The Art of Live Storytelling

What’s your story?
Your stories matter. The power of telling our stories is immense. Storytelling creates community and offers catharsis. It bridges the individual with the universal, and reveals our shared humanity. In an increasingly digital world, where it feels we are connecting more and more over screens and less in person, it’s no surprise that live storytelling events like The Moth and The Mosquito present to sold-out audiences and draw podcast listeners globally. There is a longing for shared authentic experiences with one another, and with ourselves.

The Mosquito Storytelling Workshops help you build the unique skill-set for crafting and telling a compelling 5-7 minute, personal story for live performance. Through sensory exploration, writing exercises and audio recording, you will identify the core of your story, form a solid outline and create your story structure. Each day will consist of feedback from peers and the instructor, as well as substantial one-to-one storytelling coaching.

Whether you are an aspiring story slam participant, experienced performer, preparing for the TED stage, or shaping your brand’s story – this workshop is for you. Come create the story you want to tell in a supportive, productive environment. All participants will have the opportunity to tell on The Mosquito stage, and your story will be recorded for you to keep.

Please bring: writing materials, an object or photo of personal meaning, and your smartphone or other audio recorder.

Vanessa Vartabedian is the Creator and Producer of the Mosquito Story Slam and podcast, now in its 7th season. Having presented hundreds of stories to thousands of audience members, she knows the intimate truth of what makes a compelling story and how to tell it. She currently coaches storytellers, actors and directors, both privately and at Lesley University and Emerson College where she teaches Filmmaking and Television Production.
Vanessa has shared her own stories at The Moth in Los Angeles and Boston, as well as on The Mosquito stage. She has a degree in Acting from NYU, and is a documentary and narrative filmmaker.