ASE’s Youth Storytellers are the outcome of our mission—“to promote the art form of storytelling . . . and assist in keeping alive the African-rooted cultures of the world.” ASE youth learn and perform folktales and fables from the African diaspora, and they are also trained in how to create and tell their own stories. Their workshops are fun and developmental and emphasize public speaking skills. As participants learn to brainstorm, outline, develop and present stories, their skills in diction and projection are also enhanced.
ASE is proud of its vibrant and talented youth storytelling group and is committed to assisting them in becoming the best tellers they can be. In this aim, the association creates many opportunities for them to perform throughout Chicagoland, and also consistently provides them with opportunities to hear seasoned tellers practice the craft.
In addition to venues that ASE has created for the youth, their talent has gotten them invited to Illinois Storytelling Festival, Fox Valley Storytelling Festival, eta Creative Arts Foundation’s Youth Storytelling Night, and numerous libraries. One member even represented Illinois in the National Poetry Slam held in Philadelphia in 2014.
Youth meetings are held the second Saturday of each month at King Branch Library, 3436 S. King Dr., Chicago at 2:30 PM. We welcome additional members.