Ever been transfixed by a compelling story told by a skillful speaker, and wondered – wow, just how do they do it?! Ever wanted to get better at telling stories, whether in personal or professional contexts, but don’t quite know how to get started? Storytelling is perhaps the most ancient of human arts, with a rich tapestry of traditions and techniques that can overwhelm you with where to begin. So… begin here!
Over the course of 8 weeks, join international storytelling coach Hari Stephen Kumar for a warm and guided intro to the 5 key principles of storytelling in a fun, friendly, and supportive environment at Happier Valley Comedy School! Through play, laughter, shared joy, and a step-by-step approach, you will learn practical techniques and concepts that you can apply right away in both your personal and professional lives. We’ll work on the art and the science of storytelling to engage audiences, while steadily building confidence and comfort on stage each week.
Whether you are working on a presentation, preparing a speech for a special occasion, or simply wanting to get better at storytelling to the toughest of audiences (kids!), your adventures in storytelling can begin (or continue) right here. The class culminates in a free showcase performance event. Invite your friends and family to see you and your fellow performers share your stories on stage!
Prerequisites: None!
This class will be held the following 8 Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00pm
Feb 14
Feb 21
Feb 28
Mar 7
Mar 14
Mar 21
Mar 28
Apr 4
(Possible makeup date if HVC needs to cancel a class: April 11)
Showcase date: Friday, April 21st at 7pm
If you need to miss a class due to the observance of a holiday that takes place during this session, it will not count as an absence against earning credit for this class.
About your teacher: Hari Stephen Kumar is a professional storytelling coach with 20+ years of experience, including currently at Salesforce where he works with the Slack product sales teams on engaging customers more effectively with story-based techniques. Working with clients internationally and through years of practice, Hari has developed proven storytelling techniques for contexts ranging from sales to academia, from boardrooms to stage performances, from classes on social change to progressive organizing and messaging. Hari also has roots and routes in the Valley, having begun his improv journey right here at HVC in 2016, and having taught college courses for several years in the area. He is delighted to return to the Valley and to HVC to join you as a guide in your storytelling journey!
*
Fine Print!
*Please note that once you make your purchase, your place in the class is NON-REFUNDABLE unless we have 48 hours notice before first class AND we can get someone to fill your spot.
*Students must attend at least 6 of the 8 classes to graduate to the next level.
*Students must be 18+ years. (In actual years, not maturity. ;)
*Our classes may involve physical activity and we could be on our feet for at least an hour; however, we're able to accommodate for all physical abilities. Please let email us to let us know how we can best fit your needs or if you have any questions about accommodations.
End of Fine Print!
Over the course of 8 weeks, join international storytelling coach Hari Stephen Kumar for a warm and guided intro to the 5 key principles of storytelling in a fun, friendly, and supportive environment at Happier Valley Comedy School! Through play, laughter, shared joy, and a step-by-step approach, you will learn practical techniques and concepts that you can apply right away in both your personal and professional lives. We’ll work on the art and the science of storytelling to engage audiences, while steadily building confidence and comfort on stage each week.
Whether you are working on a presentation, preparing a speech for a special occasion, or simply wanting to get better at storytelling to the toughest of audiences (kids!), your adventures in storytelling can begin (or continue) right here. The class culminates in a free showcase performance event. Invite your friends and family to see you and your fellow performers share your stories on stage!
Prerequisites: None!
This class will be held the following 8 Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00pm
Feb 14
Feb 21
Feb 28
Mar 7
Mar 14
Mar 21
Mar 28
Apr 4
(Possible makeup date if HVC needs to cancel a class: April 11)
Showcase date: Friday, April 21st at 7pm
If you need to miss a class due to the observance of a holiday that takes place during this session, it will not count as an absence against earning credit for this class.
About your teacher: Hari Stephen Kumar is a professional storytelling coach with 20+ years of experience, including currently at Salesforce where he works with the Slack product sales teams on engaging customers more effectively with story-based techniques. Working with clients internationally and through years of practice, Hari has developed proven storytelling techniques for contexts ranging from sales to academia, from boardrooms to stage performances, from classes on social change to progressive organizing and messaging. Hari also has roots and routes in the Valley, having begun his improv journey right here at HVC in 2016, and having taught college courses for several years in the area. He is delighted to return to the Valley and to HVC to join you as a guide in your storytelling journey!
*
Fine Print!
*Please note that once you make your purchase, your place in the class is NON-REFUNDABLE unless we have 48 hours notice before first class AND we can get someone to fill your spot.
*Students must attend at least 6 of the 8 classes to graduate to the next level.
*Students must be 18+ years. (In actual years, not maturity. ;)
*Our classes may involve physical activity and we could be on our feet for at least an hour; however, we're able to accommodate for all physical abilities. Please let email us to let us know how we can best fit your needs or if you have any questions about accommodations.
End of Fine Print!
*Happier Valley Comedy rents land that was stolen from Indigenous people, including the Pocumtuc and Nipmuc tribes. A land acknowledgement is not appropriate or adequate to address this injustice that continues to harm people today. Therefore, we have instituted an ongoing process of contributing to the preservation of the lands and cultures of Northeastern Indigenous Peoples. All class fees contain an additional $3 to benefit The Nolumbeka Project, a local nonprofit whose mission is dedicated to these goals.
Learn more about The Nolumbeka Project, including their upcoming events.
Learn more about our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Learn more about The Nolumbeka Project, including their upcoming events.
Learn more about our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
appreciation from hari's previous workshop at hvc:
"Hari is a clear, concise, and very well organized instructor who was obviously completely prepared for this workshop. He had lots of well considered and valuable insights into the subject and a deep passion and personal tradition for storytelling. His ultimate focus on building community through storytelling is a perfect fit for HVC. He was also very supportive and calming. As you can tell, I was very impressed."
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
The Happier Valley Comedy School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.
The Happier Valley Comedy School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.
