Workshop Schedule | Print Registration

Alice's House

Poet and novelist Pat Schneider calls storytelling "writing on the wind."  In exploring storytelling we will be "writing" using our voices, sound, rhythm, silence, repetition, movement, gesture and imagination. At points throughout the weekend Jay will use his own stories to demonstrate movement, sound, and language in creating a character.

Marni Gillard, author of Tell Your Way Home, will assist Jay. Marni is a storyteller, writer and former teacher who is working on a new a book about creating stories from your own life.

Creativity happens best when you are safe and in charge.  You will never be coerced to participate, put on the spot, or subject to any unwanted feedback. With all exercises, we appreciate only what's "alive" and refrain from making comments or suggestions. This creates a trusting atmosphere in which spontaneity and creativity thrive. .  

You need not be a" professional storyteller", only someone interested in creativity. Past participants have been people from all walks of life including: college students, writers, ministers, yoga teachers, school teachers, librarians and retirees.

The workshop is limited to 9 people and held at "Alice's House", a lovely old house by the edge of the sea.  All through the weekend, Jay's wife, Linda, brings in wonderful home-cooked lunches and suppers.  Participants find the long kitchen table a perfect place for eating and conversing.  Finally, we have the sound of the sea all through the weekend.

The cost of the workshop is $390.00 per person. Cost includes breakfast foods, home-cooked lunches and suppers throughout the weekend. Accommodations are not included in the cost.  Accommodations for 6 participants are available at Alice's House for an additional $40-$50 per night.  The workshop begins Friday evening at 6:30 with supper and will end on Sunday by 2:00PM.

Quotes from past participants:

"After the workshop was over, I felt so alive. A part of me for whom there's little time in daily life had been given space to waken and bloom. This experience confirmed that I had an important story to give voice to and gave me confidence I had the writing skills to do it."
-Jennifer Farley Smith, Writer and Storyteller

"A children's writer, I attend Jay O'Callahan's workshops for selfish reasons. It's my chance to hear and see stories, to focus on the importance of my stories to me, time to indulge in my own ideas and visions, to allow myself false starts, to improvise."
-Nell Wright, Writer

"You touched me like a loving relative and mentor in the midst of a family gathering. Your devotion to my success inspired me to share my stories with even more dedication."
-Margaret Britton, Minister

"...walking on a colored pebbled beach against the wind... holding hands around a dinner table in thanks...doing a may pole dance along the ocean...late night chats with other magnificent storytellers...giving, open, souls - sharing, revealing their experiences, imaginations, stories and appreciations...appreciations..."
-Mel Shrawder, Actor

"Creativity, hard work made easy and exciting; the comforts of Alice's House; the camaraderie of working with other tellers on one's own tales; Jay's gentle, insightful suggestions; long walks on the beach and the rhythm of the waves to rock you to sleep at night. A perfect way to deepen your skills."
-Barbara Lipke, Storyteller

"Delight is the word that comes to mind when I think about Jay's workshops at Alice's House. What I learned has influenced my storytelling and my teaching."
-Mille Jackson, Storyteller

"What could be more spiritually refreshing than being in an intimate group of storytellers next to the beauty and energy of the sea? Jay is a master at setting the boundaries for a safe environment where you can feel free to explore and take chances."
- Dee Kimbrell, Storyteller, Author, Workshop Leader

"I always admired your prodigious talent. What came as a wonderful bonus was the discovery of your warmth and generosity . . . your genuine interest in your students and your abiding interest in activities that expand your artistic horizons."
-Arthur Fox, Chairman, Royalty Capital Management, LLC

Registration Information

Cancellation Policy

• If you cancel your reservation before August 24 and we are able to fill your place, we will refund all but $25.  After August 24 we will refund all but $50 if we are able to fill your space.

Deposit

• $150 required at the time of registration

Participants

• Limited to 9 people

Place

• Alice's House, Humarock Beach, Scituate, MA       Phone: 781-834-1220

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