Bridging Drama and Education Through Storytelling
Carson’s last semester at ULethbridge ended on a memorable note when he became involved with the Storyteller at Large Applied Studies program. As a Drama and Education major, it was a blend of so many things he is passionate about. He recalls how it allowed him dive into the world of folklore, fairytales, myths and legends and to connect with the different types of audiences within the Lethbridge community in meaningful ways. For Carson, it wasn't just about telling stories; it was about new discoveries, making connections, and building skills he’ll use for years to come. His goal is to teach drama in a K-12 school, and this program presented an excellent opportunity to explore how powerful oral storytelling can be in education.
Meet Carson | Enthusiastic | Engaging | Connected
Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts and Education | Majors: Drama and Education
One of the most memorable parts of the Storyteller at Large program, Carson recalls, was the genuine connections he was able to build with the students. There's nothing quite like seeing students’ excitement and engagement when you're telling a story and then having them remember you weeks later.
Why I chose the Storyteller at Large program.
As a major in Drama and Education, the program really appealed to him. It was a chance to use what he was learning about in the classroom in a practical way. This program was an ideal choice as it provided a chance to blend his love for drama with his future goals in Education.
What I wanted to get out of the Storyteller At Large program.
Going into it, Carson knew he wanted to get as much experience in actual classroom settings and to further enhance his vocal and performance abilities. The program delivered even more than that. It introduced him to a huge collection of stories from all over the world and promoted new opportunities for him to adapt them to various audiences outside of the K-12 classroom including children in day cares, families at the public library and to seniors as well.
You start to develop a roster of stories... from different parts of the world. You get to explore what stories you like to tell.
My experiential learning in the Storyteller at Large program.
Carson found the program very hands-on. It started with training at the library, where him and another peer immersed themselves in learning about a variety of oral storytelling techniques all the while familiarizing themselves with folk tales, fairy tales, myths, and legends from different countries and cultures from around the globe. Carson recalls how the research phase was crucial for building up his story repertoire. Then came the best part: travelling to elementary schools, daycares, and senior centers all around Lethbridge to share these stories orally, without the use of picture books or props! Carson enjoyed being able to take the stories, transform them, and bring them to life in new ways. He also enjoyed performing research related to his specific discipline throughout the semester, which added another valuable layer to the whole experience.
My most memorable experience
The connections he made with the students were what really stuck with him. Going back to a school weeks after a storytelling session and having the kids recognize him and remember the stories he told was truly impactful.
They remember who you are, and then some of them call you by name. They remember the stories, and some ask you to come back to the classroom. So that is what I would say, is the most memorable part
How the program impacted my education.
For Carson, the program allowed him to strengthen valuable skills gained from both of his majors.
You get to be present in the classroom and talk in a way that kids will listen to. This was huge as a Drama major. This opportunity also provided a small solo performance opportunity, because, you perform your stories in addition to just speaking them. So I found moments that were really physical for mine, and used other techniques from other drama classes that really helped make my stories as engaging as possible.
It also really helped him practice classroom management skills and further develop various vocal techniques.
My hopes and plans for the future.
This experience has further solidified Carson’s desire to work with young people in education. He looks forward to incorporating storytelling and Drama into his future teaching, in part to help foster creativity and a love of narratives in his students.
My advice to other students.
Carson’s advice for anyone who's even thinking about it is to just do it. It's an amazing way to connect with the community, work with kids, and explore the magic of oral storytelling. Whether you're into performance, education, or just connecting with people, this program gives you skills in communication, public speaking, and leadership. Plus, it's a ton of fun!
If you’re thinking about doing it, you should… It is a fantastic opportunity to get into the schools and work with kids. If that is something that you’re interested or if you like connecting with other people you might not otherwise, and are interested in the kind of stories that get told in different parts of the world, different folklore and myths and legends and those sorts of things. This is absolutely something I would recommend to you wholeheartedly. It’s been an absolute blast.