National Youth Storytelling Showcase

NYSS youth and parents are invited to attend the workshops and presentations listed below. If more than one option is designated during the same time, NYSS participants and parents may choose which workshop they will attend.

Friday February 10, 2012

7:30-8:30am Registration at the Brigham Young University Conference Center

8:30-9:30am Keynote Address from Susan O'Halloran
Creating a Storytelling Community: Living on the Gratitude of Latitude

9:30-9:45am Break

9:45-11:45am Breakout Session A

Choose from the following:

• Antonio Rocha - The Magical Realm of Transitions The blank area between the end of one paragraph and the beginning of the next is where most of the magical creativity lies. Learn how to create incredible transitions that will put your signature into any story.


• Rick Walton - E-Books: Where They Are, Where They're Going, and How You Can Get On Board E-books are here to stay but the paths to e-book publishing are almost as varied as the e-books themselves. From traditional contracts with publishers to vendors to publishing it online yourself, this workshop will provide the information you need to select the best path for your book or story.

       11:45am -12:45pm Lunch

       12:45-1:20pm Showcase Performance featuring Ilene Evans
                                      Behind Enemy Lines: Harriet Tubman in the Civil War

1:20-3:00pm Breakout Session B

Choose from the following:

• John Graham - Breath: The Source of Your Power This intensive, heavily participatory workshop will explore several techniques to increase the stamina and range of your breath; deepen your connection with your story and your audience; and increase your vocal health. Come ready to move. 

• Karla Huntsman - Storytelling 101: Sensationally Successful Methods for Accessing Your Storytelling Potential How do I structure a story? What do I do with my body? What do I do with my voice? Participants in this highly interactive workshop will develop increased understanding and skill level in the foundational principles of highly successful storytelling.

      3:30-5:30pm Breakout Session C

       Choose from the following:

• Donald Davis - Picking Fruit from the Family Tree

• Bill Ratner - Voiceovers for Storytellers: Finding Your Best Voice Participants engage in exercises including vocal warm-up, experimenting with new and different ways of using your voice, focusing on delivery, cadence, pacing, and oral interpretation. Includes info on finding employment in the field of voiceovers.

7:30 - 9:30pm

Tales for a Midwinter EveFeaturing Donald Davis, Bil Lepp, and Antonio Rocha
All NYSS participants will be invited to attend the concert.
This concert will be held at Orem High School.

Saturday February 5, 2011

8:30-9:30am  Keynote Address from Bil Lepp
Jack Was New Too: Modern Stories and Their Relevance

9:30-9:45am  Break

9:45-11:45am Breakout Session D

Choose from the following:

• John Graham - Shifting Into Character: Placing the Character in Your Voice and Body This intensive, heavily participatory workshop will explore several techniques for increasing the range of your characters through voice placement and Michael Chekhov physical centering work. Come ready to move.

11:45am-12:45pm Lunch and Q & A with Tellers

12:45-1:20pm Showcase Performance featuring Mary Hamilton
Haunting Tales

1:20-2:30pm Keynote Address from Donald Davis
Remembering Kathryn Tucker Windham: Lessons from a Favorite Storyteller

        2:30pm-4:00pm Bil Lepp - Bil and the Kids - A special workshop for young storytellers. Join five time champion of the
      West Virginia Liars Contest and celebrated national storyteller Bil Lepp for an hour of creating story.

      4:00-4:15pm Break

      4:15-5:15pm National Youth Storytelling Showcase Concert, Hosted by Bil Lepp
      A chance for all the NYSS participants to show their stuff! This free concert is open to all conference participants and
      any interested members of the general public.

      5:15-6:30pm Dinner Break

7:00p.m.

The Midwinter Finale Concert
Featuring Susan O'Halloran, Mary Hamilton, and Concert Presenters
All NYSS participants will be invited to attend the concert.