Improvised Theater for Families
Story Theater brings new relevance to the ancient art storytelling, as Victoria Goring creates new stories live from children's suggestions. Each story is a fresh new journey into imagination, with positive messages and guaranteed surprises!
Story Theater is wholesome, intelligent entertainment that stimulates the imagination and inspires creativity. What child won’t be amazed to see someone create a story right out of thin air?
Any theme can be incorporated: Spooky stories for Halowe’en fun, to Elizabethan language for Renaissance Festivals! Story Theater has delighted imaginations from the smallest of venues to audiences of 600!
Story Theater is ideal for camps, daycares, fundraisers, or any event where families would like some time together!
Best of all, the children of Story Theater become inspired to create, to speak out, and to love live Theater! Of course, adults love to participate too!!!
Background
Jerzy Grotowski was a founder of theater than believed that theater should not, because it could not, compete against the overwhelming spectacle of film, and should instead focus on the very root of the act of theatre: Actors co-creating the event of theater with its spectators.
Story Theater uses this Grotowskian principle to create theater for children with children. Story Theater believes that by stripping away elaborate sets and effects, children can grasp the basic concepts of story…for without a good story, all the special effects in the world still won’t make a good show. The simplicity of Story Theater is designed to empower and inspire children to create theater and stories of their own original thought.
How is Story Theater different from storytelling?
Story Theater is dynamic and physical, with emotional intensity, providing a wonderful introduction to Theater.
Is every show really unique?
Yes! Each story is improvised, a gift to that audience, never to be repeated.
What ages are best?
Since Story Theater is improvised, we can adapt to all ages. the ideal age is 5-12 but we often do preschool shows! They are just sillier and shorter!
How many children can you accommodate?
Please note that children cannot be just left at Story Theater, supervision is required. Intimate settings are ideal, but larger groups can be easily accommodated!
Is there any special equipment you require?
For groups over 100, a microphone is needed.
Can you perform outdoors?
Absolutely!
What are the technical requirements?
Story Theater is very flexible. For outdoor shows, a wireless mic is ideal. otherwise, as long as Story Theater is not right next to amplified music. Shade is good for hot places, or if not, face the audience so that they are not looking directly into the sun.
Do you have a backdrop?
Story Theater has a 6x5' cloth backdrop and decorative cloth flags that can be hung, or a 9x12' freestanding backdrop.
How many stories are in a show?
Each show has one to two stories, for a total show of 30-40 minutes. Shows for smaller children are a little sillier and a little shorter.
How do you come up with your stories?
An actor and a writer, Victoria is also a mom! Which means Victoria has read thousands of children's books, all with a critical eye. Adoring children's literature, Victoria prefers stories which defy cliche’s, empower children, and encourage kids to explore the world from varying perspectives.
What do you recommend after Story Theater?
Victoria is happy to visit with the children after the show provide a Q and A. Bookmaking and acting workshops are available!
What do children learn from Story Theater?
Story Theater aims to give children a simple way to approach theater and story; a model to embrace ideas and avoid stereotype; and a lesson that fun can be had with only an actor and an audience! Teachers and parent,s ask for your complimentary study guide.
