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Jul 21, 2017 Exploration Programs Conversation Student Life Academics Experts + Partners

Meet Steven from China

Steven changed his whole perspective on acting and storytelling after hearing guest speakers and co-founders of Speak Up Storytelling Matthew and Elysha Dicks.

Sabrina Polin

Fifteen-year-old Steven changed his whole perspective on acting and storytelling after listening to guest speakers and co-founders of Speak Up Storytelling Matthew and Elysha Dicks. 


Acting is a form a storytelling. I try to go for the character that is not so similar to me so that I can experience a whole range of emotions and learn how to express myself in different ways. It just helps a person think about emotions and how other people might feel. It opens your eyes more. But, listening to Matthew and Elysha Dicks talk about storytelling made me realize it’s not all about acting — it’s about writing and listening, too.

They mentioned “that person” that talks way too much and never gets the point across, and I immediately thought, “That’s me. I am that person.” Everything they shared with us helped me realize so many ways I can make my stories better. As an actor, writing and crafting a story is just as important as the performance itself.

I’ve never actually thought about writing a play before now, but it makes sense. I see how it would positively affect acting skills, so it’s something I really do want to do in the future. By acting, you know what feels good and feels right and what’s cliché or not. But, as Matthew and Elysha noted today, it’s important to know where to start and end your story and what to do in the process to get there.

Sabrina Polin