Storytelling for Grown-ups
Participatory workshops for experienced & aspiring storytellers with Giuliana Serena & Nan Seymour of The Bee.
We believe that we are all storytellers and that everybody has stories to tell, whether or not you ever intend to take the stage.
Telling our own true stories can be intimidating. Practice helps.
That’s why we're offering these opportunities for eager participants to connect, listen, learn, and share with a highly participatory mix of guided writing prompts, oral storytelling exercises, and practical instruction.
We are experts at encouragement and creating brave space for people to be themselves together - and you definitely don’t have to identify as a “storyteller” to enjoy the experience.
Care to join us? We would be delighted to work with you.
UPCOMING SESSIONS
Due to public health concerns, our workshops will be postponed until it is safer for us to gather together.
Want to be informed when future sessions are added to our schedule? Get on our email list. Interested in working with us to bring a storytelling workshop to your group or organization? Get in touch.
Reflections from Participants
“Inclusive and welcoming – from the start, there was an immediate immersion into a community of storytellers. This connection only grew as we shared our stories. An excellent way to learn about the process of crafting a good story, thank you!” – Jessie
“A unique opportunity for introspection – I can’t think of a better way to have spent these past several hours. This was amazing, thank you!” – Jenny
“A group strangers took a 180° within just a few hours! I’m leaving feeling well nourished, with a sense of confidence and forgiveness. I needed this. Thank you.” – Nathan
“Awesome facilitation! I felt cared for, seen, and heard. This was a really wonderful way to spend an afternoon; a brave space filled with kind, interesting, and creative people.”
"Not only beneficial for those who want to hone their storytelling, but an excellent way to find and share your voice in a supportive environment. Giuliana & Nan are fabulous." – Karen
Scholarship Opportunities
If you are interested in attending a workshop and the cost would keep you from participating, we invite you to apply for a scholarship.
About our facilitators
Giuliana Serena & Nan Seymour are experts at encouragement and creating brave space for people to be themselves together.
Giuliana Serena
Giuliana is the Beekeeper and Founder of The Bee. She hosts and produces our monthly & curated shows, facilitates storytelling workshops, and offers consulting services to individual storytellers and organizations.
Her commitment to creating intentional space for brave storytelling and engaged listening is rooted in her work as a Ceremonialist and Rites-of-Passage Facilitator, with a particular affinity for progressing culture, attuning to the cycles of nature, and celebrating the seasons of life.
She appreciates the opportunity to hold space for community to share authentically, witness one another, and experience transformation; from the wilds of nature to classrooms to the depths of dark and crowded bars.
Nan Seymour
Nan is The Bee's Director of Narrative Encouragement and Giuliana’s co-conspirator in facilitating our Storytelling Workshops. She has facilitated writing and storytelling workshops for dozens of groups, including cancer survivors, high school students, homeless writers, and survivors of domestic violence.
She offers an ongoing schedule of expressive and generative writing courses at her River Writing studio in Salt Lake City.
Nan spent seventeen years as a miller and baker of whole-grain bread. She learned something about process by milling the wheat. She acquired some patience while waiting for the loaves to rise.
She is currently co-authoring a dual voice memoir with her 24 year-old daughter Beatrice. Their forthcoming book tells the story of a Utah girl who survives the perils of a misgendered adolescence to claim her true name and identity.
ADDITIONAL Reflections from Participants
“If you want to spark your creativity or try something new - take this workshop!” – Mandy
“I’m so glad I took this workshop! Very productive and well worth the time. Thank you for your contribution to storytelling in SLC!” – Joanita
“I feel so much better equipped to think about my stories and move them forward. Thank you!” – Jessica
“Great atmosphere! A perfect way to get out of your comfort zone.” – Bryton
“Anyone who wants to develop the art of storytelling would benefit from this workshop.”
"The exercises helped me think more deeply about my story and uncover more pertinent details. Great experience - thank you!" – Camille
“Incredible human connection between complete strangers!”
"A space to reclaim my memories, words, and voice."
"Not only beneficial for those who want to hone their storytelling, but an excellent way to find and share your voice in a supportive environment. Giuliana & Nan are fabulous." – Karen
“A rare experience to engage with others in real, honest, genuine, and vulnerable ways.”
“Not nearly as terrifying as I thought it would be!”
"I absolutely love how this workshop guided me through the process of telling part of my story. Thank you." – Becky
"A great way to get in touch with your experiences and stories in a supportive space."
"Informative and empowering while also permitting space and time for connection."
"Feels like we got to know each other on a deeper level.”
"I go to therapy a lot and have found my biggest struggle is to connect emotionally with myself. This space isn't therapy but it allows the safety and encouragement to be imperfectly yourself and I love that. Take this workshop if you want to become a better listener and connect with yourself." – Madeline