October 3-day workshop

October 15-17, 2010

Creativity Through Storytelling Workshop

With Jay O'Callahan and Mandi Kujawa
Workshop Schedule | Print Registration

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

Co-facilitating will be Mandi Kujawa from Banff, Canada. Mandi is a songwriter, singer, storyteller and librettist who will lead us in a variety of playful and helpful sound exercises which enrich character development.

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 thrives. "Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so." Doris Lessing

You need not be a "professional storyteller", only someone interested in creativity. Past participants have been from all walks of life including: college students, writers, ministers, yoga teachers, school teachers, librarians, business people, artists and retirees. "First, in the telling of our story, we come to accept who we are in new ways. Second, in the hearing of others' stories we come to understand our own stories better. And finally, in the telling and hearing, we are bound together in new and deep ways." Richard Peace.

The workshop is limited to 9 or 10 people and held at “Alice’s House”, a lovely old home by the edge of the sea in Humarock (a part of Scituate), Massachusetts. 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. .

Cost:

$390.00 per person includes breakfast foods, lunches, and dinners. Accommodations are not included in the cost. Accommodation for 6 participants is available at Alice's House for an additional $50 per night. The workshop begins Friday evening at 6:30pm with supper, and will end on Sunday by 2:00 pm.

Scituate is only an hour outside of Boston. If you fly into Logan Airport in Boston, there is an airport bus that will bring you to South Station where you can then take a train to Scituate, MA where you’ll be picked up and taken to the workshop.

Quotes from past participants:

"After the workshop was over, I felt so alive. A part of me for which 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

"The moment I stepped into the warmth of the kitchen at Alice's House, with the smell of Linda's cooking, the laughter of people and the sound of Jay's voice, I knew this was going to be one of those special moments that life brings. The candles that burnt in the hearth as the energy of the Atlantic surged outside, truly portrayed that Stories are like candles in the mind and Jay lit ours one by one, so our creativity grew. It was magical and never to be forgotten."

-Lesley Dowding, New Zealand Storyteller

 "...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

"This workshop allowed me to relax in a way that I have never before experienced, and allowed me to discover a creative potential within myself that I had never seen before."

 -Sara Meyer, Holy Cross College Student - October 2007

"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

"Over the weekend I have been inspired by your approach to the creative process, your humor toward your own artistry and your etiquette. You are generous and open, still growing and supporting growth around you. Quite amazing. I did not want to leave under the shade of your safe and encouraging wing."

-Jessica Fox, Franklin and Marshall College Senior

"Through Jay's careful compasson, we were all kings and queens for a week. His reverent attention to each of us allowed us all to let our stories shine. A powerful, caring, rewarding workshop."

-Joyce Grenier, Storyteller - October 2008 5-day Workshop

"Alice's House has given me the place, the time and the safety of encouraging people with whom to begin the commitment to a story I have wanted to shape for many, many years. Thank you again."

-Pat Spalding, Puppeteer - October 2008 5-day Workshop

"This is the place to come to grow my craft in a safe, fun community. We laugh, sing, weep a bit and share.

-Betty Kornitzer, Unitarian Universalist Minister - October 2008 5-day Workshop

Registration Information

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your reservation before September 1, and we are able to fill your place, we will refund all but $25. After September 1, we will refund all but $50 if we are able to fill your space.

Deposit
$250 required at the time of registration

Participants
Limited to 9 or 10 people

Place
Alice's House, Humarock Beach, Scituate, MA

Phone: 781-834-1220