Connie Regan-Blake is holding a workshop called “Giving
Voice to Our Stories: A Storytelling Workshop” beginning
Friday in Candler.
By Melissa Stout
Citizen-Times Correspondent
Mstroth340@yahoo.com
Asheville – Connie Regan-Blake, a pioneer in the
revival of storytelling, has been bringing the magic of
imagination and wisdom to others through the power of
a story for more than 30 years.
At her upcoming workshop, “ Giving Voice to Our
Stories: A Storytelling Workshop” starting Friday
in Candler, Regan-Blake will help participants of all
skill levels weave a story into personal and professional
lives.
“One of the focuses for this workshop is how old
stories reflect our lives today,” Regan-Blake said.
“Finding moments of common experience that are relevant
and alive in our lives today.”
The workshop will include individual feedback sessions,
activities for developing stories, companion listening,
and tai chi movements.
“Anyone can learn and tell those stories. I encourage
everyone to tell some of those ancient stories,”
she said. “There is something about those stories
that resonate with us.”
Marvin Cole, a 70-year-old storyteller and workshop participant,
has been telling stories as Mark Twain for 25 years.
“She changed me,” Cole said. “I would
memorize the story word for word. With storytelling, you
don’t have to do that; you can be flexible. She
taught me not to be so rigid. I feel it was a great move
for me.”
Sandra Gudger, founder of the Asheville Storytelling
Circle, tells Appalachian, personal and historical stories.
“Even though I’ve attended several of her
workshops I still come away with some new ideas,”
Gudger said. It provides an opportunity to work on a new
story. It seems easier when you have other inputs to help
you develop a story.”
In 1973, Regan-Blake met Ray Hicks, “a mountain
man recognized as the patriarch of American traditional
storytelling,” at the first National Storytelling
Festival in Jonesborough, Tenn.
“He had a huge influence and continues to have
a huge influence on my life,” Regan-Blake said,
“He was an extraordinary man.”
Regan-Blake has been recognized around the country as
a top storyteller. She has traveled to 46 states and 14
countries telling traditional stories and stories combined
with classical music. Her work has been praised by New
Age magazine, School library Journal and Southern Living
magazine. She has been a guest on NPR’s “All
Things Considered,” ABC’s “Good Morning
America” and CNN.
Space is still available to attend the workshop. The
cost is $250 per person. For details and to register go
to www.storywindow.com or call
258-1113.
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