Story Theater Intensive with Carol Sills & Rachel Sills in Door County, WI July 31 - August 4, 2023

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.

2023 Story Theater Intensive
July 31 - August 4

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

Do check out 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 31 - August 4th, 2023.    

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, with wine and cheese. Plan to arrive July 30th and depart August 5th.    

Tuition:  $500. A minimum deposit of $50 will hold one’s place. We accept PayPal, check or money order (made out to Wisconsin Theater Game Center and sent to 2397 Old Lime Kiln Rd, Baileys Harbor WI 54202). Balance is payable before or upon arrival.

To apply: Email carolbsills@gmail.com with name, email, phone number, address, and brief resume. 

Covid precautions: We follow recommended CDC & local health guidelines, and their requirements. 

Housing: See Destination Door County and also VRBO for houses, motels, condos or apartments in the area.

Make reservations soon, as July/August is still peak season. 

Contact fellow players for ride sharing, or lodging possibilities. Green Bay is nearest airport. 

Travel: See this link for details about travel by land, air or water https://www.doorcounty.com/getting-to-door-county#land    

Please email for more information.