Storytelling Alberta Scholarship for Emerging Storytellers
Kayla Groening
Emerging Storyteller Scholarship co-recipient for 2023-24
About the Emerging Storyteller Scholarship
Jack Plumley
Emerging Storyteller Scholarship co-recipient for 2023-24
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