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Story Circles: Using Storytelling to Shape Classroom Culture

Facilitated by: Nina Riley and Julia E. Katz
Monday, May 18 | 6–8pm

In Person
Asian Arts Initiative, Theater
1219 Vine St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Storytelling is a timeless tool that not only activates imagination and unearths wisdom but also can help build a caring classroom culture through identifying shared values, needs, and hopes. In this immersive workshop, teaching artists will learn about and experience frameworks for facilitating storytelling activities, including Story Circles, a structured method for collecting narratives developed by John O'Neal and the Free Southern Theater, and “Yes, And,” a theater improvisation game. Teaching artists will leave this workshop with ideas and resources for adapting these activities for different purposes, themes, age groups, and artistic disciplines.

Nina Riley (she/they) is a facilitator, program manager, and development professional who values human-centered organizations. She has created and supported social justice curricula and campaigns, and city-wide public programs alongside advocacy nonprofits.

Julia E. Katz (she/her) is a West Philadelphia-based visual artist, facilitator, and mom who facilitates cohorts and communities of practice in civic, educational, and family spaces with librarians, artists, organizers, and fellow queer parents. A Leeway Art and Change grantee, Julia has contributed to the Artist Grief Deck and collaborated with Educators for Consent Culture, Shut Down Berks, and SpiralQ, among many others. She has recently exhibited at The Painted Bride, Vox Populi Gallery, and the Da Vinci Art Alliance.