NEST Storytelling Basics Call For Proposal

 

DEADLINE: Proposals must be received by Tuesday, August 15

 

About NEST Storytelling Basics

NEST Storytelling Basics video series is designed to introduce learners to the mechanics of storytelling, including how to find, shape, practice, and tell a story. The videos will be owned and subscriptions will be marketed by NEST. Videos will be available on the NEST website as a service to the storytelling community.

There will be eight 30-minute parts in the NEST Storytelling Basics Series. Individual parts should address the topics listed. The sessions should be designed for beginning storytellers.

 

Part #1  Getting Started

Suggested Contents

  • What is oral storytelling? Kinds of storytelling events/audiences
  • Genres and storytelling styles
  • Relationships in storytelling – story, storyteller, audience
  • How to find storytelling guilds and local organizations

 

Part #2  Crafting Traditional Stories

Suggested Contents

  • Kinds of traditional stories (folk tale, fairy tale, fable, etc.)
  • Finding and evaluating sources
  • Learning the story
  • Making the story your own
  • Introduction to copyright restrictions and ethics

 

Part #3  Crafting Personal Stories

Suggested Contents

  • Finding the story/story prompts
  • Looking for the universal in the personal
  • Shaping a personal story to serve the audience

 

Part #4 Story Structure

Suggested Contents

  • Elements of story
    1. creating the scene
    2. conflict/problem
    3. middle/plot thickens
    4. climax/turning point
    5. end/solution
    6. resolution
  • Crafting a strong opening and closing
  • Alternative plot structures

 

Part #5 Embodying the Story

Suggested Contents

  • Voice and expression
  • Movement and gestures
  • Rhythm and repetition

 

Part #6 Learning and Polishing the Story

Suggested Contents

  • Personal learning styles
  • Rehearsal and practice
  • Being attuned to and adapting to audience reactions
  • Offering and receiving feedback
  • Finding a support team

 

Part #7 & #8

Propose topics that would complement but not repeat the contents in Parts 1-6

 

Requirements and Compensation

The presenter(s) of each part will create a 30-minute lesson with a supplementary handout and a video recording of the lesson of acceptable quality. (NEST will do the final editing of each lesson.) The presenter(s) of each part will receive $200 on delivery of the video and handout, plus 25% of earnings after the first $200 of sales.

 

If you have questions after reading through this information and the proposal form, please reach out to Katie Knutson at nestorytelling@gmail.com

 

Summary of what’s required to apply

  • Detailed outline of your proposed lesson
  • Background information and references
  • A link to a 5 to 10 minute video of yourself teaching a storytelling skill. Your video sample should have clear audio, lighting, and a simple background. Here is a link for some video tips: https://visme.co/blog/video-tips/.