So I joined an internet google discussion group for Professional Storytellers, and a question was raised I felt was worth responding to: Do you need theatrical training to be a storyteller.  My response is below, and I would love to hear your thoughts on my response.  As I try to establish myself in the world, I am currently questioning what it is I do do and what it is I want to do.  I know I want to be a storyteller, but how is that done is the question.  Well, that’s my question, I hope all is well for you and all the best finding the answers you need, cause I’m sure you have a lot of questions as well.  Enjoy it all!

David, thank you for bring a good question to the forum.  And thank you to everyone who has responded, it reads as if a lot of thought has gone into these responses, and I would like to add my own thoughts as well as build on the question by asking another question.

First my thoughts on theatrical training and storytelling:  In brief, NO, theatrical training is not necessary (Kathryn Windham, Ray Hicks, and so on…).  Does theatrical training help with storytelling?  As has been mentioned in several previous responses, yes, it can.  I began my exploration of the performance arts through theater, and it was through the theater that I was introduced to storytelling.  There are many technical skills that a theatrical training introduces that are bennificial in storytelling (ie. stage presence, stage vocal work, diction, physical stage movement if your into that).  I also feel, as Rivka (I love your name) mentioned, that theatrical training can become a burden to storytelling.  While storytelling is a performance, it is also about dismantling that “forth wall.”  I have found in theater, even one person shows, there is a barrier between the performer and the audience.  If the character is speaking to the audience, it feels as if they are not speaking to you directly, but to the character they have defined you as representing.  As I study storytelling I am recognizing the importance of not performing for the audience, but giving the story to the audience.  There seems to be an undefined technique (at least not clearly defined as far as I know) to storytelling that is about transcend the immediate performance and move into (for lack of a better location name) the realm of the story.  So, in answer to the first question, I suggest theatrical training can help as long as you recognize it is Theatrical training, and not storytelling – I feel it is essential to differentiate (as a side note: I highly recommend watching Jay O’Callahan [on DVD is he isn’t planning any Icelandic Tours] for a performer who masterfully walks the line between theater and storytelling).

And now for the second part of my response, the question:  In the digital discussion that has been inspired by this question, it seems we are all beating around the bush of an essential question to contemporary storytelling: what is it?  How do we define “a storyteller”?  I read several responses suggesting storytelling comes from having the passion, the fire for stories burn inside you, and frankly, those sorts of answers bother me.  The definition is too unspecific; open to such subjective interpretation that it loses all meaning.

I believe it was Rachel who cited how loosely the term “storyteller” is tossed about Hollywood, and I think until there is a clear defining of what it means to be a storyteller we cannot reasonably criticize the overuse of the term.  Personally, if I am told “Oh, Stephen Spielberg is such a great storyteller,” I will quickly respond “Hell no he isn’t.  Spielberg is a film director, be he great or be he not so great, that’s a preference issue, but he certainly isn’t a storyteller.”  The Spielberg advocate may then counter my impassioned response with, “Well then, what is a storyteller.”  I have no recourse at this point.  If “to be a storyteller” is not defined, I cannot argue what I feel is a misuse of the term.

I do have some thoughts on that question, and it may soon be time to articulate those.  First, however, I’d like to open the question to all here:  What is a storyteller?  It seems we can agree that you don’t need theatrical training, so what does it mean to be trained as a storyteller.  Are there any defined techniques?  Is there a sort of “method storytelling” (ie. “I subscribe to the Claflinesk technique, as I have this strange fascination with the imbecility of mooses” or “I tend to take a Windhamian approach to my work”)?  Please note, I mean those examples only half satirically.  I feel a storytelling technique or techniques should be in some way defined so we, as artists, can better communicate with mainstream culture as a whole and interact with critics on a clearer level.  Just my thoughts.

Lethan Candlish
www.travelingtales.net

It has been a long while since I’ve had a chance to write you, so, instead of trying to fill you in on all my adventures - the task would take novels - I will tell you where I’m at now.

After a sucessful tour in Pennsylvania, I’ve returned to Tennessee for my last year of graduate school, and I’ve moved to the storytelling capital of the world, that’s right friends, I know live on Main Street in Jonesborough, TN, about 100 yards away from the international storytelling center.  I’m still working out a few details (financially, I’m anxiously waiting for my student loans), but am starting to get settled and learn my routine.

As for my storytelling projects, there are three primary ones that I will bring to your attention:

1) I have begun working at the University School again, only this time I will be telling to grades K-5, so it will be a BUSY year with that - fortunately I have a month before the concerts begin, so I can work on expanding my repetoir, so I have a lot of folklore books I’m reading and working to discover what stories speak to me.  Hard Hard Hard, but its fun and its what I do.

2) I am currently doing an independent study on Lord Buckley as a storyteller.  Some of you may have seen the performance this summer with Crystal Newby at Bloomsburg University (a great success, thank you to all involved, especially Crystal and my father), and I am continuing with that work.  I will be working to learn more about Lord Buckley’s philosphy, life, and style as well as better mastering many of the pieces I already perform - improving the diction and the natural feel of the performance.   It’s nice because much of the labor was already done this summer, so I can now work on ironing out the details, though I do plan on learning at least one new piece (when my student loans come in and I can purchase the recording I need to study from).
3) I am working to explore the relation between comedy and storytelling.  I feel a need to popularize storytelling among my generation (20/3o somethings) and help people to realize both its importance and the pure joy that comes from it.  I have decided I will attempt to craft a series of fast paced, humorous pieces, heavily influenced by Lord Buckley, aimed at this demographic.  From there, I will attempt to get some gigs in some comdey clubs where I will perform these pieces, and acknowledge that I am not a comedian, but something new (to the audience), something different.  My teacher, advisor, and mentor, Dr. Sobol, suggested I publicize myself as a humorist (think Mark Twain) as a way to let the audience know this is something different, but not fall into the stereotype of “a storyteller” (by this steotype I mean someone who tells simple fairytales to children in a calm, soothing voice - I do that, but I also do my alternative, fast paced humor stuff and that’s what young adults want).  If I then gain recognition for my work, I can reveal myself as a storyteller, and hip the crowd to what that can be.  If anyone has any thoughts on this, I’d love to hear them.

So that’s, in brief, where I’m at.  I’m pushing forward and learning how ere I can, and suceeding at some things, other things, not so much (maybe I’ll tell you those stoires someday, or maybe not), but that is life.  I hope all is well with you.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on these projects - particularly about labeling myself to young adult audiences as “a humorist.”

Also, as we all know, I’m not the best about keeping a regular blog going, but I’ve been in the process of putting myself on schedules, and I’m hoping to put myself on the schedule of posting each Sunday and tell you my adventures of the last week and/or  my plans of what’s to come.  Also, if something exciting happens, I may post mid week as well, but I WILL make it a plan to post at least once a week.  I hope this works, but whatever happens, until we meet again, may all the best adventures tumble your way.

We had the first performance of And Now, In Hip, Lord Buckley’s material, last night, and it went wonderfully.  I won’t try to make any false claims that is was perfect, because it wasn’t, but it was good.  It was real good.

The first piece, a hip translation of The Gettysburg Address, still had the audience trying to figure out what was going on, but by the second piece, Jonah and the Whale, they were with us.  We then sailed through a wide array of emotional experiences and it felt like we all went there together.  It was HIP it was FUNNY it was a thrill.

For everyone who came last night, thank you, you gave Crystal and I the experience we needed opening this show and it was such a good time.  I feel even more certain when I say that you all are Lords and Ladies.  For those who didn’t make it, there’s still one more performance (until we plan another run) and it would be a thrill to see you there.  But even if you don’t make it, I know you are ALL Lords and Ladies, and I look forward to seeing you again soon on my travels.

Keep it Hip,
Lethan

It has been a wild last couple of weeks, with LOTS of storytelling.  I’ve been telling stories at a wide variety of new locations, and have had fun at each spot.  What has been most rewarding, however, is the learning experiences I’ve had.   This tour has brought a new focus on just how different each audience can be.  I have found that both difficult and exciting.  I’m particularly excited because I believe this new awareness will help me prepare even more for my next tour.  I think I need to have a wider selection of stories that I might tell, just so I can better tailor my production to each individual audience when I arrive at the location.

And now, as this tour comes to a close, I prepare for another exciting and new experience: starting tonight I will perform two programs of Lord Buckley’s stories.  I’ve been working with my wonderful friend, Crystal Newby, for this production, and we are both excited about it.  We’ve played with the material in such a manner that, while we are altering the pieces slightly, I believe Lord Buckley would be excited by all of the changes.  And it had been a pleasure to work with my father on lights.  He has put together a fun little lighting flip that I believe will accent the show in a whole new way.  It does feel as if we are exploring storytelling in a brand new manner.  If any of you can make it, I highly recommend coming by; it’s certainly storytelling with a FLIP, and it is fun.

Well, time to run, we’ve got one last rehearsal before the show, and then we begin, and it’s gonna be HOT!

I won’t relate the details I know; I don’t feel we should go into that morbidity nor do I think it necessary.  Instead, I write you this to ask you, when you are with your friends and family, or even when you are just thinking of them, remember that you love them.  You don’t need to express it, though you certainly can, but do it because a few more thoughts about love are always needed in this world.  Life is a beautiful thing, but also fragile.  Love, however, is a large part of what makes this delicate existence beautiful, so please, feel it.

I love you. Thank you.

It’s been a while since I’ve taken the time to update you on my adventures in storytelling, and there certainly have been a bunch of them while at school.  I’ve been learning a lot, but it has not always been easy.  I thank each and every person who has been with me throughout this process.  While I continue to become more confident in my choice to become a storyteller, I also continue to have my eyes/spirit opened up to the harder parts of the art form.  I suppose that’s what graduate school is for.

  As for what I’m doing now…

Drum roll please…

I’m on tour!!!  I feel this is the first time I can say I’m really on an extended tour, and I’m thrilled to be able to say that!  While I’ve been on the road for a few days, or even almost a week at a time before, this summer I will be on the road for nearly a month.  I recognize it will be a LOT of work, but I’m also finding out just a fun it can be.  Already I’ve started and had two performances in the western part of Pennsylvania (the Monessen Public Library and the Carnegie Public Library), and both shows were beautiful.  I’m making lots of new friends at these libraries (and seeing some old friends around Pittsburgh) and we’re all sharing some beautiful stories.  I want to thank all the people who were involved in this planning process and all the new friends who have come to these performances.

And this is just the start.  Check out my schedule on www.travelingtales.net to see when I’ll be performing near you.  It looks like I’ll only be performing in Pennsylvania this summer, but it is such an honor to have the opportunity to really take some time on tour in my home state.

What’s more, I’m actually going to be on YouTube soon.  I’ve been looking at how to do this for a bit now, technology is not my strong point, but it my friend Erin Tipping (the children’s librarian at Carnegie Library) has video recorded the performance I did today and intends to put it on YouTube soon, oh so soon.  As soon as I know it’s up I will put a link to it on my site.  I also intend to put some of my other work up, as soon as I can work out the details.  I think it will be a fun way for all of you too keep up to date with how my programs are changing.  We will see how it all turns out, but keep checking in.  It’s gonna be fun!

I’m also particularly excited about two performances I have at the end of the month: And Now, In Hip.  I will be performing a series of Lord Buckley pieces at my school of undergraduate work, Bloomsburg University!  These performances will occur on Friday, June 27^th and Saturday, June 28^th at 8pm.  I will be exploring Lord Buckley’s work with my dear friend (and former prom date) Crystal Newby and my father.  Crystal will be treating all of us to her stellar vocal skills and will provide some soul/gospel music accompaniment while my father will be using his lighting skill magic and creating a light show that accents these works.  We’re going to have a performance that’s quite different from the typical storytelling concert, it’s gonna be WILD.  Check out my schedule for some more information.  Please note, however, that this program is not intended for children (it’s not obscene, but does deal with some mature subject matter).

I hope all is going well for you and I will do my bestest to keep you updated as to the progress of my travels (I recognize I’m bad with keeping a blog, but I really will try).  I look forward to seeing you on the road and, until next time, may all the best stories tumble your way.

Best,
Lethan Candlish

In brief: Walmart is suing a former employee for the money they paid out as part of her medical expenses when she was left nearly brain dead after a semi-truck crashed into her. WalMart claims that because the family received a settlement from the trucking company, the fact that she was under their health insurance policy does not matter. After making a profit of around 90 million dollars, they want 200 thousand dollars back that the family cannot afford with Debbie’s health care.

This is intolerable! This is the bastardization of capitalism and WalMart MUST END! We all must STOP this gross abuse of human dignity. This cannot continue. There is more info on CNN.com, facebook groups, or many other sites. Google: Debbie Shank. Do not let this insult to humanity continue.

Lethan

As some of you may know, one of my classes is formed around examining the Jewish Scriptures, also the Old Testament in the Christian Bible, as folklore; we have been exploring the book as a collection of stories.  This has been an exciting process for me and has opened my mind/ears to the wonder and beauty in these ancient stories.

As part of this, I have been reintroduced to the story of Moses, the Exodus from Egypt, and the parting of the Red Sea.  This story is incredible; as I’ve been exploring it, I am discovering a thousand twists and turns in the plot and character motivations that I had never been aware of before.  I’m excited to share this story (hopefully one day soon) with you and present a new look at the ancient epic of Moses.

Until next time, may all the best stories tumble your way.

Lethan

It began to sink in yesterday: I performed at the University School (where I work as a graduate assistant), and I feel it was the best performance I’ve done since the semester began.  The performance was for the 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade as part of a career day, so I was able to dust off some stories I’ve told countless times, but are some of my favorite to share.  I was expecting a fun performance, but I had no idea just how fun it would be!

Together we traveled on several grand adventures; I felt a complete unity with every person there.  The teachers and the students were all great listeners and they added to each of the stories at just the right moments, often unexpectedly.  We were all working together to create brand new stories that’s been told since near the dawn of humanity.

I left that performance basking in the beauty of storytelling, and have held onto that all through yester eve and today, and tonight I was working on an imitation of a piece by Lord Buckley that I intend to learn when the revelation hit.  The piece is titled “The Hip Ghan,” and it is about Mahatma Gandhi.  The piece concludes with a bebop scat session that Gandhi dives into, and in this moment, as a performer, I like to close my eyes and simply let the rhythms of the sounds wash over the story.

While doing this, a thought I’ve often heard attributed to Lord Buckley (and some other places as well) popped into my mind: “The theater is the modern-day church.,” and I realized that storytelling is much the same.  When stories are shared, everyone joins together for that time in a community, working together to create beauty.  Both joys and sorrows are shared in stories, but always, when those present are open the event, we become a community and support one another in the creating a story, and that is beauty.

I recognize that the words above don’t quite explain the sense I got this evening while rehearsing, experience is ineffable (cannot be described), but I’m going to continue to explore this thought, and work to – not understand – but, articulate why I feel a new spirituality with storytelling and what struck me this evening.  As for now, I don’t know, but I do like it.

Poseidon