Workshops offered in:

  • Storytelling Basics
  • Telling Personal Stories
  • Performing Humourous Stories
  • Storytelling For The Classroom
Listen and learn the art of storytelling from storytellers with a passion for the art
Stories and Workshops for all occasions.

Specializing in performances at festivals, schools, and churches.
Larry is a adjunct storytelling instructor for East Tennessee State University
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"THE STORY FISHING CHART"
During the preparation for a recent workshop, my mind turned toward  fishing.  I began to wonder where I might fish with story "bait."  The key discovery for me was that all tellers need a Puddle (a place to practice) and a Pond (an area of expertise).  Perhaps this chart will remind us of the importance of focusing our storytelling talents in order to maximize the enjoyment of the vast opportunities  and challenges offered by the art of storytelling. (© Larry Kelley, Jan 2010)

The Puddle
The safe place to work on stories. All tellers need a puddle.  Many tellers join our Guild in order to have a puddle experience.  Hopefully, we can have more of the old time story swaps & critique.  Both experienced and new tellers need  the ongoing value of the puddle.

The Pond
The pond is the favorite place to share your stories. It is where you feel most comfortable. You love the audience that shows up here.  This small venue will help you excel in your most talented area.  All tellers need a pond. The Cranberry Thistle venue might be consider a pond.

The Stream
A stream is the place for small fish. I consider it the place especially  for telling stories to children.  They are eager to get hooked on storytelling.  If you have the right bait and can master the  environmental challenges, this might be just the spot for you. Examples: schools & libraries.

The River
This is perhaps the most difficult environment in which to tell. Fishing here is like telling stories in a mall or  at a craft festival where the audience is  moving or constantly changing.  Keeping stories short will help you go with the flow. This is great training ground. Learning from our experiences is  of utmost importance.

The Lake
The lake is the small festivals. With proper planning the lake can become a pond. Giving a theme to an event will help tellers know the expectations of the audience.  The environmental challenges are often significant. A variety of bait is required.  Youth & adults in audience.
The Ocean
The ocean is the large festivals. Well-prepared tellers can expect waves of appreciation for excelling in their craft. The audiences are usually experienced story listeners, therefore much is expected.  The ocean is the place to showcase the techniques  that you have mastered. Tellers will be especially thankful for their puddle and pond experiences.