Archive for the ‘Class’ Category

Storytelling 201 – Take your storytelling to the next level

Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Tuesdays, Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 7, 21, and 28(final showcase), 2012 at Hamiltonian Gallery at 1353 U St, NW, Washington, DC 20009 (right across street from U St. Metro – Green/Yellow)

Pre-requisite: Storytelling 101 

The long-awaited and much-requested intermediate storytelling class is finally here!  In this class you will strengthen your storytelling skills and confidence. We will go deeper into technique and style and challenge you to try new things. Five 3-hour classes plus a comp to SpeakeaysDC’s June  open mic show. Limit 10 to ensure individualized attention. Instructors: Stephanie Garibaldi and Amy Couchoud (Find out more ) $325.

To pay by check: Make payable to SpeakeasyDC and send to 2639 15th St, NW #101, Washington, DC 20009. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number, and write the name of the class in the memo

DETAILS

Week 1 – Tues, Jan 24 – Class  – Finding new story materialreviewing story structure,  performance practice. Come prepared to tell a new story on the spot and bring three story seeds to share with group.

Week 2 – Tues, Jan 31 – Class -  Show, Don’t Tell

Week 3 – Tues, Feb 7 –  Class –  Experimenting with structure and sequence + making editing choices

Week 4 – Tues, Feb 14 – SpeakeasyDC Open Mic - You will be included on the comp list to SEDC’s monthly open mic storytelling show.

If you’ve never been it’s a great learning opportunity. You will hear 8-10 stories performed live on stage on this month’s theme. Doors open at 6:30pm, show at 8pm. Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th Street, NW (at the corner of U Street)

Week 5 – Feb 21 – Class – Finalizing and Fine-tuning your performance

Week 6 – Feb 28 – FINAL SHOWCASE – This is your chance to try your story out on a friendly invite-only audience of friends and family.

Please invite friends and family to save the date of Mar 30 from 7:30-9:00pm to see your perform and show support. Location: TBD.
Students are expected to arrive at 7 and stay till 10pm. Performances will be followed by a wrap-up after guests depart.

[DDET Refund Policy] SpeakeasyDC does not give refunds (full or partial) for voluntary withdrawal from the class. There are limited slots in the class so that we may give sufficient attention to each student. Because of this, we typically have to turn people away. Should you choose to withdraw, we will have a vacancy that we can no longer fill. [/DDET]

 

 

Storytelling 101 – Discover, develop, and perform true stories from your life (Waitlist)

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Hop on the storytelling bandwagon and join the legions of people nationwide learning how to take their life experiences and turn them into entertaining stories that can be told in front of an audience. Four 3-hour classes and a final showcase, plus a comp to SpeakeaysDC’s open mic show. Limit 12 to ensure individualized attention. $325.

REGISTRATION IS AT CAPACITY. TO ADD YOURSELF TO WAITLIST, EMAIL INFO@SPEAKEASYDC.ORG. If we get an opening, we will let you know. Keep in mind that often occurs the day before or day of the first class. 

To pay by check: Make payable to SpeakeasyDC and send to 1525 Newton St, N, Washington, DC 20010. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number, and write the name of the class in the memo.

Mondays, Jan 23, 30, Feb 6, Feb 20, and Feb 27(final showcase), 2012 from 7-10pm. First 4 classes will take place at Augustana Lutheran Church at 2100 New Hampshire Ave, NW Washington, DC 20009. Closest metro is U St/Cardozo Green/Yellow (about 5 blocks) MAP. Final showcase  on class 5 – location TBD

DETAILS - all classes 7-10pm

Week 1 – Mon, Jan 23 – Class– Finding story material + understanding story structure

Week 2 – Mon, Jan 30 – Class – Crafting your story + developing characters

Week 3 – Mon, Feb 6 – Class – Editing + polishing

Week 3 – Tu, Feb 14 – Comp to SpeakeasyDC’s monthly show (See Event Listings)

 

Week 4 – Mon, Feb 20 – Class – Practicing your story + Reviewing performance technique

Week 5 – Mon, Nov 27 – FINAL SHOWCASE - This is your chance to try your story out on a friendly invite-only audience of friends and family. Final showcase  on class 5 TBD

[DDET Refund Policy] SpeakeasyDC does not give refunds (full or partial) for voluntary withdrawal from the class. There are limited slots in the class so that we may give sufficient attention to each student. Because of this, we typically have to turn people away. Should you choose to withdraw, we will have a vacancy that we can no longer fill. [/DDET]

[DDET Class description]

This class is designed to teach the art of developing and performing an original, personal narrative drawn from real-life experience. We facilitate the storytelling process from beginning to end with each session centering on a step in the process. Students who join the class come from varied backgrounds and have different goals and applications. Some hope to perform on a SpeakeasyDC stage, others have found storytelling useful in the work they do, and others just enjoy the creative process and the community. There are 2 instructors and we cap this class at 12 to maintain a 6:1 ratio of student to teacher. [/DDET]

[DDET More about the curriculum]

In this class, you will:

  • learn how to find raw story material from your own memories and experiences
  • discuss the fundamentals of story structure
  • discover effective storytelling techniques
  • apply story techniques and structure to your own story
  • receive honest and thorough feedback from instructors and students
  • have the opportunity to practice your storyelling and perform in front of an audience
  • learn how to coach and support your peers in the story-creation process
  • hear a lot of great stories and watch yours and your classmates’ stories take shape over the four weeks
  • become part of a wonderful network of people with shared interests and knowledge

[/DDET]

[DDET Comments from alumni of SpeakeasyDC classes]

Taking the Storytelling 101 class was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Very talented and encouraging instructors helped us construct meaningful presentations of our true stories. I was taken by surprise by the feelings of connectedness that true storytelling brings about, and what a growing experience it was. I keep telling everyone I know to do this! –posted by kk3

I’ve had the great opportunity to participate in a class, an open mic, and a performance workshop with Speak Easy DC and in each event I took away a whole difference set of skills and “tricks of the trade”. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone wanting to learn how to craft an engaging story and/or learn to perform your work on stage. Not only is the crafting processes enjoyable, but you will never find a more embracing and accepting audience to present your work than those that attend the Speak Easy shows. I truly believe that Speak Easy DC is an exceptional NGO that affords novices and practiced storytellers alike with the opportunity to share their stories and grow as artists. — posted by jarkarta1

I’m about to take my second class with Speakeasy and I’m very excited. I learned so much on the first go around and many of my fellow classmates ended up telling their fantastic stories at open mic. What an entertaining evening…I laughed, I cheered, I cried and I can’t wait to go back again! — posted by ter

[/DDET]

[DDET Detailed directions and parking info to venue]

Metered parking is available, but may be tough to find. A lot of embassy spots open up right at 6:30, so if you aim to arrive by 6:30pm you can sometimes get lucky. You’ll have an easier time taking the Red line to Dupont. Exit on the North/Q st. side. Hillyer Art Space entrance is in in what looks like a parking lot.

[/DDET]

Up the Funny with Margot Leitman and Giulia Rozzi

Sunday, November 13th, 2011

Two workshops on bringing the funny to your stories with two accomplished comedians and teachers. Sunday, Nov 13 at Dance Place at 3225 8th St, NE. Plenty of parking. 10 min walk from Brookland Metro.  Save $25 if you register for both. One for $125 or both for $225. Space limited. Don’t miss Margot and Giulia in Stripped Stories on Nov 11 and 12 at Chief Ike’s.

INFO

Comedic Storytelling with Margot Leitman 9-12
Learn how to transform the embarrassing, strange or even mundane experiences of your life into comedy with Margot Leitman, Moth Grandslam winner, comedian and Upright Citizens Brigade faculty member. Leitman shows you how to find what’s funny in your foibles, structure a strong story and connect with your audience.

Using Improv & Theatre to Create Comedic Stories with Giulia Rozzi 12:30-3:30

You have a sense of humor. You have the desire to share. You know you’ve had stuff happen in your life but when it comes to thinking of stories to tell, you sometimes come up blank or your performance lacks that “oomf”. Now what?  In this workshop, we will use improv games and writing exercises to generate story ideas and turn things that may seem mundane into entertaining tales. You will also learn how to include more elements of acting into your storytelling  for a more theatrical and visual performance. By the end of the class you will have a rough draft of one newly crafted personal humorous story and a list of new story ideas to work on. You will also leave with more in confidence in how to tell these stories in a funny, honest, and unique way.
Please bring a pen and notebook to class.

 

ABOUT THE TEACHERS

 

Margot Leitman is the creator and head instructor of the Comedian Storytelling training program at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre in both New York and Los Angeles. She is an adjunct instructor at the San Francisco Comedy College, and worked in Perth, Australia this winter teaching a month long intensive through the Blue Room Theatre Company. She has taught corporately through Thompson Reuters, Tata Beverages Worldwide, Universal McCann, and Intercontinental Hotel Group. This fall she will teaching workshops at both the ALL FOR ONE Theatre Festival in NY, and the First Person Arts Festival in Philadelphia.

 

Margot’s off beat, brutally honest, fearless comedy has earned her the title of Moth Grandslam Champion, two ECNY nominations for “Best Female Standup,” and an additional nomination for “Best Storyteller.” However, Margot’s most prized accomplishment remains winning $1664 on “The Price is Right.”

Giulia Rozzi is a NYC based writer, comedian, actress and producer  raised in Boston by two adorable Italian immigrants. Her very personal, blunt, and animated comedy has earned her the honor of being named a Moth GrandSLAM champion, one of the Frisky’s ”Top 15 Comediennes You Should Be Laughing At” and a two-time ECNY Best Female Stand Up nominee. She’s appeared on MTV, Vh1, Italian MTV, CNN and in her original web series themessage-board.com . She co-hosts/created the highly acclaimed humorous sex-themed storytelling show (and now also a podcast) Stripped Stories and the bi-monthly Brooklyn based comedy show Dive Comedy. She has written for PlaygirlBUST, Glamour, XOJane.com, TheGLOC.net, NY PressLifetimetv.comLemondrop, AOL.comTakepart.com and the MTV series Silent Library where one of her ideas (licking cocoa butter off a mans hairy back) made Snooki vomit (so proud!) She has also contributed essays to the anthologies My Parents Were Awesome  and Mortified: Real Words, Real People, Real Pathetic. She is currently working on her first memoir about her depressed, drunk, divorced quarter-life crisis.  More at www.giuliarozzi.com.

 

 

Storytelling 101 – Discover, develop, and perform your life stories

Monday, October 24th, 2011

Hop on the storytelling bandwagon and join the legions of people nationwide learning how to take their life experiences and turn them into entertaining stories that can be told in front of an audience. Four 3-hour classes and a final showcase, plus a comp to SpeakeaysDC’s open mic show. Limit 12 to ensure individualized attention. $325.

To pay by check: Make payable to SpeakeasyDC and send to 1525 Newton St, N, Washington, DC 20010. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number, and write the name of the class in the memo.

Mondays, Oct 24, 31, Nov 7, 14, and 21, 2011 from 6:30-9:30pm. First 4 classes will take place at Hillyer Art Space at 9 Hillyer Court, NW Washington, DC 20008 (Near Dupont Metro – North exit)  See map. Final showcase  on class 5 will take place at Axum Restaurant and Lounge at 1934 9th St.NW MAP.

DETAILS - all classes 6:30-9:30pm

Week 1 – Mon, Oct 24– Class– Finding story material + understanding story structure

Week 2 – Mon, Oct 31– Class – Crafting your story + developing characters

Week 3 – Mon, Nov 7 – Class – Editing + polishing

Week 3 – Tu, Nov 8 – Comp to SpeakeasyDC’s monthly show (See Event Listings)

Week 4 – Mon, Nov 14 – Class – Practicing your story + Reviewing performance technique

Week 5 – Mon, Nov 21 – FINAL SHOWCASE - This is your chance to try your story out on a friendly invite-only audience of friends and family. Final showcase  on class 5 will take place at Axum Restaurant and Lounge at 1934 9th St.NW MAP.

[DDET Refund Policy] SpeakeasyDC does not give refunds (full or partial) for voluntary withdrawal from the class. There are limited slots in the class so that we may give sufficient attention to each student. Because of this, we typically have to turn people away. Should you choose to withdraw, we will have a vacancy that we can no longer fill. [/DDET]

[DDET Class description]

This class is designed to teach the art of developing and performing an original, personal narrative drawn from real-life experience. We facilitate the storytelling process from beginning to end with each session centering on a step in the process. Students who join the class come from varied backgrounds and have different goals and applications. Some hope to perform on a SpeakeasyDC stage, others have found storytelling useful in the work they do, and others just enjoy the creative process and the community. There are 2 instructors and we cap this class at 12 to maintain a 6:1 ratio of student to teacher. [/DDET]

[DDET More about the curriculum]

In this class, you will:

  • learn how to find raw story material from your own memories and experiences
  • discuss the fundamentals of story structure
  • discover effective storytelling techniques
  • apply story techniques and structure to your own story
  • receive honest and thorough feedback from instructors and students
  • have the opportunity to practice your storyelling and perform in front of an audience
  • learn how to coach and support your peers in the story-creation process
  • hear a lot of great stories and watch yours and your classmates’ stories take shape over the four weeks
  • become part of a wonderful network of people with shared interests and knowledge

[/DDET]

[DDET Comments from alumni of SpeakeasyDC classes]

Taking the Storytelling 101 class was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Very talented and encouraging instructors helped us construct meaningful presentations of our true stories. I was taken by surprise by the feelings of connectedness that true storytelling brings about, and what a growing experience it was. I keep telling everyone I know to do this! –posted by kk3

I’ve had the great opportunity to participate in a class, an open mic, and a performance workshop with Speak Easy DC and in each event I took away a whole difference set of skills and “tricks of the trade”. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone wanting to learn how to craft an engaging story and/or learn to perform your work on stage. Not only is the crafting processes enjoyable, but you will never find a more embracing and accepting audience to present your work than those that attend the Speak Easy shows. I truly believe that Speak Easy DC is an exceptional NGO that affords novices and practiced storytellers alike with the opportunity to share their stories and grow as artists. — posted by jarkarta1

I’m about to take my second class with Speakeasy and I’m very excited. I learned so much on the first go around and many of my fellow classmates ended up telling their fantastic stories at open mic. What an entertaining evening…I laughed, I cheered, I cried and I can’t wait to go back again! — posted by ter

[/DDET]

[DDET Detailed directions and parking info to venue]

Metered parking is available, but may be tough to find. A lot of embassy spots open up right at 6:30, so if you aim to arrive by 6:30pm you can sometimes get lucky. You’ll have an easier time taking the Red line to Dupont. Exit on the North/Q st. side. Hillyer Art Space entrance is in in what looks like a parking lot.

[/DDET]

Storytelling 101 – Discover, develop, and perform true stories from your life

Monday, September 19th, 2011

Hop on the storytelling bandwagon and join the legions of people nationwide learning how to take their life experiences and turn them into entertaining stories that can be told in front of an audience. Four 3-hour classes and a final showcase, plus a comp to SpeakeaysDC’s open mic show. Limit 12 to ensure individualized attention. $325.

To pay by check: Make payable to SpeakeasyDC and send to 1525 Newton St, N, Washington, DC 20010. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number, and write the name of the class in the memo.

Mondays, Sept 19, 26, Oct 3, 10  and 17, 2011 from 6:30-9:30pm. First 4 classes will take place at Hillyer Art Space at 9 Hillyer Court, NW Washington, DC 20008 (Near Dupont Metro – North exit)  See map. Final showcase location TBD. Instructors: Vijai  Nathan and Amy Couchoud .

DETAILS - all classes 6:30-9:30pm

Week 1 – Mon, Sep 19– Class– Finding story material + understanding story structure

Week 2 – Mon, Sep 26– Class – Crafting your story + developing characters

Week 3 – Mon, Oct 3 – Class – Editing + polishing

Week 4 – Mon, Oct 10 – Class – Practicing your story + Reviewing performance technique

Week 4 – Tue Oct 11 – Comp to SpeakeasyDC’s monthly show (See Event Listings)

Week 5 – Mon, Oct 17 – FINAL SHOWCASE - This is your chance to try your story out on a friendly invite-only audience of friends and family.

Please invite friends and family to save the date to see your perform and show support. Location TBD.

 

[DDET Refund Policy] SpeakeasyDC does not give refunds (full or partial) for voluntary withdrawal from the class. There are limited slots in the class so that we may give sufficient attention to each student. Because of this, we typically have to turn people away. Should you choose to withdraw, we will have a vacancy that we can no longer fill.

[DDET Class description]

This class is designed to teach the art of developing and performing an original, personal narrative drawn from real-life experience. We facilitate the storytelling process from beginning to end with each session centering on a step in the process. Students who join the class come from varied backgrounds and have different goals and applications. Some hope to perform on a SpeakeasyDC stage, others have found storytelling useful in the work they do, and others just enjoy the creative process and the community. There are 2 instructors and we cap this class at 12 to maintain a 6:1 ratio of student to teacher. [/DDET]

[DDET More about the curriculum]

In this class, you will:

  • learn how to find raw story material from your own memories and experiences
  • discuss the fundamentals of story structure
  • discover effective storytelling techniques
  • apply story techniques and structure to your own story
  • receive honest and thorough feedback from instructors and students
  • have the opportunity to practice your storyelling and perform in front of an audience
  • learn how to coach and support your peers in the story-creation process
  • hear a lot of great stories and watch yours and your classmates’ stories take shape over the four weeks
  • become part of a wonderful network of people with shared interests and knowledge

[/DDET]

[DDET Comments from alumni of SpeakeasyDC classes]

Taking the Storytelling 101 class was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Very talented and encouraging instructors helped us construct meaningful presentations of our true stories. I was taken by surprise by the feelings of connectedness that true storytelling brings about, and what a growing experience it was. I keep telling everyone I know to do this! –posted by kk3

I’ve had the great opportunity to participate in a class, an open mic, and a performance workshop with Speak Easy DC and in each event I took away a whole difference set of skills and “tricks of the trade”. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone wanting to learn how to craft an engaging story and/or learn to perform your work on stage. Not only is the crafting processes enjoyable, but you will never find a more embracing and accepting audience to present your work than those that attend the Speak Easy shows. I truly believe that Speak Easy DC is an exceptional NGO that affords novices and practiced storytellers alike with the opportunity to share their stories and grow as artists. — posted by jarkarta1

I’m about to take my second class with Speakeasy and I’m very excited. I learned so much on the first go around and many of my fellow classmates ended up telling their fantastic stories at open mic. What an entertaining evening…I laughed, I cheered, I cried and I can’t wait to go back again! — posted by ter

[/DDET]

[DDET Detailed directions and parking info to venue]

Metered parking is available, but may be tough to find. A lot of embassy spots open up right at 6:30, so if you aim to arrive by 6:30pm you can sometimes get lucky. You’ll have an easier time taking the Red line to Dupont. Exit on the North/Q st. side. Hillyer Art Space entrance is in in what looks like a parking lot.

[/DDET]

Solo Story Performance Workshop

Wednesday, September 14th, 2011

Have you ever wanted to develop a solo show of your own? Do you have so many stories to tell, but not sure what to do with them?  This class may be for you. Responding  to the interest and success of some of our SEDC friends in the Capital Fringe Festival, we thought it was time to lend our support to people interested in creating a longer, staged, story-centered performance piece.

Six classes will take place on Wednesdays Sept 14 and 21 (no class Sept 29 b/c of Rosh Hashannah), Oct 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 7-10pm. The final showcase  will take place on Saturday, Nov 5 at a location TBD. The course  is designed to give you the tools and foundation to build a kick ass show.  It will focus on the following:

  • Discovering, understanding and developing your point of view.
  • Using individual point of view to strengthen universality of your material
  • Uncovering themes in existing material and figuring out the “heart” of the show
  • Exploring opportunities for developing new material
  • Creating a cohesive whole with attention to arc, sequence, and transitions
  • Identifying artistic and strategic goals
  • Discussing sound, lighting, blocking, and set design options
  • Learning about marketing, publicity, and performance opportunities

Class will culminate in a showcase during which students will share a small portion of their works-in-progress.

If you are interested in taking this class, email Amy at @amy@speakeasydc.org with a one paragraph show concept. There is no pre-requisite, but we want to make sure participants are at a similar stage in the process. Cost is $375 which will include a comp to an open mic and a bunch of resources.

Instructors:

Vijai Nathan has developed and performed several solo shows  to sold out SpeakeasyDC and Capital Fringe audiences including – Woman On Top: Tips from Mom, Dad, and Cosmo, “Good Girls Don’t, But Indian Girls Do”, and McGoddess: Big Macs, Karma, and the American Dream. She also runs a monthly comedy party called Fan-Freakin’-Tastic 

Stephanie Garibaldi has coached over 1000 students and open mic performers in the last five years as Education Director for SpeakeassyDC. She has also helped several people in developing their solo performances.

Amy Saidman has been the director of SpeakeasyDC since 2001. She has developed and directed several ensemble shows for Capital Fringe Festival, Intersections Festival, and other events. She is a two-time recipient of the Individual Artist Fellowship from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

 

Storytelling 101 – Turn you life experiences into entertaining and compelling stories

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

Hop on the storytelling bandwagon and join the legions of people nationwide learning how to take their life experiences and turn them into entertaining stories that can be told in front of an audience. Four 3-hour classes and a final showcase, plus a comp to SpeakeaysDC’s open mic show. Limit 12 to ensure individualized attention. $325.

To pay by check: Make payable to SpeakeasyDC and send to 1525 Newton St, N, Washington, DC 20010. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number, and write the name of the class in the memo.

Wednesdays, Aug 24, 31, Sept 7, 14 and 21, 2011 from 7-10pm. First 4 classes will take place at Hillyer Art Space at 9 Hillyer Court, NW Washington, DC 20008 (Near Dupont Metro – North exit)  See map. Final showcase location TBD. Instructors: Meredith Maslich and Joseph Price

DETAILS – all classes 7-10pm

Week 1 – Wed, Aug 24– Class– Finding story material + understanding story structure

Week 2 – Wed, Aug 31– Class – Crafting your story + developing characters

Week 3 – Wed,  Sept 7 – Class – Editing + polishing

Week 4 – Wed, Sept 14 – Class – Practicing your story + Reviewing performance technique

Week 5 – Wed, Sep 21 – FINAL SHOWCASE - This is your chance to try your story out on a friendly invite-only audience of friends and family.

Please invite friends and family to save the date to see your perform and show support. Location TBD. Students are expected to arrive at 7 and stay till 10pm. Performances will begin at 7:30pm but guests are encouraged to arrive early for food and drink. Performances will be followed by a wrap-up after guests depart.

 

SpeakeasyDC does not give refunds (full or partial) for voluntary withdrawal from the class. There are limited slots in the class so that we may give sufficient attention to each student. Because of this, we typically have to turn people away. Should you choose to withdraw, we will have a vacancy that we can no longer fill.

This class is designed to teach the art of developing and performing an original, personal narrative drawn from real-life experience. We facilitate the storytelling process from beginning to end with each session centering on a step in the process. Students who join the class come from varied backgrounds and have different goals and applications. Some hope to perform on a SpeakeasyDC stage, others have found storytelling useful in the work they do, and others just enjoy the creative process and the community. There are 2 instructors and we cap this class at 12 to maintain a 6:1 ratio of student to teacher.

In this class, you will:

  • learn how to find raw story material from your own memories and experiences
  • discuss the fundamentals of story structure
  • discover effective storytelling techniques
  • apply story techniques and structure to your own story
  • receive honest and thorough feedback from instructors and students
  • have the opportunity to practice your storyelling and perform in front of an audience
  • learn how to coach and support your peers in the story-creation process
  • hear a lot of great stories and watch yours and your classmates’ stories take shape over the four weeks
  • become part of a wonderful network of people with shared interests and knowledge

Taking the Storytelling 101 class was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Very talented and encouraging instructors helped us construct meaningful presentations of our true stories. I was taken by surprise by the feelings of connectedness that true storytelling brings about, and what a growing experience it was. I keep telling everyone I know to do this! –posted by kk3

I’ve had the great opportunity to participate in a class, an open mic, and a performance workshop with Speak Easy DC and in each event I took away a whole difference set of skills and “tricks of the trade”. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone wanting to learn how to craft an engaging story and/or learn to perform your work on stage. Not only is the crafting processes enjoyable, but you will never find a more embracing and accepting audience to present your work than those that attend the Speak Easy shows. I truly believe that Speak Easy DC is an exceptional NGO that affords novices and practiced storytellers alike with the opportunity to share their stories and grow as artists. — posted by jarkarta1

I’m about to take my second class with Speakeasy and I’m very excited. I learned so much on the first go around and many of my fellow classmates ended up telling their fantastic stories at open mic. What an entertaining evening…I laughed, I cheered, I cried and I can’t wait to go back again! — posted by ter

Metered parking is available, but may be tough to find. A lot of embassy spots open up right at 6:30, so if you aim to arrive by 6:30pm you can sometimes get lucky. You’ll have an easier time taking the Red line to Dupont. Exit on the North/Q st. side. Hillyer Art Space entrance is in in what looks like a parking lot.

Storytelling 101 – Turn your life experiences into captivating stories

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Hop on the storytelling bandwagon and join the legions of people nationwide learning how to take their life experiences and turn them into entertaining stories that can be told in front of an audience. Five 3-hour classes plus a comp to SpeakeaysDC’s open mic show. Limit 12 to ensure individualized attention. $325.

To pay by check: Make payable to SpeakeasyDC and send to 2639 15th St, NW #101, Washington, DC 20009. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number, and write the name of the class in the memo.

Wednesdays, Aug 10, 17, 24, 31  and  Sept 7, 2011 from 7-10pm. First 4 classes will take place at St. Stephen’s Church 1525 Newton Street, NW 20010 See map. Final showcase location TBD. Includes a comp ticket to our September open mic. Find out more

DETAILS – all classes 7-10pm

Week 1 – Wed, Aug 10– Class– Finding story material + understanding story structure

Week 2 – Wed, Aug 17–  Class –  Crafting your story + developing characters

Week 3 – Wed,  Aug 24 -  Class  –  Editing + polishing

Week 4 – Wed, Aug 31 – Class – Practicing your story + Reviewing performance technique

Week 5 – Wed, Sep 7 – FINAL SHOWCASE - This is your chance to try your story out on a friendly invite-only audience of friends and family.

Please invite friends and family to save the date to see your perform and show support. Location TBD. Students are expected to arrive at 7 and stay till 10pm. Performances will begin at 7:30pm but guests are encouraged to arrive early for food and drink.  Performances will be followed by a wrap-up after guests depart.

SpeakeasyDC does not give refunds (full or partial) for voluntary withdrawal from the class. There are limited slots in the class so that we may give sufficient attention to each student. Because of this, we typically have to turn people away. Should you choose to withdraw, we will have a vacancy that we can no longer fill.

This class is designed to teach the art of developing and performing an original, personal narrative drawn from real-life experience. We facilitate the storytelling process from beginning to end with each session centering on a step in the process. Students who join the class come from varied backgrounds and have different goals and applications. Some hope to perform on a SpeakeasyDC stage, others have found storytelling useful in the work they do, and others just enjoy the creative process and the community.  There are 2 instructors and we cap this class at 12 to maintain a 6:1 ratio of student to teacher.

In this class, you will:

  • learn how to find raw story material from your own memories and experiences
  • discuss the fundamentals of story structure
  • discover effective storytelling techniques
  • apply story techniques and structure to your own story
  • receive honest and thorough feedback from instructors and students
  • have the opportunity to practice your storyelling and perform in front of an audience
  • learn how to coach and support your peers in the story-creation process
  • hear a lot of great stories and watch yours and your classmates’ stories take shape over the four weeks
  • become part of a wonderful network of people with shared interests and knowledge

Taking the Storytelling 101 class was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Very talented and encouraging instructors helped us construct meaningful presentations of our true stories. I was taken by surprise by the feelings of connectedness that true storytelling brings about, and what a growing experience it was. I keep telling everyone I know to do this! –posted by kk3

I’ve had the great opportunity to participate in a class, an open mic, and a performance workshop with Speak Easy DC and in each event I took away a whole difference set of skills and “tricks of the trade”. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone wanting to learn how to craft an engaging story and/or learn to perform your work on stage. Not only is the crafting processes enjoyable, but you will never find a more embracing and accepting audience to present your work than those that attend the Speak Easy shows. I truly believe that Speak Easy DC is an exceptional NGO that affords novices and practiced storytellers alike with the opportunity to share their stories and grow as artists. — posted by jarkarta1

I’m about to take my second class with Speakeasy and I’m very excited. I learned so much on the first go around and many of my fellow classmates ended up telling their fantastic stories at open mic. What an entertaining evening…I laughed, I cheered, I cried and I can’t wait to go back again! — posted by ter

Street parking is available, but we are not permitted to park in the lot. You can also take any S bus up or down 16th Street or walk about 6 blocks/10 min from Columbia Hts. Metro (Green/Yellow). Walk north on 14th St 3 blocks, turn left on Newton and walk one long block. Just before you get to 16th St, turn right into the parking lot. Enter through the red doors that opens onto the parking lot and faces 16th St. This facility is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know in advance if that is something you need so we can make proper arrangements.

Storytelling 101: Learn how to tell great stories from your own life experience – FULL

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

Hop on the storytelling bandwagon and join the legions of people nationwide learning how to take their life experiences and turn them into entertaining stories that can be told in front of an audience. Five 3-hour classes plus a comp to SpeakeaysDC’s open mic show. Limit 12 to ensure individualized attention. $325 (Scholarships available. Contact amy@speakeasydc.org)

To pay by check: Make payable to SpeakeasyDC and send to 2639 15th St, NW #101, Washington, DC 20009. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number, and write the name of the class in the memo.

Wednesdays, July 6, 13, 20, 27 and Aug 3, 2011 from 7-10pm. First 4 classes will take place at St. Stephen’s Church 1525 Newton Street, NW 20010 See map. Final showcase location TBD. Includes a comp ticket to our open mic show on July 12. Find out more

DETAILS – all classes 7-10pm

Week 1 – Wed, July 6– Class– Finding story material + understanding story structure

Week 2 – Wed, July 13–  Class –  Crafting your story + developing characters

Week 3 – Wed,  July 20 -  Class  –  Editing + polishing

Week 4 – Wed, July 27 – Class – Practicing your story + Reviewing performance technique

Week 5 – Wed, Aug 3 – FINAL SHOWCASE - This is your chance to try your story out on a friendly invite-only audience of friends and family.

Please invite friends and family to save the date to see your perform and show support. Location TBD. Students are expected to arrive at 7 and stay till 10pm. Performances will begin at 7:30pm but guests are encouraged to arrive early for food and drink.  Performances will be followed by a wrap-up after guests depart.

SpeakeasyDC does not give refunds (full or partial) for voluntary withdrawal from the class. There are limited slots in the class so that we may give sufficient attention to each student. Because of this, we typically have to turn people away. Should you choose to withdraw, we will have a vacancy that we can no longer fill.

This class is designed to teach the art of developing and performing an original, personal narrative drawn from real-life experience. We facilitate the storytelling process from beginning to end with each session centering on a step in the process. Students who join the class come from varied backgrounds and have different goals and applications. Some hope to perform on a SpeakeasyDC stage, others have found storytelling useful in the work they do, and others just enjoy the creative process and the community.  There are 2 instructors and we cap this class at 12 to maintain a 6:1 ratio of student to teacher.

In this class, you will:

  • learn how to find raw story material from your own memories and experiences
  • discuss the fundamentals of story structure
  • discover effective storytelling techniques
  • apply story techniques and structure to your own story
  • receive honest and thorough feedback from instructors and students
  • have the opportunity to practice your storyelling and perform in front of an audience
  • learn how to coach and support your peers in the story-creation process
  • hear a lot of great stories and watch yours and your classmates’ stories take shape over the four weeks
  • become part of a wonderful network of people with shared interests and knowledge

Taking the Storytelling 101 class was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Very talented and encouraging instructors helped us construct meaningful presentations of our true stories. I was taken by surprise by the feelings of connectedness that true storytelling brings about, and what a growing experience it was. I keep telling everyone I know to do this! –posted by kk3

I’ve had the great opportunity to participate in a class, an open mic, and a performance workshop with Speak Easy DC and in each event I took away a whole difference set of skills and “tricks of the trade”. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone wanting to learn how to craft an engaging story and/or learn to perform your work on stage. Not only is the crafting processes enjoyable, but you will never find a more embracing and accepting audience to present your work than those that attend the Speak Easy shows. I truly believe that Speak Easy DC is an exceptional NGO that affords novices and practiced storytellers alike with the opportunity to share their stories and grow as artists. — posted by jarkarta1

I’m about to take my second class with Speakeasy and I’m very excited. I learned so much on the first go around and many of my fellow classmates ended up telling their fantastic stories at open mic. What an entertaining evening…I laughed, I cheered, I cried and I can’t wait to go back again! — posted by ter

Street parking is available, but we are not permitted to park in the lot. You can also take any S bus up or down 16th Street or walk about 6 blocks/10 min from Columbia Hts. Metro (Green/Yellow). Walk north on 14th St 3 blocks, turn left on Newton and walk one long block. Just before you get to 16th St, turn right into the parking lot. Enter through the red doors that opens onto the parking lot and faces 16th St. This facility is wheelchair accessible. Please let us know in advance if that is something you need so we can make proper arrangements.

Storytelling 101- FULL

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Hop on the storytelling bandwagon and join the legions of people nationwide learning how to take their life experiences and turn them into entertaining stories that can be told in front of an audience. Five 3-hour classes plus a comp to SpeakeaysDC’s February open mic show. Instructors: Stephanie Garibaldi and Vijai Nathan. Limit 12 to ensure individualized attention . $325 (Scholarships available. Contact amy@speakeasydc.org)

To pay by check: Make payable to SpeakeasyDC and send to 2639 15th St, NW #101, Washington, DC 20009. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number, and write the name of the class in the memo.

Thursdays, June 2, 9, from 7-10pm. First 4 classes will take place at Maruka Gallery 1300 9th St, NW, Washington, DC 20001 Map . Just a few blocks from the Mt. Vernon/Convention Center metro Green/Yellow metro station. Street parking may be metered. Location of final showcase TBD.

DETAILS

all classes 7-10pm

Week 1 – Thurs, June 2– Class– Finding story material + understanding story structure

Week 2 – Thurs, June 9–  Class –  Crafting your story + developing characters

Week 3 – Tuesday, June 14  9 - There will be no class on Wed June 15. Instead, you will be included on the comp list to SEDC’s monthly open mic storytelling show.

If you’ve never been it’s a great learning opportunity. You will hear 8-10 stories performed live on stage on this month’s theme Big Booties, Beer Bellies, and Bad Hair: Stories about our bodies. Doors open at 6:30pm, show at 8pm. Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th Street, NW (at the corner of U Street)

Week 4 – Thurs,  June 23 -  Class  –  Editing + polishing

Week 5 – Thurs, June 30 – Class – Practicing your story + Reviewing performance technique

Week 6 – Thurs, July 7  – FINAL SHOWCASE - This is your chance to try your story out on a friendly invite-only audience of friends and family.

Please invite friends and family to save the date from 7:30-9:00pm to see your perform and show support. Location TBD. Students are expected to arrive at 7 and stay till 10pm. Performances will be followed by a wrap-up after guests depart.

SpeakeasyDC does not give refunds (full or partial) for voluntary withdrawal from the class. There are limited slots in the class so that we may give sufficient attention to each student. Because of this, we typically have to turn people away. Should you choose to withdraw, we will have a vacancy that we can no longer fill.

This class is designed to teach the art of developing and performing an original, personal narrative drawn from real-life experience. We facilitate the storytelling process from beginning to end with each session centering on a step in the process. Students who join the class come from varied backgrounds and have different goals and applications. Some hope to perform on a SpeakeasyDC stage, others have found storytelling useful in the work they do, and others just enjoy the creative process and the community.  There are 2 instructors and we cap this class at 12 to maintain a 6:1 ratio of student to teacher.

In this class, you will:

  • learn how to find raw story material from your own memories and experiences
  • discuss the fundamentals of story structure
  • discover effective storytelling techniques
  • apply story techniques and structure to your own story
  • receive honest and thorough feedback from instructors and students
  • have the opportunity to practice your storyelling and perform in front of an audience
  • learn how to coach and support your peers in the story-creation process
  • hear a lot of great stories and watch yours and your classmates’ stories take shape over the four weeks
  • become part of a wonderful network of people with shared interests and knowledge

Taking the Storytelling 101 class was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Very talented and encouraging instructors helped us construct meaningful presentations of our true stories. I was taken by surprise by the feelings of connectedness that true storytelling brings about, and what a growing experience it was. I keep telling everyone I know to do this! –posted by kk3

I’ve had the great opportunity to participate in a class, an open mic, and a performance workshop with Speak Easy DC and in each event I took away a whole difference set of skills and “tricks of the trade”. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone wanting to learn how to craft an engaging story and/or learn to perform your work on stage. Not only is the crafting processes enjoyable, but you will never find a more embracing and accepting audience to present your work than those that attend the Speak Easy shows. I truly believe that Speak Easy DC is an exceptional NGO that affords novices and practiced storytellers alike with the opportunity to share their stories and grow as artists. — posted by jarkarta1

I’m about to take my second class with Speakeasy and I’m very excited. I learned so much on the first go around and many of my fellow classmates ended up telling their fantastic stories at open mic. What an entertaining evening…I laughed, I cheered, I cried and I can’t wait to go back again! — posted by ter

Hop on the storytelling bandwagon and join the legions of people nationwide learning how to take their life experiences and turn them into entertaining stories that can be told in front of an audience. Five 3-hour classes plus a comp to SpeakeaysDC’s February open mic show. Limit 12 to ensure individualized attention. Instructors: Stephanie Garibaldi and Vijai Nathan Find out more. $325 (Scholarships available. Contact amy@speakeasydc.org)

To pay by check: Make payable to SpeakeasyDC and send to 2639 15th St, NW #101, Washington, DC 20009. Please include your name, address, email, and phone number, and write the name of the class in the memo.

Wednesdays, May 25, June 1, 8, 22, and 29 2011 from 7-10pm. First 4 classes will take place at St. Stephen’s Church 1525 Newton Street, NW 20010 See map. Final showcase location TBA.

DETAILS

all classes 7-10pm

Week 1 – Wed, May 25 – Class– Finding story material + understanding story structure

Week 2 – Wed, June 1–  Class –  Crafting your story + developing characters

Week 3 – Wed,  June 8 -  Class  –  Editing + polishing

Week 4 – Tuesday, June 14  9 - There will be no class on Wed June 15. Instead, you will be included on the comp list to SEDC’s monthly open mic storytelling show. More info

Week 5 – Wed, June 22 – Class – Practicing your story + Reviewing performance technique

Week 6 – Wed, June 29  – FINAL SHOWCASE - This is your chance to try your story out on a friendly invite-only audience of friends and family. More info

Refund Policy

Class description

More about the curriculum

Comments from alumni of SpeakeasyDC classes

Detailed directions and parking info to venue