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What's New? (updated 10/18/07) |
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The mission of the Ocali Storytelling Guild is to preserve, perpetuate, promote and celebrate the art of storytelling by developing and nurturing a storytelling community of tellers, audiences and enthusiasts.
The name Ocali is derived from an old Native American place name for the entire Central Florida area, and the guild enjoys support not only from Marion County, but many surrounding counties as well. Guild members include both storytellers and story listeners from all walks of life- teachers, librarians, business people, professionals, homemakers and retirees.
Simply put, storytelling is telling a story in an entertaining way. It is perhaps the world's most ancient art form. There are as many styles as there are storytellers. Some styles are culturally based. For example, in some parts of Africa, the audience raucously enjoins the teller, while in other parts of the world, the teller only proceeds when the audience is absolutely silent.
The types of stories being told today are equally varied- folktales, myths, legends, tall tales, religious stories and dramatic or humorous personal stories are being enjoyed by audiences of all ages. Some storytellers use mime, music, puppetry and theatrics, but the emphasis is always on the oral communication of a good story.
Meetings are free and open to the public...Come check us out!
The Ocali Storytelling Guild meets the third Monday of every month at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters, meeting room A at 6:00 pm. Meetings usually begin with members sharing stories for the first 45 minutes or so. Tellers may ask for feedback on stories that they are working on. Feedback should be positive and supportive, with any ideas for improvement being constructive and helpful. Stories may be followed by refreshments and end with a brief business meeting.
The Marion County Public Library Headquarters is located at 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala adjacent to the Ocala/Marion County Veteran's Memorial Park.
The magic that is storytelling is enlightening, educational and moving entertainment ideal for:
schools
libraries
museums
science and nature centers
festivals
church groups
civic and business groups
special occasions
holiday events
And look for these annual events presented by the Ocali Storytelling Guild:
Phantoms in the Forest -October
27, 2007
Tellabration
~November 16, 2007
11th
Annual Ocala Storytelling Festival ~April 18-19, 2008
The Ocali Storytelling Guild provides this performance directory as a convenience for the community. The Guild does not make any recommendations concerning the storytellers listed.
Things to consider when selecting a storyteller:
Audience
What audience will the teller be performing for? Is this a business, civic, religious, social or educational group? Will your audience respond to this teller? Consider the age, interests and general makeup of your group.
Time
How long should the teller's program be? Will this program be presented as one time block or will it be split into segments?
Fee
How much am I able to pay for these artistic services?
Check out Guild Goings-On at this update page.
Become an Ocali Storytelling Guild member today!
Benefits of membership include:
Opportunity to be listed in Performance Directory
Opportunities to participate in local events
Receive announcements of special workshops, story swaps, etc.
Meet new friends and support the ancient art of storytelling (and story listening!)
Don't miss out! Join other local storytellers and story lovers and help us promote our mission throughout the community. Membership dues are $12 per year - renewable in September of each year. E-mail
Taryn Evans if you are interested in becoming a member. Be sure to put
"storytelling guild membership" in subject line.
Check out some great storytelling resources.