Throughout the 12 year history of the club, Shaggy Dog Storytellers have been providing workshops to encourage and support people who wish to learn more about storytelling and develop their skills.
2005 was a particularly good year for the club in that we have been able to gain funding which allowed us to hold two workshops, involving storytellers of international renown. We have been able to do similar work this year.

"THE POWER OF A STORY"
BEGINNERS STORYTELLING WORKSHOP
Just Do it!
26 and 27 November 2005

A weekend workshop held at the Stubbing Wharf pub attracted 10 people from the Calder Valley and as far afield as North Yorkshire. They were keen to learn more about the art of storytelling and the “Power of a Story.” Research has shown that people learn more easily through stories and stories put people at ease and help build relationships. A person who tells a good story, just like the story itself, tends to be remembered. Every day we hear and tell stories, at work, in the classroom, at home or in a social situation. Stories are the most powerful means of communication and entertainment. The workshop guided students towards telling a story with more impact. A series of exercises over the 2 days included;

How to choose your stories and source material
Techniques for learning and remembering stories
Storytelling techniques and skills
Owning a story
Telling your story

The students unanimous view was that it was a marvellous experience. The next "Tales from the Wharf" night is now a hot topic as they discuss when they will perform in front of a "real" audience.
"Just do it" became the students motto as they came to realise that they could!

The workshop was organised and run by the club founder Alan Sparkes and by Christine McMahon.

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"PUTTING STORIES TO WORK"
5 November 2005

Putting Stories to Work was a one day conference aimed at introducing people to the idea of using stories for more than just entertainment. To take stories into the workplace, schools, hospitals, community centres. To use stories to educate, heal and build communities.
Over 30 people from Calderdale and beyond attended at the Little Theatre, Hebden Bridge to learn from 3 fantastic storytellers:

Michael Parent, an American storyteller of French Canadian descent from the state of Maine.

Shonaleigh, an English storyteller, a leading light in UK storytelling circles.

Janet Dowling, an English storyteller with vast experience using stories in family therapy and counselling.

The event was organised by Shaggy Dog's own storyteller with a growing international reputation, Christine McMahon.

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