Storytelling Tips

Storytelling

STORYTELLING is great preparation for the more advanced interp events because it gives you a chance to practice basic skills and really learn how to use your instrument (your voice, body, and face).  Storytellers do everything larger than life, so you really get a chance to expand your acting range.

What makes a good Children’s Storytelling?

·       Avoid books designed to teach reading; they are too simplistic and too repetitive.  Skew your audience a bit older and a bit more sophisticated (1^st thru 3^rd grade is a good target age). 

·       Generally avoid rhyming books; you will fall into sing-song patterns and put your judges to sleep.

·       Choose books with dialogue in addition to narration, interesting story lines, plots and multiple characters: the plot needs to hook the audience (what’s going to happen next?!) and multiple characters show off your acting skills (look for ways to make each character DISTINCT).  Careful of too many multiple characters, however—too many characters can be confusing.

·       Look for books that might allow you to incorporate sound effects—those are always appreciated (especially if they’re funny).  And since you can use minimal props and/or costume elements in Storytelling, consider adding those as well (but don’t let the props take over!).

·       Although there is no minimum time, anything less than 5 minutes is rarely competitive.  8 minutes is about right; 10 minutes is the absolute maximum.

·       Bring the book with you into the rounds, even if you don’t use it.  Set it up—it makes a nice visual aid and proves to the judge that what you are about to perform is actually published.

Another advantage is that if your FUNNY storytelling is long enough (at least 8 minutes), you can turn it into an HI.  Many state championship HI’s have been children’s stories!

Tip: Parodies or alternate versions of fairy tales work well in Storytelling, because they employ a bit of adult humor so your judges tend to appreciate them a bit more.

Can you add words?

Yes.  You may add up to 150 words.  Spice it up!  Add more dialogue!  Give characters funny things to say!  Just don’t change the author’s intent.  For example, you may NOT take Winnie the Pooh and turn him and his friends (Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Owl, Christopher Robin, etc.) into heat-packing gangsters—that would be violating author’s intent.

Can you do a serious book?

Yes, but most of the winning Storytellings make people laugh.  However, if you do something very heartwarming, and you can do it is such a touching way that tugs on the judges’ heartstrings, you’ll probably win first place.

Can you do a traditional fairy tale or folk tale?

You can, but you might not be as competitive as someone with more novel material.  Look for a spin on an old tale instead.  Above all,

HAVE FUN!