hi there!

Wowee zowee I feel like so much stuff has been going on the past few weeks that I haven't gotten a chance to process everything and update my little blog. I've missed you blog! And I've missed you, dear readers and spam bots!

Let's see...

1) Shut Up Storytelling

- Last night I did some storytelling at Shut Up! at UCB East hosted by two hilarious ladies, Erin Barker (mentioned before in the Story Collider post) and Caitlin Brodnick. Catilin ended up hosting solo since Erin was sick (get well soon!) and she is just SUCH a warm, positive, and friggin hilarious lady. I was so honored to be part of this show not to mention so nervous because it would be my first time performing at UCB! My previous shows were as a writer so I could just hide backstage and drink my nerves away with Tecate.  But now I had to be onstage! With people looking at me! Eek!

So for this show I let myself have one glass of white wine (no red wine cus we don't want red wine mouth for photos!) and just really rocked my positive affirmations before going up. I was also really nervous cus I was worried my story wasn't totally LOL  and had some quieter moments. But luckily that's where a good host comes in and Caitlin did a TREMENDOUS job of creating this warm atmosphere and building this connection with the audience that I felt comfortable to tell my story. 

Last night was just the perfect alchemy of great host plus awesome storytellers plus amazing audience--a wonderful evening that still gives me warm, fuzzy feelings when I think about it. I love warm fuzzies! 

2) Storytelling with David Crabb

-And on Tuesday night I had the grad show for my storytelling class with David Crabb. Oh, you guys, I have so many wonderful things to say about this class and David Crabb that I don't think this blog post will do it justice. 

I had been a big fan of David for a while after having seen his storytelling at The Moth. When I found out the PIT was offering a storytelling class taught by him I jumped at the opportunity. I had done a couple of storytelling shows before the class but I felt like I wasn't bringing my A game. I wasn't feeling confident as a performer and writing wise felt that my stories could use some help with structure. David was such an unbelievable help in both areas. He is one of the most supportive people I know and by asking the right questions would help you figure out the emotional truths of your story. This is a really simple thing that not a lot of teachers do. And this is so important in storytelling because not only are you putting yourself out there as a writer and performer but you're putting your LIFE out there. If someone criticizes your story they're basically saying your life experience sucked.  Oh, god, why am I doing this again?!

I remember in one class David talked about how an audience appreciates a story because there will be some universal truth they can connect to. Like, heartbreak or a horrible job. And it will be your individual, specific details that draws the audience in even more because they are interested in hearing about something new that they haven't experienced. I think it's this combination of universal truth and your truth that makes really powerful storytelling.

And if I may just also take a moment to thank my classmates for being so positive and supportive as well. We were such a motley crew of weirdos and crazies and I love each and every one of them for that.  This class was seriously the highlight of my week and a big life highlight as well :)

Some stuff I'll always carry with me from this class:

Don't just talk about the characters, BE the characters

It's not the what of the story but HOW you tell it

Breathe

Whew. That was a lot of writing! I deserve a treat like a big steak dinner cus that's where I'm headed to now! 

Anyway, Im so so so grateful for the opportunities I've had so far and for all the people I've met in the storytelling community. You guys have no idea how much you've inspired or touched me. 

(Omg you guys there's a full moon tonight! No wonder I'm even more emotional than usual!!!)

xoxo