Creativity
Extension Project for Storytelling Workshop
Assigned: April 13, 2017
Due: April 20, 2017
Storytelling can probably be considered the most ancient of art forms. It is the basis of community, culture, and history. In Liz Gruber’s workshop, you experienced both folktales -- stories handed down from generation to generation – and personal narratives -- unique to each individual, yet still resonating with listeners based on our common human experiences.
In a story, something happens that creates change: a change in circumstances, a change in knowledge, a change in a relationship, a change in perspective, perhaps a change of heart.
In this extension project you will write a story about an event that changed, in some way big or small, your relationship to art. Maybe it was a negative experience, maybe a positive one. Maybe it had a profound effect on the direction of your life, maybe it had a small, but still significant effect. It may have been an experience of a third grade teacher telling you that your picture was not good enough to hang up. Or a school play where you met your best friend. Or starting your own band in middle school. Or going to a museum where one particular painting took your breath away. Or a concert that you can still hear in your head. Or the first time you listened to a song that seemed to be written just for you or danced in public or spray painted your name on a rock.
The story should be written in the third person, as if it is being narrated by someone other than yourself. Include the types of concrete, specific details that make the setting, the characters and the situation come alive. Use Liz’s framework of
This is how things were
Then something happened
A problem/goal arose
The problem was solved/the goal reached
And this is how things are now
What happens in the story and what changes occur in you, to you, and/or by you? What are the effects on you and others?
Your story should be a minimum of 1,000 words. It should be typed, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins in Times New Roman 12 point font.
