Kids learn the art of storytelling at festival

Get ready to hear some tall tales during the Skald 10 Storytelling Festival, which celebrates the art of spinning yarns through workshops and performances for and by kids and adults. Co-sponsored by WNEP Theater and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Skald (Scandinavian for storyteller) runs Saturday through June 27 at the Chicago Cultural Center.

The children's component was added to the fest three years ago, said Don Hall, founding director of WNEP (What No One Else Produces) and the festival. The former music teacher said he wanted to give kids the opportunity to learn about storytelling and to tell their stories.

To that end, kids ages 8-14 can participate in storytelling workshops from noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Adults (15 and older) get their chance from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday. Workshops are free and there is no limit to the number of participants; however, reservations are required at (312) 742-8497.

Hall said the workshops are "get up and do." Participants learn improv techniques and talk about what makes a good story. A key component to good storytelling, he said, is listening, because "stories are two-way, a dialogue between the teller and the listener. The best storytellers really tap into what the audience is telling them while they're telling the story."

The rest of the fest features three competitive performances by mostly local storytellers who auditioned in May.

At 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 10 kids will compete in "Kidskald" before a panel of judges from the theater community for $50 and a basket stuffed with gift certificates. "Maelstrom," at 7:30 p.m. June 26, will showcase six storytellers who improvise stories from audience suggestions before the audience votes for the winner.

The fest highlight, Hall said, is "Skald 10" at 7:30 p.m. June 27. Hosted by Steve Edwards of WBEZ Chicago Public Radio, 10 professional storytellers will duke it out verbally before a panel of theater experts.

Hall said performances are appropriate for children 5 and older, even though material is not censored. Performers are cautioned that judges are likely to frown on off-color stories, but they're not told what they can and cannot say.

In 10 years, Hall said, he remembers only two stories as inappropriate for families. Most stories, he added, are "very family-friendly."

Theater on the Lake presents Once Upon a Time (or the Secret Language of Birds), the first of three family-friendly summer productions, from Wednesday through June 28. Performances of the Redmoon Theater production are at 7:30 p.m. except Sunday, when it starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $17.50. The theater is at Fullerton Avenue and Lake Michigan. Call (312) 742-7994 or visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

• • General admission is free today at the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive. Call (773) 684-1414 or visit www.msichicago.org.

Jennifer Burklow is a local free-lance writer.