Monthly Workshop Schedule 2025
Explore the Art of Storytelling each month with hands-on workshops designed to strengthen your storytelling skills and deepen your understanding of the craft. Below is a calendar of topics for the year, with dates, times, locations, and RSVP links for each session.
This calendar will provide participants with a structured and engaging approach to mastering various storytelling skills throughout the year. Each session offers unique insights and hands-on practice to help you become a more skilled and confident storyteller.
You can select workshops individually by month or select the entire series from April to December by clicking here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElf
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
January: Introduction to Storytelling
Spring Training for the Veteran and Greenhorn Teller: Who are we and what are the basics?
Exploring ways in which storytelling plays a part in culture and language arts development. Then, a discussion about the elements (i.e., character, plot, narrative arc, tone, theme, structure, and creative options for opening and closing your story) and how each element works to construct an effective story. A comprehensive handout complete with definitions and innovative examples will accompany this workshop.
Presenter: Hank Roubicek Ed.D. hankroubicek@gmail.com
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMr
Date and Time: Thursday, January 23, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Investigate some of the powerful byproducts which come from stories told well.
Discover creative ways to incorporate the elements of a story to make it most effective.
Practice new approaches to delivering personal narratives.
Combine a new approach to telling with your personal style.
February: Finding Your Voice
Finding Your Story and Making It Your Own
Discover techniques to develop your unique storytelling style through voice exercises, style comparisons, and storytelling practice.
Presenter: Tony Hardman tony.hardman@opsu.edu
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMl
Date and Time: Thursday, February 27, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Understand the elements that make a storytelling style unique.
Practice voice modulation to convey emotions and characters.
Analyze and emulate different storytelling styles.
Reflect on personal experiences to shape storytelling identity.
Receive feedback on storytelling practice sessions.
Begin crafting a signature storytelling style.
March: Story Structure - Crafting Compelling Narratives
Learn the basics of narrative structure, including the essential elements of beginning, middle, and end, through story mapping and group brainstorming activities.
Presenter: Fran Stallings Ph.D. fran.stallings@icloud.com
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIv
Date and Time: Thursday, March 27, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Understand the components of a well-structured narrative.
Explore techniques for crafting strong openings and impactful conclusions.
Map out stories using narrative structure templates.
Collaborate with peers to brainstorm story ideas.
Analyze examples of compelling narratives.
Create an outline for a personal or fictional story.
April: Character Development - Bringing Characters to Life
Develop rich, engaging characters through creative exercises like character sketches and role-playing activities.
Presenter: Tony Hardman tony.hardman@opsu.edu
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElf
Date and Time: Thursday, April 24, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Learn techniques for creating multidimensional characters.
Explore character motivations and backstories.
Practice role-playing to bring characters to life.
Reflect on memorable characters in literature and film.
Develop characters that resonate with audiences.
Receive constructive feedback on character creation.
May: The Power of Imagery - Using Descriptive Language
Enhance your storytelling with vivid, descriptive language. Practice exercises that help create imagery that captivates your audience.
Presenter: Sally Goodroe goodroe@earthlink.net
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElf
Date and Time: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Explore the use of sensory details in storytelling.
Practice writing exercises to enhance descriptive language.
Analyze examples of effective imagery in storytelling.
Experiment with metaphor and simile to enrich narratives.
Learn techniques for balancing description and pacing.
Apply feedback to improve descriptive storytelling.
June: Pacing and Timing - Keeping Your Audience Engaged
Learn techniques to manage pacing and timing in storytelling to maintain audience interest and flow.
Presenter: Michael Brundy
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElf
Date and Time: Thursday, June 26, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Understand the importance of pacing in storytelling.
Practice timing techniques to emphasize key moments.
Identify and eliminate distractions in storytelling.
Analyze successful storytellers’ pacing strategies.
Experiment with pauses for dramatic effect.
Receive feedback to refine storytelling rhythm.
July: Storytelling Techniques - Body Language and Voice Modulation
Master the art of effective body language and voice modulation to captivate your audience and enhance your storytelling presence.
Presenter: David Thompson belstories@yahoo.com
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElf
Date and Time: Thursday, July 24, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Learn the role of body language in storytelling.
Practice gestures and movements to complement narratives.
Explore voice modulation techniques to convey emotions and characters.
Understand the balance between physicality and vocal delivery.
Receive individual feedback on delivery techniques.
Apply body and voice integration to enhance stories.
August: Using Props and Visual Aids
Discover how to effectively incorporate props and visual aids into your storytelling to engage and inspire your audience.
Presenter: Pam Pipkin pam.pipkin3@gmail.com
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElf
Date and Time: Thursday, August 28, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Explore the role of props and visuals in storytelling.
Learn techniques to select appropriate aids for stories.
Practice storytelling with different types of props.
Create simple visual aids to complement narratives.
Receive feedback on prop usage effectiveness.
Develop confidence in seamless prop integration.
September: Interactive Storytelling - Engaging Your Audience
Learn to make your stories interactive by involving your audience in creative and meaningful ways.
Presenter: Andrea Kamens
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElf
Date and Time: Thursday, September 25, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Understand techniques for audience engagement.
Practice interactive storytelling exercises.
Explore methods to encourage audience participation.
Develop stories that invite dialogue and feedback.
Analyze examples of interactive storytelling success.
Create a storytelling experience tailored for interaction.
October: Storytelling for Different Audiences - Tailoring Your Approach
Adapt your storytelling techniques to suit various audiences, from children to professionals.
Presenter: Valerie Kimble kimblevalerie@yahoo.com
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElf
Date and Time: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Identify audience characteristics and preferences.
Adapt tone and content for specific demographics.
Practice audience-specific storytelling exercises.
Learn to manage audience feedback and expectations.
Explore cultural sensitivity in storytelling.
Develop a versatile storytelling toolkit.
November: The Art of Improvisation - Thinking on Your Feet
Gain confidence in improvisational storytelling with techniques to craft stories on the spot.
Presenter: Nelda Tone neldatone@gmail.com
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GfVawCDST5qOHje1Oxx5qw
Date and Time: Thursday, November 20, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Learn the fundamentals of improvisation in storytelling.
Practice thinking creatively under pressure.
Participate in improv games to spark spontaneity.
Build skills for adapting stories in real-time.
Analyze the role of intuition in storytelling.
Gain confidence in delivering unplanned narratives.
December: Personal Storytelling - Sharing Your Own Stories
Craft and share personal stories that resonate deeply with your audience, reflecting authenticity and connection.
Presenter: Chester Weems cjweems@cox.net
RSVP Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ASiBN_vkSbKAO2VugUIHFQ
Date and Time: Thursday, December 18, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Zoom (Link will be provided upon registration)
Learning Objectives:
Reflect on meaningful personal experiences.
Learn techniques for crafting personal narratives.
Practice sharing stories in a supportive environment.
Explore themes of vulnerability and authenticity.
Receive constructive feedback from peers.
Develop confidence in sharing personal stories publicly.