by Amanda Davis, Guest Blogger
Andrew Stanton illustrating WALL-E. Photo: LA Times
Ever wanted to know the best way to tell a story creatively? Start at the end. Andrew Stanton, Pixar filmmaker for the great films like Toy Story and WALL-E, started his TEDTalk by explaining that he was going to tell you how he got to where he was today on that stage, but wanted to start at the end. One thing that we must remember when telling a story creatively is the ability to capture the audience, to really pull someone into the story, to make them care. By doing this not only make the story something that progresses forward and keep someone’s attention, but it also gives the opportunity for the story to be remembered and passed on.
Theatre Action Project, as a non-profit arts organization, has the ability to tell these stories through the heart and mouths of the children that they teach. They take the opportunity to creatively form a story that makes you care about the cause and the minds of the children that participate. They do this through images, performances and even through the ordinary words of life. Take the time to appreciate a good story, and tell one of your own. As Andrew Stanton said, “The greatest story commandment is: Make me care.” Tell your story to inspire, to create, lead your story to the understanding that it matters.
Amanda Davis is a former AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer who served Theatre Action Project from 2011 to 2012.
Creative Action 