Almost every storyteller in today’s world is taking their own individual path into this art form. “You make the path by walking it,” says the old proverb, and that’s very true for storytelling.
– Dan Yashinsky –
Welcome! As the title suggests, we at Storytelling Toronto are thinking through what it means to be a professional storyteller. As such, you can consider this page as a living document that provides individuals venturing into the realm of storytelling with a road map. A map to what you ask? A map to a curated collection of tools, tips, and references for beginners or experienced tellers. Whether you’re exploring the craft for the first time or looking to enhance your existing skills, this ever-growing collection is designed to be a reliable companion on your journey towards becoming a proficient and captivating storyteller. Keep it in your pocket, and add to it. Suggestions are welcome if not encouraged.
To this end, we aim to provide some examples for comparison of other country’s professional standards for storytellers.
International Storytelling Accreditation Models
Federation for European Storytellers (FEST) – The Federation for European Storytellers conducted research in 2019 into the professionalization of storytellers. Chiefly, their research synthesizes a set of competencies that inform and direct storytellers on their development journey.
Australian Storytelling Guild – The Australian Storytelling Guild offers storytellers an accreditation process. To receive accreditation, tellers must consider:
- Timing- the applicants ability to stay within the allotted time
- Voice- modulation, projection, pacing
- Body language
- Audience interaction
- Suitability of the selected stories for the stated age group
- The beginning and ending of performance (greeting & farewell)
Professional Standards for Canadian Storytellers Project (PSCSP) – In 2023, Storytelling Toronto initiated a project to invite local tellers to aid in expanding Canadian Storytelling accreditation and professionalization standards. The PSCSP took the form of a conversation series aimed at asking the question of how storytellers could be supported and helped to grow. Case studies took place in Toronto over the course of the year. Featured are many well-known voices in the Storytelling Toronto community. The project received funding from the Ontario Arts Council. Facilitators of the project are Natalia Tsygankova and John Hibble.
If you have any suggestions of other accredited storytelling bodies, please let us know by emailing hello@storytellingtoronto.org