A simple guide to help you through the process of booking a storyteller.

Step 1 – Planning

 

  • How many people are you expecting to attend? Do you have a suitable venue?
    Storytelling works best in intimate spaces, away from any possible source of noise and distraction. A classroom, tent or by the fireside work well. A big hall or corner of a bigger space that is in use for something else can be more challenging environments to share a story.
  • What is the audience age range?
    For a session aimed at children, bear in mind that a mixed audience of 3-16 years won’t work very well. The stories that engage and interest 5 year olds and 14 year olds greatly differ.
  • What kind of stories are you looking for?
    All of our storytellers have built a varied repertoire over the years, but most of them have an expertise with particular kinds of stories: legends of place, traditional folk tales from Scotland, fairy tales, tall tales, historical tales, modern tales, foundation myths, pour quoi tales and jack tales… to name a few!
  • Audience include people with additional support needs or older people with dementia?
    Make sure you book one of our storytellers who is experienced with this kind of audience and can cater for their needs with inclusion and connection through storytelling.

 

Step 2 – Find a storyteller

  • Search for a suitable storyteller by area, age range or language expertise and contact them direct to arrange your session.
  • Alternatively, contact us for advice on finding a suitable storyteller or to discuss your project.

 

Directory of Storytellers                 Contact the Storytelling Forum

 

 

Step 3 – Booking process

 

  • Once you have contacted a storyteller and agreed the details of the booking, the Scottish Storytelling Centre or the storyteller directly will send a booking letter, to confirm.
  • An invoice will follow, unless differently agreed.
  • Storytellers normally invoice directly for any storytelling bookings. Invoicing can be processed by TRACS at the Scottish Storytelling Centre upon request, which includes a £5 admin charge.

 

Recommended Rates


Step 4 – When the storyteller visits

  • Make sure the storyteller is aware of arrangements regarding travelling to the venue (parking places, accessibility, directions if you’re in a tricky location)
  • Allocate a room/area for the the group
  • Ensure that the storyteller has access to a toilet, tea/coffee/lunch etc.
  • Provide water during the session
  • Ensure that a responsible adult is with the group at all times in the case of bookings with children or vulnerable adults. Storytellers should not be left with supervisory responsibility.
  • If it’s a school session, the class teacher should be present and participate in the session. Participation and observation are vital for follow-up work.

All storytellers listed in the directory can be booked for storytelling sessions and workshops through the Centre and are also eligible for subsidy through the Live Literature Fund (LLF) scheme, administered by Scottish Book Trust.

Live Literature Fund (LLF)                 Contact the Storytelling Forum