First Person StoryWorks™
A workshop in the art of personal narrative storytelling
Want to tell a story but don't know where to begin? Or are you experienced writer who wants to move from the page to the stage? Maybe you just want to have fun exercising dormant creative muscles? Wherever the urge is coming from, lean in! Learn the art of personal narrative storytelling in a four-part series lead by our producer and host, Diane Kastiel. Registration in on a first-come, first-served basis; maximum class size is kept to 8 participants to ensure personal attention and development of your unique story.
Workshops are held on Saturday mornings
(9-noon) at our headquarters (aka, Diane's house). Hit the yellow box for info on our next session.
Want to tell a story on stage but not sure how to go about it? This four-part workshop takes you from story idea to a polished piece that's ready to tell to a live audience. Sessions are highly interactive and hands on, but grounded in personal narrative constructs and drawing on Diane's experience as a lifelong writer active in Chicago's storytelling and performance community for 10 years. Topics include:
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What’s the big deal about The Moth? Understanding the popularity of personal narrative storytelling.
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What makes a good story? Learning the basics of the craft.
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Am I really that interesting? Brainstorming story ideas.
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Separating the wheat from the chaff. Finding “the story” in life experiences.
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The slippery nature of truth. Crafting an honest and fair story.
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Lose the paper. Why telling is so much better than reading and how to master it.
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Yes, you can! Banishing stage fright.
Price: $180 - 50% deposit due upon registration; balance due first day of class.
"Diane is a master storyteller and inspiring teacher. Her approach combines valuable models with hands-on exercises and engaging examples from a variety of storytellers. After taking her workshop, you'll have a clear idea of how to craft a compelling story and be flush with ideas for getting started. Diane has the ability to spark our inner storyteller - I left my first session with her hungry to start typing."
- Shana Carroll, Clinical Associate Professor and and Academic Director, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
"First Person's storytelling workshop gives you that first-person attention in a supportive small group. Diane's expert knowledge turned my seeds of story ideas into well-crafted pieces and I was confident to perform in front of others. Each session builds on the next and the feedback from others is extremely helpful. Diane's support and encouragement throughout the process gave me confidence and direction to take this hobby to the stage."
- Lauren Kelliher, Buffalo Grove writing tutor
"Combining your written word with a storytelling format is a liberating experience for those who love the written word and but want to overcome the hesitation of speaking in public. BOTH are nurtured in this workshop. I highly recommend it for those who want to bring their work to life in a whole new way."
- Nancy Chovancek, Wheaton dog whisperer
"Storytelling is a creative outlet and helps you push your comfort zone. Great training and development around your professional and personal life. Thank you Diane, workshop was extraordinary!
- Scott Schoeller, Lake Forest landscape designer