How to Successfully Tell Stories Outdoors
by Harlynne Geisler

Having told outdoors at many folk festivals, Renaissance fairs, children's events, and shopping centers, I have learned through trial and error some pointers I would like to share.

1. Try to find a spot that is not near noisy activities (including being under an airport's flight path) but not so far off the beaten path that your potential audience can't find you.

2. Check seating arrangements in advance.

1. Will the sun be in your audience's eyes at any time of the day?
2. Are chairs, hay bales, or grassy spots to sit upon available?
3. If it's a dusty or even a grassy area (which might become dew-covered or stain nice clothing) that your audience has to sit upon, consider bringing lots of sheets or blankets for people to share-or suggesting your audience do so in your advance publicity.

3. Make a large, attractive sign that won't be blown over by the wind. It should clearly announce:

1. times (and dates if more than one) of telling
2. whether the stories are for children (preschool, primary, intermediate, or all ages), families, or adults
3. whether it is a free event, or the prices
4. who is telling (name of group or individuals)
5. subject of program, if there is one (For example: Ghost Stories)

4. If you are not a LOUD teller, arrange for a microphone if possible-or quickly learn from a voice coach how to project.

5. Choose short, action-packed stories that are funny or scary. (Long, thoughtful stories are best for captive indoor audiences.) Use audience participation and exaggerated gestures.

6. Decide whether to use other types of entertainment as story stretchers and attention getters. These include mime, song, music, puppets, and juggling.

7. Be prepared for a mixed audience, probably leaning heavily towards small children, no matter what age you announced the stories were for.

8. If you audience is scant or nonexistent, go get 'em! One teller can start the program while other tellers walk around the nearby areas to invite people to come listen.

1. Do so with a smile.
2. Don't tell them you have little or no audience.
3. Be sure to announce that it's a free program if it is.
4. Hand out fliers about the program if you have them.

—posted April 2001

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