Login with FacebookSPEAKEASYDC
375 Page Views
22 reviews total. Average rating:
User Reviews
I was a Client Served & Participated in a class, an open mic, and a performance
Post public compliment
I’ve had the great opportunity to participate in a class, an open mic, and a performance workshop with Speak Easy DC and in each event I took away a whole difference set of skills and “tricks of the trade”. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone wanting to learn how to craft an engaging story and/or learn to perform your work on stage. Not only is the crafting processes enjoyable, but you will never find a more embracing and accepting audience to present your work than those that attend the Speak Easy shows. I truly believe that Speak Easy DC is an exceptional NGO that affords novices and practiced storytellers alike with the opportunity to share their stories and grow as artists.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... As we are the stories we tell, Speak Easy DC offers a unique way to express that self. I have learned new and imaginative ways to express my own story.
Ways to make it better!
- If I had to make changes to this organization, I would… I would want to give them a larger marketing budget so more people could learn about this great NGO.
I was a Client Served & I helped plan a retreat where Speakeasy offered a training
Post public compliment
The feedback from the college students who participated in the storytelling training was excellent. Of all the activities over the course of the weekend, the storytelling training received one of the highest average ratings. From what I can tell, it really gave students a way to bring their stories and their voices to the fore. Several of them shared their stories at our open mic on Saturday night. Their bravery in making themselves vulnerable definitely heightened the sense of community and the sense of what drives us a movement.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... Experienced results secondhand since I did not attend the training.
Ways to make it better!
- If I had to make changes to this organization, I would… Not sure.
Taking the Storytelling 101 class was one of the best things I've ever done. Very talented and encouraging instructors helped us construct meaningful presentations of our true stories. I was taken by surprise by the feelings of connectedness that true storytelling brings about, and what a growing experience it was. I keep telling everyone I know to do this!
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... my sense of self.
Ways to make it better!
- If I had to make changes to this organization, I would… not do a darn thing.
I was a Board Member & Each month, I'm utterly blown away by autobiographical story performances by ordinary people, building community and promoting understanding.
Post public compliment
The second Tuesday of every month is a real red letter day for me. That's because the monthly open mic storytelling series is so much fun! It's a chance to connect with friends, hear some amazing life experiences and feel a sense of community with fellow artists and fans.
The Great!
- I've seen the results of this organization in... watching people learn that the oral tradition is truly a vital art form.
- What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is... the original ensemble shows keep me on the edge of my seat with riveting stories. I never know what's going to happen next.
- The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were... friendly, supportive of first-timers, seasoned veterans and even casual audience members who feel like voluntarily sharing a brief anecdote.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... balancing the real sense of intimacy, a vital attribute of autobiographical storytelling, while building an audience that's big enough to financially support varied, ambitious programming goals.
- One thing I'd also say is that... if you think you're *over* open mic performances, you owe it to yourself to try SpeakeasyDC's shows, on the second Tuesday of each month, to see just how great they can be. These are professionally coached and demonstrate a lot of honesty and passion!
SpeakeasyDC provides me and others in the Washington, DC area with opportunities to understand people from a diversity of backgrounds. While I've always considered myself to be very open-minded, hearing about people's personal experiences has helped me recognize some of my prejudices about African-Americans, people who serve in military, homosexuals and people with physical disabilities. I really value the insight I've gained and try, when opportunities arise, to share what I've learned and to challenge stereotypes.
The Great!
- If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could... give a voice to more people who don't have an outlet for expression. At the same time, it could bring those voices to larger audiences who could gain a deeper appreciation for diversity, just as I have.
Ways to make it better!
- In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are... 1) finding reasonably priced venues in which to present shows for large audiences in the Washington, DC region, 2)competition for financial contributions. Health and welfare organizations are often given priority.