Open Call: Participants for Junior Storytellers Mentorship

Calling junior storytellers (9 to 11 years) to participate in a two-month-long mentorship programme culminating in an international digital storytelling performance! All performers will be mentored by renowned storyteller Kamini Ramachandran, Creative Producer of StoryFest Singapore.

As part of the mentorship, each junior storyteller will learn to perform between 1-2 Asian stories (10-mins long). The mentorship will culminate in each junior storyteller performing virtually to an adult audience member based in North America as a live-streamed digital programme.

Participate as a junior storyteller if your child is:
- An avid reader, listener, or viewer of a wide range of stories
- An eloquent speaker with a strong command of the English language
- Interested in learning the art of oral storytelling
- Passionate about culture and heritage, and proud to share it with the world
- Committed, process-oriented, and has a unique individual style

No prior experience is needed, but an interest in public speaking, spoken word, and storytelling is strongly encouraged. The international digital performances will take place from 27 May to 5 June 2022, between 9:00am and 1:00pm Singapore time. Junior storytellers will be scheduled based on their availability. The digital storytelling live-streamed performances will take place in an established arts venue in Singapore.

Enquiries: project@storytellingcentrelimited.com
Please read the FAQs before submitting

How to Apply:
If this sounds like an opportunity your child might be interested in, please submit the below items:

1. Video:
Film a 45 to 60 second video of your child telling a short excerpt of their favorite Asian story.
OR
Film a 45 to 60 second video of your child talking about something they are passionate about.

2. Biography:
A short biography of your child, in no more than 150 words.
Submit via the Google Form HERE by 25 March 2022.

- Applications are only open to participants who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.
- Videos are to be filmed on a smartphone or camera, in landscape orientation.
- We encourage your child to speak as naturally as possible. We do not recommend referring to a script or other reading aids or prompts.
- The biography is a simple introduction of your child’s interests and experiences. Please limit to 150 words maximum.

Application Outcome:
Only TEN applicants will be chosen for the mentorship.
Selected participants will be notified via email by 31 March 2022.
Terms & Conditions of participation will be shared.
Rehearsal schedule booking details will be provided.
Child safeguarding information will be provided.
Programme details about the live-stream international digital storytelling performance will be provided.
Areas covered during the mentorship will be outlined.

Timeline (Tentative):
Application deadline: 25 March 2022
Notification of outcome: 31 March 2022
Initial meeting with selected junior storytellers: 2 April 2022
Rehearsal x 2: Between 2 April – 20 May 2022 (based on participants’ availability)
Tech rehearsal x 2: Between 16 May - 25 May 2022
Performance period: 27 May - 5 June 2022
Honorarium payment period: 6 June – 5 July 2022

FAQs:
What stories should my child tell for the video submission?
Please select stories from the Asian oral storytelling canon (folktales, legends, myths, fables, fairy tales or epics). Do not choose fiction/literature that has been published or requires adherence to prevailing copyright and IP regulations.

What stories will my child tell for the live-stream international digital performance?
Asian folktales and traditional stories are recommended.
- This is an international oral storytelling project, and our focus will be on presenting stories unique to this region of the world.
- The mentor, Kamini, will guide your child in selecting suitable stories to tell.

What is the expected commitment from each participant?
- Perform between 1-3 times during the EVENT period (27 May – 5 June 2022).
- Attend mentorship rehearsals in April & May 2022.
- Attend an initial introductory meeting together with their parents/caregivers.
- Attend a total of two rehearsals (without parents/caregivers).
- Attend two technical rehearsals before the livestream performances.
- Continue with independent practice between rehearsals to hone their craft.
- Rehearsals will be scheduled between 1-2 hours per session.
- Rehearsal slots will be scheduled in April & May 2022 on weekdays between 2pm and 8pm, and on weekends between 12pm and 8pm.

Do I need to pay for the Junior Storytellers Mentorship?
- The inaugural junior storytellers mentorship is fully funded by The Storytelling Centre Limited and StoryFest Singapore.
- Selected participants will not be expected to pay for the mentorship and international participation.

Is there an honorarium fee?
- All selected junior storytellers will be paid an honorarium as a performer’s fee.
- Honorariums will be commensurate with the total number of performances completed.
- Honorariums will be processed only upon completion of the international livestream digital storytelling performances.

Will my child receive a certificate?
- All participants who fulfil the requirements of the mentorship will receive a certificate of participation.

My child is usually quiet, but is always buried in a book. Are they eligible for this?
- Yes, as long as they meet the stated criteria, and they are comfortable performing to an online audience.

My child is below 9 years old / is 12 years old – can they participate?
- Eligible participants must be born in the years 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013 in order to apply.

My child is interested but is unavailable during the specified dates:
- Please subscribe to our mailing list and follow us on social media (@storyfestsg & @storytellingcentresg) to stay updated on the next cycle.

How will my and my child’s personal data be used?
- The Storytelling Centre Limited will use information only for purposes of selecting suitable participants for the Junior Storytellers’ Mentorship program internally. The Storytelling Centre will not use information beyond this purpose, and will seek parent/guardian and child’s informed consent before generating any publicity or archival material.

I have more than one child suitable for the Junior Storytellers Mentorship. Can all of them apply?
- Yes, there is no maximum number of children from one family that can apply, as long as they comply with the criteria (9 to 11 years).

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