Back Fence PDX: Summer 2019: Intro to Storytelling

Master the art of live true personal storytelling, to get in on the fun on stage at The Moth, Back Fence PDX, or any of the storytelling shows in town. In this three week intro course, you will learn the basics of story construction using the five-part story arc, and how to use themes to choose your details and hone the right tone. You will also get the goods on how to deliver your best performance onstage. This class culminates in a live storytelling show, where you’ll tell your story before a live audience and have your story recorded as an audio file for you to keep.

Mindy Nettifee, MA is one of the producers of Back Fence PDX and host for the Moth. She is an award-winning writer, performance poet, and storyteller. In addition to her many years teaching the craft of live storytelling, she has taught creative writing and performance workshops at several institutions, including New York University and Lewis & Clark College.

Katie Piatt, is a nonbinary educator, storyteller, and performance artist who teaches children and adults alike how to smash patriarchy through the wonders of arts and crafts. They have performed at the Banff Centre, Portland’s Artist Repertory Theatre, PNCA, PSU, the street, the Siren Theater with the queer comedy troupe That’s What She Said, and is often slaying on stage at storytelling shows around Portland.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: Scholarships pay for the entire class tuition. All of our writing classes have at least one scholarship position available, made possible by a generous gift from Dennis Steinman. To apply, email Susan Moore, Director of Programs for Writers, at susan@literary-arts.org with your name, contact information. In addition, list three classes in order of preference, why you would like to request a scholarship, and if you have taken a Literary Arts class before. Please note that preference is not guaranteed. All scholarships are subject to availability. Scholarship availability is confirmed 1-2 weeks before the class begins. Please note: if you register for a class as a way to hold your spot and apply for a scholarship and are awarded one, the $35 processing fee for your tuition refund still applies.

CLASS LIAISONS: All classes have one liaison position. Liaisons receive free tuition in exchange for light duties before and after each class meeting.

CLASS CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you need to cancel your registration for a writing or storytelling class, the following refund schedule applies:

• 3 days or more before a class, refunds will be issued, less a $35 processing fee.
• 3 days or more before class starts, if you prefer to convert your registration to a credit for an upcoming class, you can receive a tuition credit for an upcoming class for the full amount of your tuition, good for one year.
• 48 hours or less before a class begins, no refund or tuition credit is available.

If Literary Arts has to cancel a class, you will receive a full refund.