Baba Jamal Koram

Conference Flier with detailed directions and event schedule - PDF of 2011 Brochure Legal Size