In this course, participants will learn the basics of personal storytelling based on the Moth style of storytelling. Leaders will provide examples and strategies for identifying, developing, and delivering compelling personal stories. This course will be engaging and interactive with opportunities to apply and practice storytelling principles. Each participant will develop and deliver a 3–5 minute story over the course of three sessions.

Instructors: Helen Dempsey is a retired medical social worker who has lived in State College since 1986. She has been an enthusiastic participant in State of the Story, a local Moth-like storytelling event, since 2017 as both a coach and storyteller. She loves being part of the process that helps people move from having an idea for a story all the way to the finished product. Beth McLaughlin, MFA, is a writer and writing coach who has lived in State College for more than thirty years. She was introduced to State of the Story in 2017. As a storytelling coach, she helps others identify, develop, and craft their own stories for the stage. She believes sharing personal stories connects us to each other and the wider world.

Course dates are Mondays, October 28, November 4, and 11.