Public storytelling guide

Your practical goal is to host a storytelling event that showcases the stories of people with IDD in your community. You can alter the plan, but we suggest five storytellers and in-person workshops and show.

Step 09

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

Rehearsal time is important to help you run through the event and give storytellers the opportunity to become comfortable with presenting. The number of rehearsals will depend on the storytellers themselves. We recommend bringing storytellers to the venue ahead of time to give them a tour and an idea of what the event will look like. Consider rehearsing in the venue space for extra familiarity.

  • A group rehearses: one person stands and gestures while others read from scripts.

    Plan ahead to be sure there’s extra time for rehearsing.

    You’ll need to be flexible on this one – you won’t know till you meet the storytellers what kind of support they will need. Be ready to schedule individual zoom or in person sessions if need be.

  • A profile of a head with the top open, labelled information, creative thinking, suggestion, ideas and vision.

    Be Open Minded.

    Make sure you resist the urge to rewrite anyone’s story or give heavy handed advice. These stories won’t be “perfect,” not in the way you might typically think. The idea is to make sure the story belongs to the storyteller.

  • A network diagram of coloured dots connected by lines around a box labelled EVENT.

    Make sure the logistics work for each storyteller.

    You’ll need to print each script – be mindful that some readers might need or want a larger or different font size; consult with them. Someone might need additional accommodations to feel comfortable on stage – like an assistant standing by to help with nerves or prompting reading.