Improvisational Skills for Storytellers, Public Speakers and Performers Workshop, January 26, 2008

Avondale, AZ, January 09, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The Arizona Storytelling Guild (AzSG) presents the workshop "Improvisational Skills for Storytellers and Other Presenters" at the West Valley Art Museum in Surprise, Arizona. Storytellers, public speakers, corporate trainers and other performers will participate in an interactive and fun workshop on developing their ability to "think on your feet" in any setting. The workshop is presented by invited guest Tim Ereneta, a Master Storyteller from the California Bay area. The three-hour workshop on January 26, 2008, begins at 1:00PM. Tickets for the workshop are $25 per person and include the evening storytelling concert featuring Tim and other local and national storytellers beginning at 6:00PM. Tickets and information are available at the Museum box office, 17420 North Avenue of the Arts in Surprise or via the Internet at the website http://wwww.emergentstorytelling.com. Tickets for the evening concert only are also available. The Improv workshop is designed for adults and high-school aged students. The AzSG is offering a special rate for drama and speech teachers who might want to bring their students to this workshop. For more information on group rates, please contact the AzSG coordinator, Sean Buvala, at (623) 298-4548 or at info@arizonastorytelling.com .

Storyteller Tim Ereneta brings to life traditional tales for contemporary audiences. His repertoire includes classic fairy tales as well as forgotten folk tales of the Middle Ages. The recipient of the National Storytelling Network's "J.J. Reneaux Emerging Artist Grant" for 2006, Tim brings over 18 years of theatre experience as a playwright and actor to his storytelling. He has appeared at the Orlando, Edmonton, and San Francisco Fringe Festivals, Fresno's Rogue Festival, the Bay Area Storytelling Festival, and the Stitching Stars Storytelling Festival in Athens, Georgia. For ten years, he was in the mainstage company of BATS Improv, one of San Francisco's most popular improvisation troupes. He is a co-founder of Storytellers Unplugged, an ensemble of performers who use improvisation to reveal the power of story in our everyday lives.

"Improv is about more than being funny, it's about being totally immersed in your environment when you are performing, speaking, teaching. We are kicking off our brand-new Emergent Storytelling Series with Tim Ereneta as we think he embodies the fresh understanding of the timeless art form of storytelling. In addition, his skills in improvisational theater are a must-see for anyone who speaks to the public or who wants to expand their repertoires," says K. Sean Buvala, the director of the Arizona Storytelling Guild, himself a 22 year veteran national storyteller. "After looking at dozens of applicants to be the first guest presenter for the Emergent Storytelling Series, it was clear to us that Tim would bring a nationally recognized talent and intense energy to our kick-off event."

Tim describes his workshop: "At its heart, theatrical improvisation relies on storytelling in the moment. And the same tools that help you create stories spontaneously also impart skills useful in everyday life: thinking on your feet, dealing with the unexpected, taking risks, failing good-naturedly, and focused listening. Through fun and interactive exercises, participants will learn the underlying theories of improv, create stories, and discover tools to harness the creative power of spontaneity."

The evening concert that follows the workshop begins at 6:00PM. Tellers from Arizona, both local talents and national performers, will present stories for an hour. Tim Ereneta will be featured in the last hour of the evening. Tickets for the workshop include the evening presentation or concert-only tickets can be purchased at the Museum. The West Valley Art Museum can be reached by phone at (623) 972-0635.

About The Arizona Storytelling Guild
The members of the guild are a coalition of artists and learners who use storytelling in all facets of life careers. Storytellers of all skill levels are invited to attend and participate. Membership in the non-profit AzSG is $25 per year and includes a variety of benefits. Potential members and guests are always free of charge at their first meeting before joining the guild. Non-members who wish to attend various functions throughout the year are welcome to do so for a nominal fee of $10 per event. For more information about the AzSG, please see the website at http://www.arizonastorytelling.com or call the office at 623.298.4548.

Promotional Photos
Promotional photos of Tim Ereneta are available for download at:

https://webfiles.berkeley.edu/ereneta/public_html/pub_photos/ereneta_live_small.jpg https://webfiles.berkeley.edu/ereneta/public_html/pub_photos/1800x1350_happyendings.jpg

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