Jay O'Callahan - Creative Edge Facilitator

The Creative Edge Facilitators

[Jay O'Callahan's photo]
"Each human being is a galaxy--parents, friends, enemies, fictional characters, experiences, fears, uncertainties circle within us like planets. Stars burst into life and die within us. Yet we live most of life superficially, unaware of our vast inner world."
--Jay O'Callahan

As a teacher and writer, Jay O'Callahan decided to explore the use of sound, rhythm and movement. Then he began telling his stories touring the United States as well as performing in Europe and Africa. Jay has been creating and performing stories now for over 30 years. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two children.

Time magazine called him "a genius among storytellers... O'Callahan who believes that storytelling is a kind of music, with the storyteller as the instrument, has advised...'Be brave enough to use silence'."

"A virtuoso," echoed the Boston Globe. "He can turn a word into a thousand pictures."

According to The Sun of Lowell, MA: "Jay O'Callahan introduces us to characters who put us back in touch with what is really important. His people are full of wonder and courage and common sense."

Finding & Telling Stories: (When scheduled.)
Jay O'Callahan crafts the details of ordinary life into extraordinary stories containing deep spiritual wisdom. There are no gimmicks or clever tricks opting for the quick response so often found in today's entertainment. Rather, with artist's imagination and attention to authentic detail, he brings to life his personal perception of experience in telling the unfolding story. Then, combining his intimacy with the audience's deeper experience, participants discover their own stories.
Jay will tell some of his short stories and discuss character, dialogue, place and emotion using those stories as a basis. Jay will also draw out memories with very simple exercises and look at the craft of storytelling through those memories. The key is being playful and relaxed. It'll be fun and creative!

View next facilitator: John O'Donohue
View previous facilitator: Donald William Mathews