JJ Sheills Vic storyteller in Melbourne for the day

JJ Sheills is one of Storytelling Australia (Vic's) 'old guard'. JJ has been telling stories for more years than most of us have had hot breakfasts. Now living in Emerald in the Dandenong Ranges, he needs a good reason to be persuaded to come into busy Melbourne.

Like all Vic storytellers, JJ has a unique background and interests. With a history in theatre and puppetry, JJ still manages the dance between the art forms. He frequently paces the boards of the GEMCO community Theatre in Emerald and is currently working on a production of three short plays by local playwright Ken Purdham. JJ is also involved in making sure that the Thomas the Tank Engine shows - 'Day Out With Thomas' continue to be lively and engaging. JJ has written the script for the current show where poor Thomas has to contend with a dreadful attack of the hiccups!

But when this photo was taken, JJ was in Melbourne enjoying a coffee in Federation Square and sharing stories for his next project for the PAVE Festival with Matteo and Jackie Kerin: A Grimm Reminder.

Read more about JJ Sheills here.

Port Fairy Folk Festival Pat Glover Storytelling Award 2012. Congratulations Andrew McKenna

L - R Andrew McKenna and Jim Haynes

The Pat Glover Storytelling Award is an integral part of the Port Fairy Folk Festival. A unique event where folk can listen and share stories of every shape.

For an urban dweller like me it's a chance to hear tales from people of the land, direct and unfiltered. Farmer Rob England's story of the plight of Coorong, told several years ago, still moves me when I think of it. This year another man of the land took to the stage, Ian Black, with a sorry saga titled 'My Red Ute'. Ian's first time in the spotlight - I hope he returns next year with another adventure.

The Pat Glover was honoured with the presence of American storyteller Teresa Jordan. Teresa was at the festival with her husband Hal Cannon with Songs and Stories of the Rancher's World - true stories of a girl growing up on a vast Wyoming Ranch. The link to Teresa's website is here. Here's hoping that next time Teresa is passing through Victoria, Storytelling Australia (Vic) can organise a welcome as is our custom for visiting OS tellers.

The winner of the 2012 Award was Andrew Mckenna. Andrew floored us with a magical telling of an Irish Selkie Tale. Andrew captured the dark pain of the selkie in a way I have never heard before. This was a return appearance; Andrew won the award in 2006. A remarkable storyteller.

Also appearing at the Pat Glover was Julie Perrin (2011 Pat Glover recipient) - check out Julie's blog - a beautiful pic of Port Fairy.

And finally, two big thank yous - firstly to Jim Haynes who MCs the Pat Glover every year and anchors the spoken word component of the festival and secondly to Rosemary and David Stewart who manage the venue and welcome us into the old Port Fairy Lecture Hall year after year.

Posted by roving scout: Jackie Kerin

PAVE Festival: A Grimm Reminder Fairytales for Adults 2012

image by Matteo

A GRIMM REMINDER is devised to mark the 200th anniversary of the initial publication of the Grimm Brothers fairtyales and will showcase a selection of darker tales for a mature audience.

A trio of tellers from Storytelling Australia (Victoria) is preparing a show styled "A Grimm Reminder" to present at the PAVE arts festival in Emerald: Matteo, Jackie Kerin and JJ - Retailer of Tales.

We hope to repeat A GRIMM REMINDER throughout 2012 ... in cites and towns, in halls and houses, around fireplaces and tables groaning with food, with merriment and tankards of ale and cider!

A GRIMM REMINDER will be presented twice in March.

1. Preview: 7:00 pm Thursday 29/03/12

Join us for a preview of this storytelling session with a difference with seasoned storytellers

Adults only

Free event

WhereBelgrave Library: Address: Reynolds Lane
Belgrave
Melways Ref: 75 F10
CostFree event. Book now!

2. PAVE FESTIVAL SHOW: Cafe RedBox

A GRIMM REMINDER: Saturday 21/04/2012 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm

A selection of Adult Fairy Tales and Murder Ballads. This event is not to be missed if you are enchanted by and love a chilling & much loved tale...

Bookings Essential
$20.00 includes substantial finger food

http://www.trybooking.com
Venue: Cafe RedBox
369-371 Emerald Gembrook Road, Emerald

See full PAVE program here

Sydney International Storytelling Conference: Diane Ferlatte 2012

A message from the Sydney International Storytelling Conference 1-3 June 2012

'Our Keynote Speaker for the conference is Award winning storyteller Diane Ferlatte from Oakland, California. USA. She has thrilled and touched audiences the world over with her tales of inspiration, struggle, love, and humor. She carries a rhythm stick and a treasure trove of stories, some with homespun wisdom, some with rhythm and rhyme, all with heart and life.

We are delighted to have such an internationally renowned and respected storyteller give the keynote on our theme -

The Power of Stories.'

Go to www.storytellersnsw.org.au and register for conference

Rocket Clock Story Slam: “Believe It Or Not"

Rocket Clock returns with a night of stories on the theme of "Believe It Or Not". Pre-register your intent to tell by emailing rocketclockss@gmail.com or register on the night. Everyone is welcome to come along and listen, laugh, drink, cheer & weep.

Wednesday March 14, 2012
Doors open 7.30pm; slam kicks off 8.30pm.

Tickets:
$5 pre-sale (+ $2 booking fee) or $8 on the door. Book tickets now via the Bella Union website: http://www.bellaunion.com.au/ticketing/show_367/.

Bella Union
Level 1, Trades Hall
Corner of Victoria & Lygon Streets
Carlton South

What is Rocket Clock?

Rocket Clock is a monthly story slam competition. Ten people each have five minutes to tell a story around a particular theme. Judges in the audience rate each story on both content and performance. Everyone has a great time.

More info:

rocketclock.com.au
Rocket Clock on Twitter
Rocket Clock on Facebook

Storytelling Australia (Vic) welcomes the new president

Please join us in welcoming Matteo to the position of president of Storytelling Australia (Victoria).

Matteo had been telling stories for a loooong time! He is supportive and encouraging of folk who wish to learn more about the artform and a great storyteller to boot.

Matteo takes interactive storytelling to a new level, a vast repertoire of traditional tales and in particular tales from the Brothers Grimm.

Thank you Matteo for stepping up to the plate. You follow in the footsteps in some fine story folk. Its going to be a good year for storytelling.

These photos of Matteo in full fight were taken at the Newport Folk Festival by Michael Reynolds.

To learn more about our new leader go directly to Matteo's website here.

Storytelling Australia (Vic) AGM 2012

The Storytellers are a busy lot and agreeing on a date for the AGM was not easy but finally we gathered, talked and made some decisions. We had a healthy turnout and a list of apologies so we feel confident that we're in good shape.

Please make note: from now on we will be known as Storytelling Australia (Victoria) - the word 'guild' has been dropped. For some time now folk have been expressing the view that they felt the word was archaic but most importantly we are working towards national collaboration with groups in other states and consistency of the name was an issue.

We have a new team for the year but before I elaborate - a big thank you to Imelda Evens who has resigned as treasurer, secretary and public officer. Also a big thanks to Gael Cresp who has acted as our President for several years.

So... the new team L -R

Jackie Kerin: Blog

Beth Cregan : Facebook

Gael Cresp: Public Officer

Anne E Stewart: Secretary and Media Liaison

Graham Davey: Interim Treasurer

Matteo: President

Tellers are sending in news for the blog re workshops and public performances - keep them coming. Events are listed under LINKS to the left of this page. And remember, if you are a member of Storytelling Australia (Vic) and would like to be listed we can do that for you. If you don't have a website, we can create a page on this blog for you. If you are describing yourself as a 'professional' storyteller, we define that as one who charges a fee and has an ABN.

Look forward to hearing from you

Jackie Kerin: jackie@jackiekerin.com.au