Emerging Storyteller Scholarship

About the Emerging Storyteller Scholarship

Since 2011, Storytelling Alberta has awarded the annual Emerging Storyteller Scholarship to recognize and support emerging storytellers who are interested in using storytelling in their chosen fields (e.g. freelance storytelling, education, psychology, museum, library or interpretive work, environmental education, healing arts, law, religion, business, theatre, etc.). 

Overview

Storytelling Alberta presents the Emerging Storyteller Scholarship at the annual Storytelling Retreat. Nominations are due by day’s end on June 30th and the award tenure runs from October 1 of the nominating year to the end of the following September. Successful nominees receive:

• A one-year free membership in Storytelling Alberta

• Free registration to attend the Storytelling Alberta Retreat in the final month of their scholarship tenure (i.e. September of the year following their successful nomination) Note: In the case where the award is shared by two Emerging Storytellers, each successful candidate will be entitled to a 50% reduction in the Retreat fee at the end of their tenure.

• Mentorship with an established storyteller who will provide guidance and support in development as a storyteller (Please note: Since new winners are announced at the Retreat that the previous winner attends for free, successful Emerging Storyteller Scholarship nominees are invited to register for the Retreat for a fee or to join virtually to attend the award announcements free of charge)

• A forum (e.g. Storytelling Alberta festival, Story Café, concert) in which to perform a polished [stage-ready] story

• A spot as feature storyteller at the Retreat in the final month of their tenure

Eligibility

Nominees can be of any age, but they must be:

• Interested in using storytelling in their chosen fields (e.g. freelance storytelling, education, psychology, museum, library or interpretive work, environmental education, healing arts, law, religion, business, theatre, etc.)

• Committed to working with a mentor through the period of their tenure

• Willing to perform at a Storytelling Alberta event and at the annual Retreat at the culmination of their tenure

Procedure

Please forward the following information to the Awards Coordinator listed at the bottom of this page:

• Name, Address, City, Province

• Telephone Numbers (Home, Cell)

• Email Address

• Storytelling experience (telling and listening)

• Answers to the following questions:

1.      How would the guidance of a storyteller-mentor benefit you?

2.      Why are you interested in attending the Storytelling Alberta Retreat? What do you hope to gain from this event?

3.      How can storytelling be used in your present or desired line of work?

4.      Describe how becoming/continuing to be a member of Storytelling Alberta would benefit you.

All nominees for the Storytelling Alberta Scholarship for Emerging Storytellers must submit their application no later than end-of-day on June 30th. All applicants will be notified of the results by August 15th in the nominating year.

Current and Previous Winners

2023-24 - Kayla Groening/Jack Plumley

2022-23 - Dorothy Lowrie

2020-22 - Judy Paterson (Note: Judy’s tenure was extended to September 30th, 2022 because of the limited opportunities for in-person performances during the pandemic)

2019-20 - Madiha Madda

2018-19 - Ley-Anne Mountain

2017-18 - Yeng Chang

2016-17 - Gail Brown

2015-16 - Doreen Vanderstoop

2014-15 - Marie Bryce and Trudianne Dolman

2013-14 - Cheryl Melnyk

2012-13 - Charma Cattleman

2011-12 - Jonathon Nelson

Awards Coordinator: Doreen Vanderstoop dvanderstoop@storytellingalberta.com