Performances and Workshops
"Such a wonderful workshop and just what I needed, thank you' - Lesley, Civil engineer.
Performances can be tailored to your needs.
Although I have trained Professionally in both Acting and Storytelling, my performances are rarely 'fixed'. I will choose stories in advance and the stories will be alive within me. From this place the performance will arise in relationship with the audience.
I have performed to all parts of the community from babies and toddlers, Primary aged children, Teenagers, Adults from varying sectors of society to Older people.
Below are some of the stories and themes that I have performed with in the past;
Celtic and Fairy Stories
These include tree, animal and bird stories.
Stories of quest and adventure
Stories of transformation
River Stories and King Arthur
Stories of the River Culm and the Exe
These are tales of fishes and saints, of devils and magical beings. King Arthur and the Ladies of the Lakes are also present in these River tales. Ancient tales that flow alongside the modern world.
Site Specific Stories
Quantock Hills- Watchet to Taunton
Blackdown Hills - Taunton to Honiton
East Devon - Sidmouth and beyond
Exeter
Dartmoor
These stories interweave with many of the above themes, there are Dragons on the Quantocks but also near the River Culm. There are many pixies on the Blackdown and East Devon has it's share of witches and fairy women. Exeter has hidden secrets, hear them and you will never view the city in the same way! And Dartmoor...well we all know it is full of legends and wonderfully wild beings.
Workshops
As a fully qualified Drama teacher I have been running Storytelling workshops for many years.
I can offer ;
Introduction to Storytelling
These workshops are for beginners or those who have never told a story publicly. I offer techniques and encouragement. Even the terrified will share a story by the end. I offer advice and support for ongoing work. This is a great starting place for those who would like to have more confidence to bring Storytelling into their lives and or work.
Developing into Performance
If you have some experience or have done my Introduction to Storytelling Workshop this is the next step.
I share advice and tips and we work together to structure and develop your performance.
Workshops exploring themes of a specific Story
In the past I have worked with home educated children and adults with learning difficulties. I chose a story and we worked with this story for several weeks. I use drama, song, percussion and improvisation to explore the story and find more connection and meaning.
I have also run workshops for Women over the three year period between 2020 and 2023 We worked with the Celtic Cross Quarters. I took a story of either an animal or plant for each workshop. Examples included ;
Spirit of Deer - Winter Solstice
Spirit of Flowers - Beltaine
Spirit of Hare - Spring Equinox
Spirit of Otter - Summer Solstice
Spirit of Corn- Lammas
These workshops included meditation, dance and ritual.
I am a full member of Equity and have Public Liability Insurance through this Union.
"Such a wonderful workshop and just what I needed, thank you. I too loved the playfulness emerging through the day. It was wonderful and I found it healing on many levels" - Lesley at 'Baba Yaga' workshop
"When we retold the story in our own words and discussed its relevance to our lives, I felt safe and able to be vulnerable and share within the group. I moved out of my comfort zone and Clare led by example. The story of Otter has stayed with me.
I loved the whole experience and look forward to the next time." Tracey at Spirit of Otter.
Spirit of Bear
This workshop was run as a series of four events, based on the seasons, at East Quay Arts Centre, Somerset.
Illustration by Georgie Grant
"Today was beyond words, thank you for bringing Otter to life!"
Cameron at 'Spirit of Otter' workshop