AVAILABLE WORKSHOPS ON WRITING AND PERFORMING
LANNY JOE BURNETT, COWBOY POET AND STORYTELLER
INTRODUCTION:
There are three workshops in this
category. They are designed for all skill levels and
all ages (7th grade through “geezerhood”).
The overall mission is to help people get personally
involved with writing and performing. They must have or
develop a passion for this. Passion is the first and
foremost component of these studies. Passion will be
emphasized throughout all workshops. The presentation
will be both serious and humorous: a lighthearted and
fun manner of approaching the seriousness of the
subject.
The assembly will be
tutored in making their descriptions graphic enough to
enable a “blind man to see.” They will learn how to
“tug at those heartstrings” with certain pieces as well
as have their listeners and readers “bustin’ a gut”
laughing at others. We know and experience regularly
how writing and performing can change lives. It is our
passion that others may recognize and acquire this
talent. It is a gift that can be nurtured and become a
benefit to all. We will take participants through the
writing and performing process with an eye towards
saving them as well as their audiences from boredom and
embarrassment. We will put emphasis on “having a good
time.”
Those not interested in
writing or performing will gain insight into this
procedure, ensuring their heightened enjoyment of the
written and spoken word. We will use personal
performances and examples of original and adapted
material to illustrate points and entertain our groups.
These are fun workshops and have something to offer
everyone.
WORKSHOP NO 1 ~ WRITING WITH
PASSION!
This workshop focuses on creating
original material as well as adapting existing work.
Obtainable material will be selected according to the
time frame and geographical location of interest and the
energy required for the completion of the piece. We
will highlight the need for a storehouse of stories and
poems that will excite and titillate folks without
plagiarizing the work of others. Emphasis will be
placed on selecting colorful words and descriptions as
well as the basic mechanics of writing and rhyming.
Participants will learn the techniques of making these
creations fit their own personalities and how to include
passion in the process. Appropriateness of material and
reasons for creating it as well as how to get published
will also be addressed.
RECOMMENDED TIME: 45mins.-75mins.
WORKSHOP NO 2 ~ PERFORMING WITH
PASSION!
This workshop deals with
the actual performance. From experience, we have
learned that mediocre material can be enhanced greatly
when it is performed with passion and skill. Great
material can really be loused up with a lackadaisical
performance. We are obligated to apply “The Golden
Rule” to our audiences. They must be cared for,
respected, educated, and entertained in the
manner they deserve. It is incumbent on us as
performers to “make em’ laugh, make em’ cry and make em’
think. Participants will learn that when they bare
their hearts and souls to strangers and friends, and the
folks like it, the experience is exhilarating. We will
instill in our members the necessity of
showcasing their thoughts and feelings to positively
reinforce the validity of the performance.
We will instruct in the
basics of public speaking. This will include
enunciation, facial expressions and body language,
microphone techniques, overcoming nervousness, wardrobe,
and most important, how to have fun on stage. Our group
will learn how to think while performing and how to deal
with distractions of all types. Presence on stage will
speak to walking and standing, what to do with your
hands and feet, and whether to move or remain still
while entertaining.
Venues with which the performer can gain
experience and recognition will be included. We want
our assembly to feel as Willie Nelson does when he says
his favorite thing to do is to hear himself sing.
RECOMMENDED TIME: 45 mins.-75
mins.
WORKSHOP NO 3 ~ WRITING AND PERFORMING
WITH PASSION!
This workshop is not just a combination
of numbers 1 & 2. Given the proper time frame and
interest, it allows the individual member to progress
from the beginning, with material creation and
selection, to the end, with an actual performance. The
entire process will be critiqued and the participant
allowed to perform before a live audience. This is not
for the faint-hearted observer but is designed for the
pro-active person who desires the true experience.
Instructors will assist all in writing original
material, selecting existing material and polishing up
their entertainer skills. Various types of stories and
poems will be available to those who choose not to write
their own. After all, Elvis was not known as a
songwriter. This workshop creates an understanding and
awareness of the writing and performing practice.
Examples of being recognized and gaining experience as
an entertainer are included as are discussions on how to
get your work published. Overall, the person receives a
fun and humorous concise lesson in becoming a writer and
performer. Classes limited to 10 individuals.
RECOMMENDED TIME: Two sessions – 75 mins. each -
Performance held later
MASTER OF THE STAGE
This workshop deals
exclusively with the actual stage presentation and
covers areas of microphone use and voice projection,
actual movement on stage (not tripping over sets and
cords, etc), walking (how to and how much to do),
greeting and making friends with an audience,
controlling nervousness and heart rate, body language,
speech pacing, eye contact, differences in large and
small audience, reading an audience, material selection
for various types of audience, distractions and
discussions on anything that could and probably will
happen to you while on stage. We will cover length of
performance as well as proper clothing. Goodbyes, thank
you’s and exit lines as well as how to actually leave a
stage in the proper manner. When possible, attendees
will be allowed to test themselves on stage before a
crowd. Recommended time: 1-1 ½ hrs. Recommended group:
interested middle school students and above.
HOW TO TOOT YOUR OWN HORN WITHOUT GETTING CAUGHT AT IT
This workshop is new for
2005. It deals with the idea of starting a career in
public speaking and performing. We will discuss ways to
get “a foot in the door,” as well as raising awareness
of your ability and availability to perform. We’ll
cover press kits, contacting festivals, soliciting work,
and ways to meet those “in charge.” Recommended for
mature youth, 7th grade and above, and
adults.
LANNY JOE BURNETT
COWBOY POET
Cowboy poet Lanny Joe
Burnett was raised on ranch in Fannin County, Texas.
The son of fourth generation Texans who were teachers
and operated a cattle and crop operation, Lanny Joe
learned at an early age the meaning and importance of
being a steward of the land. His dad taught him that
women are smarter than men and his mother stressed to
him the importance of being a scholar and making a good
impression on folks he met. Leadership skills were
developed through the Future Farmers of America where he
rose to the rank of Vice President of the Texas
Association. As a delegate to the National FFA
convention, he was instrumental in securing a resolution
prohibiting girls from becoming FFA members. He claims
to have been forced into this. Upon graduation from
high school, he was offered a scholarship to East Texas
State University where in 1968 he received his Bachelor
of Science degree in Agricultural Education.
Lanny Joe has been, at
various times, a teacher, ski instructor, motorcycle
racer, cook, sales trainer and motivator, and
inspirational speaker. He has been a cowboy all his
life. He doesn’t have a choice in this matter – it’s in
his blood. Lanny Joe performs at churches, schools,
benefits, and cowboy gatherings across the country. He
has performed in Europe, Central Asia and in the galley
of a 777, high over the Atlantic Ocean. Currently he
teaches a weekly Bible study and serves as adult singles
leader in his church. He is proud to drive a pickup
truck that makes car wash employees run for cover.
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