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 material, reviewing 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. More info

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. More info

[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]

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]

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.

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]

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. More info

[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]

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.

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. More info

Refund Policy

Class description

More about the curriculum

Comments from alumni of SpeakeasyDC classes

Detailed directions and parking info to venue

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. More info

Refund Policy

Class description

More about the curriculum

Comments from alumni of SpeakeasyDC classes

Detailed directions and parking info to venue

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. More info

Refund Policy

Class description

More about the curriculum

Comments from alumni of SpeakeasyDC classes

Detailed directions and parking info to venue

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. More info

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. More info

Refund Policy

Class description

More about the curriculum

Comments from alumni of SpeakeasyDC classes