GUIDELINES TO EMPLOYING/SELECTING A STORYTELLER.

• They are likely to have high reliability, consistent performances, and flexible schedules and well-researched stories. Their reputations have been built on this. ·
• Booking needs to be done earlier. Prices will be negotiated.

• Fees negiotiable

• Can be a person just doing it for the love of telling.
• It may be someone who is developing skills.

• Some feature a group of master tellers exploring themes.
• Others feature one or more tellers.

• date, time, location, duration
• Type of stories/entertainment you want: What is the theme of the event, or type of audience.
• What type of event. Is it quiet, rowdy, indoor, outdoors?
• Who will be the audience: This is very important to the teller, as some stories might not be appropriate.
• What is your budget? Generally professional Tellers have 4 deciding factors for gigs:-
  (a)   How big (30? 300? 1000?)
  (b)   How long do you want?
  (c)   How much research will be necessary.
  (d)   How far to travel - time, distance, transport.

• Punctuality
• Appropriate dress, and performance material. Material should be pre-agreed on.
• PR photos/ headshots for you to use, as well as a bio and introduction.
• They should hit their marks in terms of length, and produce a "quality product".
• Many tellers prefer to be given a cheque on the day of the performance.
• A telephone/e-mail contact numbers.
• They are guests, and should not breach etiquette or hospitality.
• They should be willing to allow for publicity both before and after events. (The event producer should tell them ahead of time what this might entail....)
• Every Teller should leave an event with good thoughts about storytelling in the minds of the producers and audience about them, and storytelling in general.

• Tellers will need accurate maps and contact numbers.
• Big surprises - (like expecting an audience of 30 and ending up with a hall of 300) may be flustering. and in breach of contract.
• Tellers will need a "handler" who will meet the teller, get them situated, and settled in.
• If dealing with children, positioning some adults in the audience to quietly remove the unruly ones is a good idea.
• Sometimes, tellers get treated like "a video tape" and the parents/teachers/hosts proceed to talk loudly in the background. Tellers need listeners.
• If a teller is performing at a large function, giving them a quiet corner, or room in which to perform will make all the difference.
• Having a quiet place to change clothes, rehearse, and stow gear securely is also very handy.
• If sound or lighting is needed, these effects to be resolved and tested before the teller arrives. Any performance with more than 30 people could require a sound system.
• Having water available, and place for the teller to rest, and eat off stage is good too!
• Most tellers would prefer a cheque made out to them, given to them at the end of the performance. They will need to examine it (nothing personal, just to make certain names, and prices are correct) on site.
• With any publicity (clippings, posters, etc.), copies should be given to the teller.
• Taking photos is usually okay, with permission, but not during a dramatic part of the story. Tellers always need new photos.
• A teller may leave a follow up/evaluation sheet, for you to make suggestions and offer compliments, likewise getting feedback from the audience and passing that on that as well can be helpful.
• If the Teller has a lot of gear, or needs to deal with a dark parking lot at night, be aware - the teller does not know what you know.
• Onstage, a Teller may need a mike either on a stand or a clip on. Some full or part time tellers may have their own mikes, and sound systems.
• Tellers might need a stool to sit on (not too low) or table to set stuff on.
• Lighting should be high enough in the audience for the teller to make eye contact. - Tellers like to see their audiences.
• Give the teller a pleasant non-distracting environment.