A simple rubric which may open dialogue and assist storytellers in deciding where they are in their development and help them map out their own skill building and training.
NOVICE - You enjoy listening to stories told but have not yet told a story in public. Have no formal stories to share.
BEGINNER - A few stories to share, little public telling experience, attended 1-5 workshops or classes, still learning .
APPRENTICE - A handful of stories, some public experience (1-15), have attended 5-20 workshops and classes, still learning.
STORY COLLECTOR - A small treasure chest of stories have been collected, polished through workshops and hearing others tell, and made your own through multiple tellings.
TRAVELER (a journey man/woman/one)- A larger store of stories, shared in 20-50 public concerts, programs, had varied story experiences, able to teach others basic techniques, have developed some specialized telling ability, still learning.
ARTISAN - Greater wealth of stories to share, have done many concerts, programs, workshops 60-100); able to teach skillfully basic to intermediate level classes; have developed a highly personal style and ability; have explored other arts and experimented with merging them with storytelling or explored ways to expand skills and delivery in new and innovative ways.
MASTER - A wealth of stories, publications, recordings, experience in many venues, frequently cited/quoted, able to teach others more advanced techniques, skillfully presents storytelling as an art form, highly developed general and specialized ability/style, adds to the philosophical and artistic understanding of storytelling as an art form through mentoring, writing, teaching; still learning...
--Marilyn A. Hudson
