Classes

THE GREAT STORY IMMERSION

Six sessions. Small Group. Online. NEW DATES
NEW STORY STARTING ~ Sundays April 21 - May 26
sliding scale $250 - $600
11 am - 1 pm EST
New Story: SEDNA: She Who Dwells Beneath The Surface
(based on a version of an Inuit Myth)

When you find what is underneath, and how it is obstructed, then liberation is possible

A collaborative immersion in a single fairytale featuring preparation and research:
Learning to look deep into a story and bring it to life.
Learn about multiple layers of meaning, the secret architecture of a story and engagement,
how to develop and braid personal stories.
The choice of story is singular for each session.
We work together and alone, going into the story.
The uncovery of a story and how to tell it reveals its relevance for the world we are living in today.

STORY ALONE TOGETHER
is a dedicated time to work on a story or project of your choice
ongoing every Tuesday 5 - 7 pm EST

A weekly dedicated two and a half hour period of time to work on a story in the supportive presence of others. It features group support, breakout rooms, and readings with feedback and companionship on the path of story. Every week Laura sends out a contemplation that stirs the pot of insight. This is a near miraculous program that gives each person a boost and time to work on something you have wanted to work on, have put off, or would like to develop. It is also a time for research, journaling, or whatever you need to keep your creative heart beating. Sign up for ten sessions or sign up for a year. The tech assist to Laura and our muse is Angela Lloyd.

SAPPHO’S FOUND STORY SALON

*NEW ~ SAPPHO’S FOUND STORY is a monthly storytelling performance laboratory. Each month we focus on one unique aspect of engaged storytelling. These are invaluable investigations and instructions for bringing a story to life.

Thursdays. 7 - 9 pm EST
zoom platform. (Sent out weekly)
Single session. $40. (pay per session)

January 18 , ENTERING THE STORY - BEGINNINGS - Before the first word of a story is spoken, the storyteller has made a relationships to the story, and the space in which the event takes place. The first engagement is a sense of trust in which the audience is prepared for the special immersion into the experience of a story. We will work on the preparation of the teller, the tale and the architecture of engagement.

February 15. TURNING POINT:
The Love That Sets The Story in Motion

- The first lines of a story are a painted door, an invitation, a series of clues and longings.The Turning Point opens the door to the journey. What was missing will be sought. Longing will carry us through. Why is that vital in our world today? What happens to the audience”. Please be prepared and bring the start of three different fairytales.

May 9 . THE BRAIDED STORY.

- a nest of words, image, twigs and bones - The art of the engaged storyteller is unique of all narrative arts because of the special role of the storyteller, and the reciprocity of listeners. A polyphonic layering of meaning and experience emerges as a story is heard. We will focus on how to choose personal stories to illumine and deepen the way a traditional fairytale or symbolic story is heard. Laura will tell a single tale and then through a variety of creative writing, storytelling activities and contemplative exercises we will braid the story with personal memories.

June 6 THE ALCHEMY OF IMAGE - What is a story made of? What distinguishes a story from any other more passive medium?
We will look into the history, interdependence, levels of meaning, potency and medicine of an image.

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In order to sign up please write to storymentor2010@gmail.com for a registration document.

Residencies & Coaching

Contact Laura for mini-residencies, week long residencies and individual coaching. please write to me with your need or vision: storymentor2010@gmail.com

Mentoring - Coaching

The LAURA SIMMS MENTOR PROGRAM is an individualized series of coaching and creative sessions on a single project, performance, story, memoir, or literary project in process. Laura serves as dramaturg, inspiratrice, story listener, and spy helping to bring out the story you want to tell and nurture the invisible architecture of presentation that combines your voice with the deepest intention and unexpected connections.

Laura works with up to ten mentees per year - meeting live or online. Each mentorship is tailor made for your project. There are ten-hour private sessions, editing and correspondence are included. All mentee participants meet together every three months for inspiration and sharing.

$1600, paid in advance. Can be used for one year.

To Book Time on Individual or group Coaching contact Laura directly. Each session is
tailor made. Please contact Laura to set up an intial (free) consultation half hour.

FINDING GOLD IN YOUR STORY
a practical HOW TO TELL A STORY course

10 sessions. Small group. Online (or in person)
This foundational step-by-step process of preparing and telling a traditional story, with personal reflections, is perfect for performance, presentation or writing. This course is scheduled two times a year. Groups, Organizations and Schools can
request a course between 4 and 10 sessions tailor made for your participants.