Module 4
Storytelling Skills & Workshops
The training laboratory is an immersive course where storytellers, mentors and partner organisations come together to build the foundation of the project and train, bond and enter the storytelling community. Ideally, the laboratory would take place over a few days, as a residential. This chapter offers practical steps to help you design and deliver a laboratory phase that equips storytellers, strengthens partnerships, and sets the stage for impactful final performances.
Alden Biesen Course Preparation
For the Cassandra Project, the training journey began with an first international residential course in Alden Biesen, Belgium. The document linked here outlines the concept for this course, the course objectives, programme details, expected outcomes, and example workshop plans. Cassandra included 16 young storytellers, five festival organisers, and six mentors/trainers. Enjoy exploring!
Alden Biesen Training Schedule
The training schedule from the Alden Biesen course. This can be used as an example for other storytelling workshops and events.
Clicking the respective tab on the side, you can also find descriptions for all workshops hosted in Alden Biesen during the training.
Amsterdam Schedule
The second international residential course took place in Amsterdam and focused on performance. The schedule allowed storytellers to collaborate with different mentors, getting feedback on the “gaps” in their stories and performances. They also had the chance to rehearse with international trios they would perform alongside, preparing together for the stage. Additionally, there was time to discuss careers in Storytelling and creative entrepreneurship with extensively expereinced festival organisers.
FEST Storytelling Competence Model
“Storytelling in 8 Colours” describes eight key areas of storytelling skills. The first four – Research, Craftsmanship, Art, and Performance – are the main focus, and every storyteller should aim to become proficient in these areas to a certain level. This profile serves as a helpful guide to identify strengths and weaknesses, allowing storytellers to set goals for their growth in their training journey.
Alden Biesen Workshops
Description, guidelines and activities of all workshops by mentors and trainers at the Alden Biesen course.
Click on the workshop titles to receive more information and download the workshop sheets.
Young Storyteller Podcast
Discussion on Socially Engaged Storytelling
Join a conversation with young storytellers as they discuss the important aspects of socially engaged storytelling.
The Role of the Mentor
A podcast with Tom Van Mieghem (BE)
Join a conversation with young storytellers as they discuss the important aspects of socially engaged storytelling. 36-minutes