Module 6
Individual Story Development & Mentoring
Socially engaged storytelling allows artists to explore their own creative expression while connecting deeply with real-world themes. The storyteller is not a community facilitator but an artist with the agency to interpret and express stories in a unique way. However, this creative freedom comes with the responsibility to approach others’ experiences with care, respect, and authenticity. This section explores how to bring the research and social engagement phase to life. It focuses on helping new storytellers develop the skills to gather and share diverse stories with care and respect. It offers practical tips and links to exercises for creating meaningful conversations within communities and turning deep research into powerful, engaging performances.
Research & Community Work
How can a storyteller develop the skills to gather and share diverse stories with care and respect? How can you have meaningful conversations within communities and turn deep research into powerful, engaging performances?
The Role of the Mentors
Mentors talk about their role in the socially engaged storytelling (SES) training project.
What is the theme for your story?
What is your story about?
Performance Activity Sheets
The Role of the Mentor
A podcast with Lina Teir (FI/NO)
“The difference between coach, director and mentor? For me, a coach might come in, give advice and then step back. A director is responsible for the whole performance, and the storyteller performs within that framework. A mentor is something more. You are responsible not just for the product but for the overall experience: to develop the storyteller more than the story.”
The Role of the Mentor
A podcast with Rory De Groot (NL)
“There are two crucial elements: authenticity and controllable vulnerability. Therefore, I always start with the question: what do you want to tell? First the story has to resonate with you, it has to be important to you. Then we look for the form.”
Mentors' Takeaways
Here you can read about the mentors and how they approached some of the challenges they faced in their work with the young storytellers. Some tips and tricks to take away.