A NEW WORKSHOP FROM

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A well-told story rumbles in our stomachs and dances in our toes long after the curtains have closed or the credits have rolled. But for how long? And what gives a story staying power? How does that impact translate to action? How can we measure when, how, and why audiences engage further?

In a world where dominant narratives that dismiss and erase the stories of those most historically marginalized also have the immense power to shape our attitudes, understanding, and behavior—how can storytelling be a tool to rewrite and recenter our cultural scripts? In this workshop, participants will embark on a guided journey filled with prompts and provocations that sharpen the iron of conscious narratives and the conviction that social good can be balanced with commercial success. Through creative activation, all levels of storytellers will be provoked to consider: What is my responsibility as a conscious art maker? What are the cultural scripts that I’m looking to address and redress through my storytelling? And how can I be intentional about my impact throughout the process?

Interested in bringing SFSG to your company or organization?

Learn more in the FAQ and then get in touch via our inquiry form.

MEET  THE FACILITATORS

Andrea Ambam
Level Forward

Andrea Ambam is a performance artist and writer whose roots sprout from Cameroon. As a politically engaged artist who believes in the art’s potential for movement-building and transformative justice, Andrea pulsates at the intersection of storytelling and truth-telling. Currently, Andrea is a Playwrights Realm Writing Fellow, a Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX) Artist-In-Residence, and the Programming Manager and Host at Level Forward. She has developed her multi-hyphenated practice in collaboration with Signature Theatre, PEN America, Broadway Advocacy Coalition, Anna Deavere Smith, EmergeNYC, Classical Theatre of Harlem, NYU Prison Education Program, and others. Andrea lives in Brooklyn and holds a Master’s degree in Art & Public Policy from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

DRIA BROWN
BROADWAY ADVOCACY COALITION

Dria Brown is an artDoula (creative producer, facilitator, artist) from South Carolina, living and working in Lenapehoking (Brooklyn). Dria’s multi-hyphenate practices center the lush and freedom-filled possibilities that exist in a world where all Black people, and specifically Black women and femmes are centered and cared for. Dria is currently the Co - Director of Programming at the Tony award winning arts advocacy non profit, Broadway Advocacy Coalition, a Theater of Change Facilitator at Columbia Law School, the Managing Producer of Britton & The Sting—a funk liberation band based in NYC and a Creative producer on a new Terence Nance project premiering at The Whitney Museum in the fall.

TESTIMONIALS

"The workshop was a powerful call to action, and I was really pleased with the level of engagement from the filmmakers. I think if I could do it over, I would have found a way to get you twice as long in that space... Thank you so much for helping to deliver a meaningful experience to our 2022 filmmakers!"

—Senior Programmer

Tribeca Festival, 2022

"Your session with our first year cohort was filled with generosity, openness, honesty, inclusivity, inspiration, and energy. It was/is truly needed and is a real gift to our PPA students. They are reflecting on what stories they want to tell and how best to nourish our community at PPA and in the wider performing arts world."

—Executive Director

Pace University School of Performing Arts

"I love the positivity, the support and delight the facilitators demonstrated so that the room felt heard, seen and cared for. The COMMITMENT STATEMENT we all co-created at the end was VERY powerful and I have re-read it many times and will continue to. A fire was not lit because I’ve had it lit but it was CERTAINLY fed and is now raging. Thank you."

—Student

Pace University School of Performing Arts

Level Forward is a STORY-DRIVEN/IMPACT-MINDED entertainment company – a leader in narrative impact and cultural change. Level Forward’s ecosystem of storytellers, entrepreneurs, and social change-makers are dedicated to balancing artistic vision, social impact, and stakeholder return. Level Forward’s Tony-nominated, awarded, and historic stage productions include POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying To Keep Him Alive, What The Constitution Means To Me, Oklahoma!, Slave Play, and Jagged Little Pill. The Company’s Festival-winning films include The Assistant, Holler, Topside, You Resemble Me, Rebel Hearts, On The Record, and forthcoming, The Year Between, Body Parts, and The Big Payback.

Founded in 2016 by members of the Broadway community as a direct response to the nation's pandemic of racism and police brutality, Broadway Advocacy Coalition is a multidisciplinary organization which unites artists, legal experts and community leaders to create lasting impact on policy issues from criminal justice reform to education equity to immigration. In 2021, BAC received a Special Tony Award for providing an unparalleled platform for marginalized members of the theatre community and tools to help the theatre industry move toward a more equitable future. Via its partnership with the Center for Institutional and Social Change at Columbia Law School, BAC has collaborated with institutions across New York City, including the New York City Council, Bronx Defenders, and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office.

FAQ

Q: Our company/organization/group does not really identify as “storytellers”—Is this workshop right for me?

A: Absolutely. A guiding principle of the workshop is the belief that through our simple and daily actions (or inactions) we all have the power to shape and tell stories. Whether you're in the advocacy/non-profit space, entertainment, education/universities, media, tech, or more—Storytelling for Social Good is for folks looking to ignite or embolden their social responsibility.

Q: Are your services available for special events such as programming at festivals and conferences?

A: Absolutely. The Storytelling for Social Good originated as an offering at Tribeca Film Festival 2022. Fill out the inquiry form to let us know the specifics of your event.

Q: How long is the workshop?

A: The Storytelling for Social Good workshop ranges from 90 min to 180 min, with shorter or longer customizable sessions available upon request.

Q: Can the workshop be customized to meet the needs of my organization/group?

A: Yes! The Storytelling for Social Good workshop is both original and highly adaptable. We work directly with companies/organizations/groups to address your specific needs and interests via the Storytelling for Social Good framework.

Q: What is the cost of the workshop?

A: The Storytelling for Social Good workshop ranges in cost based on the details of your request. Details that affect cost include: length of the workshop, number of participants,  location, curriculum goals, and other customizable factors.

Q: Can I take this workshop as an individual?

A: Great question. We are looking forward to developing workshop opportunities for individuals who are connected to an organization/company. For now, sign up for our email list and we’ll let you know as soon as a session becomes available.

Q: More questions?

A: Feel free to email aa@levelforward.co with any additional questions or just to say hello!

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