Core Skill In Focus: Storytelling
What is storytelling?
Storytelling is more than reciting facts about something that happened. Good storytelling creates worlds, transports audiences, and leaves lasting change in its wake. Storytelling doesn’t always happen with words, and it isn’t always narrative. Dancers tell incredible stories using only movement. Painters share intense details of a specific moment with their audiences. Sometimes these visual mediums are abstract, stretching the imagination to create stories of our own.
How do we use it in theatre?
Thespians work with narrative and world-building storytelling. We use visual, aural, and emotional mediums. We creat subtle details to convey larger than life stories. We put ourselves squarely in the seat of our audience and ask things like: what will make them feel like they are in a World War II bunker? What will convince them that they are dining with royalty? How can I communicate that I am slowly becoming more and more paranoid? The stories we tell are nuanced and urgent. They are everyday life and magnificent.
Why is it important in life?
Raise your hand if you have ever had to give a presentation? ✋
Convince your friend to try that new BBQ place? ✋
Get your kids excited for a big day of chores? ✋✋
All of these things share one thing in common: Storytelling. To be successful in any of these ventures, you must take your audience on a journey. It could be a journey of understanding, of growing anticipation, or imaginary dragon slaying. If you understand how to convey the story you want your audience to follow, you can take them anywhere you want to go.
How can I bring this skill home?
Storytelling is all around us, and fun for every age. Here are some suggestions:
Tots and Pre-K: Tried and true read-alouds. Study after study has shown us how critical this activity is for young learners. As you read, lean in to the emotions of the characters, or the atmosphere of the story. Go over the top and really model each aspect of the story for your kids.
Elementary School: Rainstorm is an easy Drama Spot game to recreate at home. Sitting around a table, everyone starts by lightly tapping their fingers on the table, creating the sound of rain. Slowly, the rain gets louder and loud; eventually everyone is pounding on the table. Then, the rain begins to subside and slowly fades away.
Middle School: Hot seat is a version of two truths and a lie that requires some great storytelling. The person in the hot seat tells two things that are true and one that is a lie. Then the other players get to ask follow up questions about any of the facts. The person in the hot seat must keep their stories straight and convincing!
High School: One-word story is a fun way to engage your teen in easy conversation, especially in car rides. It’s as straightforward as it sounds: taking turns, each person adds to the story one single word at a time. It’s simple, but it’s not easy!
