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Storytelling: Going Back to the Basics

© Dave Brandl

Q: How much do acting and theatrics play in storytelling?

Sondra: It is a form of acting, certainly. As I mentioned, character development is important for believability. My version of theatrics comes most into play with children's storytelling or that which I do for families. For adults, my performances tend to be more toned down.

Helen: A good storyteller brings in the senses and a sense of "being in the moment" in his/her storytelling -- which is very much like theatrics. My experience with storytelling, though, is that it's a lot more intimate (because of the direct contact with the audience -- breaking through that imaginary barrier) than stage acting.

(Next month we'll conclude the interview with Helen and Sondra, including their sources of ideas, methods of writing and rehearsing, and how they prepare for performances. In the meantime, here are some other sources for information about storytelling: Origins of Storytelling; Reading is Fundamental: The History of Storytelling; The History of Storytelling (From The MIND of Mankind); and The History of Storytelling by Uncommon Knowledge. Enjoy.)