STORYTELLING FOR GROWN-UPS // 06.01.19
Practice the art and craft of telling true stories in this participatory workshop with Giuliana Serena and Nan Seymour of The Bee.
In this workshop, we'll explore some of the "hows" and "whys" of compelling storytelling and attentive listening and help participants find and foster voice through a combination of guided writing prompts, oral storytelling exercises, and practical instruction.
Experienced and aspiring storytellers - and even those who don't consider themselves to be "storytellers" at all - are invited to join us; we are experts at encouragement and creating brave space for people to be themselves together.
“Inclusive and welcoming – from the start, there was an immediate immersion into a community of storytellers. This connection only grew as we shared our stories. An excellent way to learn about the process of crafting a good story, thank you!” – Jessie
“A unique opportunity for introspection – I can’t think of a better way to have spent these past several hours. This was amazing, thank you!” – Jenny
“A group strangers took a 180° within just a few hours! I’m leaving feeling well nourished, with a sense of confidence and forgiveness. I needed this. Thank you.” – Nathan
“Awesome facilitation! I felt cared for, seen, and heard. This was a really wonderful way to spend an afternoon; a brave space filled with kind, interesting, and creative people.”
REGISTRATION
This workshop is open to the public (adults & mature teens are welcome).
$115 per participant. Space is limited to 18 & pre-registration is required. Your place will be guaranteed once you complete our registration form and submit payment.
** In response to enthusiastic feedback from participants, we have extended this workshop to 5 hours (previously it was 4 hours long). We’re excited to have even more focused time to write, reflect, and share stories with you! **
If registration is cost-prohibitive for you, we invite you to apply for a scholarship.
“If you want to spark your creativity or try something new - take this workshop!” – Mandy
“I’m so glad I took this workshop! Very productive and well worth the time. Thank you for your contribution to storytelling in SLC!” – Joanita
“I feel so much better equipped to think about my stories and move them forward. Thank you!” – Jessica
“Great atmosphere! A perfect way to get out of your comfort zone.” – Bryton
“Anyone who wants to develop the art of storytelling would benefit from this workshop.”
"Not only beneficial for those who want to hone their storytelling, but an excellent way to find and share your voice in a supportive environment. Giuliana & Nan are fabulous." – Karen
PRACTICALITIES
TIMING: 12-5pm Saturday June 1st, 2019. This workshop is highly participatory and beginning & ending together is essential. Please plan sufficient time to arrive and get settled, and to stay through until the end. Our doors will open 15 minutes before our official start time.
PLEASE BRING: A favorite pen, a notebook if desired (worksheets will be provided), a water bottle, and most importantly of all - a willingness to participate imperfectly. We will have some snacks on hand, though you are welcome to bring your own if you like and/or if you have any particular food allergies or preferences. The studio is a shoe-free space so bring along a pair of socks or slippers if you prefer not to be in bare feet!
LOCATION: We will be gathering at Mindful Yoga Collective, located at 223 South 700 East, Suite 4, Salt Lake City, 84102. The building is on the east side of 700 E, and runs east to west. We are in the east-most studio. This venue is fully ADA accessible.
PARKING: Please note that to enter the parking lot, you'll need to be driving northbound on 700 E (due to the divider down 700 E) so you can turn right into the lot. You are welcome to park in any of the 45* spaces along the north side of the 223 building. If those are taken, please find parking nearby on the street. Do not park in the lot northeast of the building - you will be at risk of being towed if you do.
ABOUT OUR FACILITATORS
Giuliana Serena & Nan Seymour are experts at encouragement and creating brave space for people to be themselves together.
Giuliana Serena
Giuliana is the Beekeeper and Founder of The Bee. She hosts and produces our monthly & curated shows, facilitates storytelling workshops, and offers consulting services to individual storytellers and organizations.
Her commitment to creating intentional space for brave storytelling and engaged listening is rooted in her work as a Ceremonialist and Rites-of-Passage Facilitator, with a particular affinity for progressing culture, attuning to the cycles of nature, and celebrating the seasons of life.
She appreciates the opportunity to hold space for community to share authentically, witness one another, and experience transformation; from the wilds of nature to classrooms to the depths of dark and crowded bars.
Nan Seymour
Nan is The Bee's Director of Narrative Encouragement. She has facilitated writing and storytelling workshops for dozens of groups, including cancer survivors, high school students, homeless writers, and survivors of domestic violence.
She offers an ongoing schedule of expressive and generative writing courses at her River Writing studio in Salt Lake City.
Nan spent seventeen years as a miller and baker of whole-grain bread. She learned something about process by milling the wheat. She acquired some patience while waiting for the loaves to rise.
She is currently co-authoring a dual voice memoir with her 24 year-old daughter Beatrice. Their forthcoming book tells the story of a Utah girl who survives the perils of a misgendered adolescence to claim her true name and identity.
REFLECTIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS
"I absolutely love how this workshop guided me through the process of telling part of my story. Thank you." – Becky
“Not nearly as terrifying as I thought it would be!”
"What a beautiful community of storytellers. I needed this." – Lauren
"I go to therapy a lot and have found my biggest struggle is to connect emotionally with myself. This space isn't therapy but it allows the safety and encouragement to be imperfectly yourself and I love that. Take this workshop if you want to become a better listener and connect with yourself." – Madeline
“Incredible human connection between complete strangers!”
"The best environment I can think of for a novice. Cheaper than college." – Sue
"A space to reclaim my memories, words, and voice."
"I would absolutely recommend this workshop. I think gathering in small groups like this & sharing so much is empowering & so necessary." – Laurel
"Informative and empowering while also permitting space and time for connection."
"I'm in disbelief that the 4 hours are up. I feel grateful for Giuliana & Nan's process and encouragement, and to have gone deep and vulnerable with a group of strangers and have no regrets." – Larry
"Feels like we got to know each other on a deeper level.”
"The exercises helped me think more deeply about my story and uncover more pertinent details. Great experience - thank you!" – Camille
“A rare experience to engage with others in real, honest, genuine, and vulnerable ways.”
"A great way to get in touch with your experiences and stories in a supportive space."
QUESTIONS?
Still not sure if this workshop is right for you? Get in touch with any questions!