Stories Workshops

 "OUR OWN STORIES" 

WORKSHOPS

(Easing into Autobiographic Storytelling)

 

 

Participants in this supportive setting find and tell their stories through creative, easy, step-by-step activities, using both writing and telling techniques. 


It is most successful as a follow-up to one of Barbara’s one-woman shows- serving as a springboard to participation.

Ideal group size: 10-12; a maximum of 3 groups can work with space for 3 circles. 

Length has varied- from one hour following a performance- to a week. 

            

Leader Background

Barbara as guide brings years of experience, plus specialized training at Esalen Institute with Spalding Gray, noted autobiographic storyteller. She has conducted workshops at schools, retirement centers, conferences, retreats, and at a Women's Self Esteem Workshop including Gloria Steinem!

            

 

 

 

STORY CIRCLES

 

Another way of sharing stories, Story Circles function independently- usually weekly. Fun and fellowship are featured in the easy-to-follow format using the Native American tradition of "passing the stick,” empowering the speaker and stifling interruptions. Story prompts are offered by the leader (i.e. “Places I have lived…” “What I’m really good at…” etc.).


The Training of Story Circle leaders is yet another option, individually arranged.

 

See sample reviews of past workshops: wwwbarbarabatessmith.com

 

  

Barbara Bates Smith

2801 Wheat Street, Columbia SC

barbarabatessmith@gmail.com

828-421-7685

www.barbarabatessmith.com




MORE PERSONAL BACKGROUND


STORY CIRCLE 
Heightened experience in a 3-year stint leading a mixed homeless/housed group
at Haywood St.Congregation, Asheville NC; this type circle as a service.

How it all started:
Touring 1-woman shows, with post-show "Our Own Stories" workshops- 
Selected for a "True Stories" workshop with Spalding Gray at Esalen Institute;

Culminating in Tampa with a musical production:        
"JAZZ, JAM, NO JIVE," with 25 African-American teenagers (& Nat Adderley) based on their own stories & leading to more interest in:  

ACTIVISM
Social Justice: proud of my "I Went to Jail with Rev. Barber" button in  Moral Monday movement, Raleigh NC;
Racial Justice: proud of my "Black Lives Matter" button, NAACP, & Changemakers for Racial Understanding;
Populism: "Our Revolution" member: grassroots movement of Bernie Sanders & Nina Turner;
Peace: went to DC  'way back, to protest the pre-emptive Iraq war.


SPIRITUAL MATTERS
    I seek Mindful meditation groups or "sanghas,"  Thich Nhat Hanh style;
    Seeking a church community with diverse membership & social outreach;

STUDIES OF INTEREST
    Sign Language
    Book Club (a decade of James Joyce under my belt)
    Aging gracefully

SPECIAL  PLEASURES
       Music in a Group: I brought only my harmonica & uke with me;
      Dancing in a Group

                                                                                                                                                 

barbarabatessmith@gmail.com