The Torch: Learn the Art of Mythic Storytelling

Did you ever wish that your grandmother could tell you stories of folklore and mythology from your unique cultural background? For millennia, these shared stories served as vital compasses—preserving cultural identity, imparting wisdom, and grounding communities to one another and to their connection with the land. In our fast-paced modern world, the absence of these foundational narratives has left a quiet deficit in how we gather together, connect, and relate to the earth beneath us.

In this immersive three-week workshop, join master storyteller, performing artist, and mythologist Casey Schissler—founder of The Bardic Arts Revival movement—to help rekindle this ancient art form. Together, we will pass the re-ignited torch of oral tradition to those seeking to bring deep-rooted stories back into contemporary life.

Through a small, supportive cohort, participants will explore the fundamentals of mythological storytelling, memorization, and traditional Bardic performance techniques such as rhythm and repetition. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have fully mastered a mythology or folklore story of their choosing, culminating in an intimate sharing circle at historic Fogelbo.

This workshop welcomes all ages, cultures, and mythology/folklore stories. Active practice and light homework between sessions will be required to develop and ground your story.

About the Instructor

Casey Schissler, also known as The Bard, is a multidisciplinary performing artist from Portland, OR and is the founder of The Bardic Arts Revival Movement. Their work is a forensic reconstruction of the lost traditions of the Western European Bardic mythology bearers, arriving at the conception that the ancient Bards were a fusion of ancient rock star, philosopher, mystic, shaman, and poet.

Casey’s style involves unscripted mythological storytelling, original poetry, and music through a contemporary lens, and has been gaining momentum and a following within the Nordic and broader Portland community, with multiple sold-out shows to date. Their unique musical style ranges from opera/classical, rock, folk, melodic metal, and spoken word poetry.

Sessions

January 14: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

January 21: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

January 28: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

February 4: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Registration

Early Bird General: $200

Early Bird Member: $166

General: $225

Member: $191