FUNDING has been obtained for a series of free storytelling workshops at three libraries.
Cheshire West and Chester Council and Read Now Write Now have been successful in securing funding from Arts Council England.
The ‘Hear I Am’ project is an eight-week adult storytelling course for beginners taking place at Winsford, Ellesmere Port and Storyhouse libraries. The one and half hour weekly sessions will take place during the daytime and will focus on such areas as inspiration, writing, technique, style and how to perform a story in front of an audience.
Following the workshops there will be a storytelling performance by participants at the Garret Theatre in Storyhouse on Saturday, July 13.
An ongoing blog will be produced so people will be able to read about how the workshops are progressing and find out more information about the storytelling event.
The course is designed for adult beginners of any ability, although the organisers are particularly keen to work with older people and those who are isolated. Places are available on a first come, first served basis.
In 2017 Read Now Write Now delivered the “Write Time, Write Place” creative writing workshops in Cheshire West to much acclaim.
Pictured are participants attending the launch of their story anthology at the Garret Theatre in early 2018
The council's Director of Place Operation, Maria Byrne said: “We are delighted that we have been successful in obtaining funding from the Arts Council and look forward to working with Read Now Write Now to deliver the workshops for adults to inspire their creativity in Cheshire.”
‘Hear I Am’ will be run by author and storyteller Charles Lea, principal of literacy project company Read Now Write Now. Mr Lea said: “We aim to help participants learn the skills to think and write a short story and then how to “storytell” it to an audience of friends and family.
“We feel that people taking part will achieve a wonderful feeling of pride and fulfilment in taking part in the project. Feedback from the Write Time, Write Place was absolutely positive with almost 90% of people participating in the course stating that it was either excellent or very good. People have also commented on how well our courses have boosted their health and wellbeing and confidence.”
To book a place on the workshops in Chester, Ellesmere Port or Windsford, contact Charles Lea by email Charles@readnowwritenow.org.uk or telephone 07966 154 133.
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