Modern Storytelling and the Singlehandedly! Storytelling Residency

In May 2011, I was invited to participate in Singlehandedly! a storytelling residency that coincides both with a unique narrative collaboration with other storytellers and also culminates in a series of showcase performances.

Sponsored by Portland Story Theater and founded by Lawrence Howard and Lynne Duddy in 2009, this program is the only storyteller residency and showcase program of it’s kind. As such, it exists as a vital resource for narrative artists and in my opinion is one of the nation’s most important resources for modern storytelling. 

Closing Night Performers: Lawrence Howard,
Penny Walter, Slash Coleman, Lynn Duddy.

Promoting and hosting one distinguished visiting storyteller per year, Portland Story Theater provides a 10 day-2 week studio residency. Every residency includes a comfortable, private bedroom, three excellent meals a day, opportunity for focused, independent work, access to a large and diverse creative community and opportunities to share work in various settings including: open studio evenings, workshops, readings, and performance.

As a result, I was able to complete some of my most important work to date. 

Located in the heart of North East Portland, OR, the residency takes place in a hip urban environment that is unsurpassed by any city in the world.  With accommodations a few blocks from mass transit as well as being located in the center of a walker's paradise, I found I was able to accomplish more in a matter of weeks during my residency than I could in a year at home. The residency offered a chance for me to work privately, but in proximity to other highly accomplished narrative artists with fresh insights, new ideas and stimulating conversation.

The Singlehandedly! process is so successful because at  it’s root there is also a very important mission. To develop personal creativity, nurture the creation of new work, provide support for oral tradition and connect tellers through community relationships and alliances. 

Are you a good match for the residency program? You are if you’re a storyteller who wants to:

• uncover, develop or stretch your creative spirit
• study with gifted teachers
• join a supportive community that encourages experimentation and growth
• create new work in the heart of Portland, Or
• participate in a hands-on learning environment enriched by lectures, workshops and critiques

For more about Portland Story Theater please visit: www.portlandstorytheater.com

For more about the work I produced during this time please visit: www.slashcoleman.com

Artist Branding: Attitude & Altitude

In the past few years, as I’ve come to produce more shows, I’ve started hiring artists for productions, and have a new appreciation for the word professional. I won’t work with an artist who is high maintenance or pretentious. In fact, I’ll choose someone that is easier to work with over someone who is more skilled every time.  

“In my line of work,” says stylist Josh Coleman, “We call certain stylist/designers “screamers” because they are notorious for screaming at their co-workers. Keep in mind that these artists are hired because of their talent, not their social skills. Maybe their success all boils down to skill and their ability to produce something impressive or shocking. That’s a pretty tricky question.”

Josh Coleman, a fashion stylist in Hollywood and who was working on the Oscars within a year and a half of arriving says his southern charm and hard work have earned him a reputation as a solid stylist who follows through and works extremely hard. “I continually surprise new clients,” Josh says, “who just aren’t used to this type of old skool work ethic.” Josh’s attitude propelled him both higher and faster up the industry ladder than someone else who might have carried a slightly more laid back work ethic into the position.