In the late 60s Second City founding director Paul Sills surprised the Chicago theater scene with a new art form. Players in street garb enacted tales from the oral tradition set to contemporary music on bare, dramatically-lit stages. By 1970 Paul Sills’ Story Theatre had won critical acclaim on both coasts. “Unequivocally great,” wrote Clive Barnes in the New York Times. Sills imparted this method in an intensive he coached with Carol Sills in 2008. Since then, Carol has continued the practice. Players will adapt stories from literature in a process that leads to a workshop performance. Viola Spolin’s theater games spark fire in a curriculum that prepares participants to coach players in their own classrooms and theaters. Stories performed in past seasons may be found here.

The 2024 intensive will be led by Rachel Sills with Make Keene assisting and Carol Sills as consultant. You can read their bios here.

Inspired by Paul Sills’ approach to the oral tradition, players will explore storytelling in a personal, present time manner, entering into Viola’ Spolin's theater games with group creative spirit. Bring flutes, strings and dancing shoes. Players of all experience levels are welcome.

If you’d like to prepare, please read Paul Sills’ Story Theater: Four Shows, Applause Books. Paul's prefaces for each show are eloquent, describing the history of this popular theater we practice. Carol and Paul Sills co-authored the book and Rachel in Rumi adorns the cover. 

Dates: July 29 - August 2, 2024.    

Workshop schedule: Monday through Friday, 10.30am - 1.30pm and 4.30 - 6.30 pm. 25 hours of workshop time. Afternoons and evenings are free to explore Door County.A workshop presentation will take place Friday afternoon at 4pm followed by a 6.30pm wrap-up festivity. Plan to arrive July 28th and depart August 3rd.  

Location: Workshops are held on the Sills Farm at 2397 Old Lime Kiln Road, Bailey’s Harbor, Wisconsin 54202

Tuition:  $550. Tuition is non-refundable, but you can transfer your space to someone else with prior approval, or in the event someone on the waitlist can purchase your space. Some sliding scale spaces are available and there are special rates for Door County residents. Please email Make Keene for details.

Please note: The 5-Day Spolin Theater Game Intensive with Aretha Sills in Door County will be held the week before, July 22-26. Learn more and register here.

Travel:  You can read about traveling to Door County by land, water, or air at Destination Door County here. Bailey’s Harbor is approximately four hours north of Chicago by car. The nearest international airport is the Austin Straubel Airport in Green Bay (1.5 hour drive to Bailey’s Harbor). The Appleton Airport is the next closest (2 hour drive). Milwaukee’s General Mitchell Airport (approximately a 3 hour drive) is the largest airport and may offer easier connections, more direct flights, and better deals. All three airports offer car rentals on site.

Lodging: Players are responsible for securing their own lodging. There are many options, but you are strongly encouraged to book as soon as possible because Door County is very popular at its peak season. The best sites to find lodging are Destination Door County, Airbnb, Vrbo, and Door County Lodging.

If you’re interested in the possibility of sharing lodging or car rental with other players, email Make Keene and he will connect you.

If you have any questions, please email Make Keene before registering.

Workshop email notifications: You’ll get a confirmation email and subsequent correspondence from workshops@violaspolin.org and makekeene@gmail.com. Please add both these addresses to your contacts, and if you don’t hear back, check your spam folder for missing correspondence.

Photos of the 2023 Story Theater Intensive by Collin Massad.