How a story is listened to affects how it can be told. Julie teaches the rituals of storytelling – establishing and holding a listening space. Julie has taught in primary, secondary and tertiary settings; she has qualifications in drama, education, theology and writing as well as full registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching. Her M.Ed. thesis ‘The Tale of One Teller’ was runner up for the Freda Cohen prize at the University of Melbourne in 1994. Julie now teaches the Art and Practice of Oral Storytelling at the University of Divinity, Melbourne.
Dates for this unit in 2020 are Fridays May 1,8,15,22 all day, Thursday 28 May evening, Saturday May 30 afternoon, Friday June 19 afternoon. The Art and Practice of Oral Storytelling is taught at the Centre for Theology and Ministry in Parkville.
Between 2006 – 2012 Julie was a storyteller-in-residence for schools in the north-west of Melbourne where she taught primary school children to tell stories to their peers. She worked in collaboration with bi-lingual storytellers in artist-in-residency projects funded by philanthropic organisations and government programs. This is documented Before there were books there were stories, a DVD published by Uniting Care.
In the early 2000s Julie worked in a pastoral care role at a state high school which she describes as her ‘seven years of story-listening.’ Julie was Children’s and Family Coordinator at Brunswick Uniting Church from 2012 -2016, combining oral storytelling skills with engaging curiosity and questions. She understands doubt as a vital part of faith development.
Testimonials
Julie’s leadership was outstanding. Her engagement in story and her giftedness in establishing an atmosphere which was secure, creative, and full of enjoyment, were all evident.
– Jill Manton, Wellspring Centre
Julie Perrin tells stories in a way that moves the heart. She’ll leave you inspired and eager for more.
– Brian Walters, QC
If your organisation wants to inquire about storytelling workshops, please contact Julie for more information.