The Power of Storytelling

Author: Andrea Anthony

“One more story, please!!” My insistence often bordered on desperation. My parents, both avid readers, would reluctantly keep going. Snuggled into the couch or the bed, I built worlds with my imagination and the words that I heard. They featured raw emotion, intense action, and intellectual feats. I grew up attending the children’s matinees at UNC-Greensboro’s Theater for Young People. I can still feel the energy and excitement as an audience member and the strange worlds brought to life. Years later, as an undergraduate, I performed in at least five TYP plays. I experienced the joy of reliving my childhood memories of awe reflected in the faces of the audience.

After a decade and a half in New York City, I am now pursuing my MFA in Filmmaking at UNC School of the Arts, concentrating on Screenwriting. ArtistCorps allows me to serve my new community in a concrete, expansive way through drama exposure and integration. I’m presently serving at Quality Education Institute and Quality Education Academy, teaching students, Pre-K through second-grade, fundamentals of drama. These lessons emphasize listening skills, emotional and physical regulation, imagination, and empathy. 

Being able to pass on the thrill of creating characters, of introducing new words and new worlds, has been a highlight of my first semester at UNCSA. I've witnessed a small child morph into a giant with a booming voice. I've seen kids master their energy to create composed and specific characters. I've seen the revelation cross their faces when they learn something from their classmates.

Providing children with the tools to adequately express their individual lives remains imperative. Great storytellers create our communities. They are scientists, artists, activists, teachers, and mechanics. If you are in the Winston-Salem community and would like more information about Artistcorps or to volunteer, please reach out. I’d be happy to answer any questions.