Why Authenticity Cannot be Denied In Storytelling
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I\\u2019m at the main TEDx event, sitting in the theater next to a lady who\\u2019s captured my attention. Her name is Carrie, and she\\u2019s impeccably dressed. I can\\u2019t help but fixate on her outfit!
So as I\\u2019m chatting with her, I compliment her on her dress. She thanks me and says she\\u2019s a designer who makes custom dresses for her clients based on their unique measurements.
In addition to wanting to get a tape measure and order a custom-made dress of my own from her right then and there, I have to ask her out of curiosity, \\u201cHow did you get started in the fashion business?\\u201d
\\u201cI believe the fashion industry has it wrong,\\u201d she responds. \\u201cIt should be about role models, not runway models.\\u201d
She feels fashion needs to highlight the humans wearing the clothes, instead of the clothes themselves. Not only does she go on to debut at New York Fashion Week with this campaign, she\\u2019s also one of the first designers to feature a model in a wheelchair on the runway. She\\u2019s challenging societal norms and giving voice to a segment that doesn\\u2019t always have a voice and doing so in an industry that is set in its ways in certain aspects.
As someone who identifies as a non-binary gay cowboy, my special guest today also highlights marginalized voices in his work. Shawn-Caulin Young is an acclaimed LGBTQ+ actor, writer, director, and film and TV producer. In this episode of the Storytelling School Podcast, he\\u2019s here to talk about the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in his storytelling journey and the impact these qualities have in storytelling to bring to life the experiences of marginalized communities. He also answers questions such as:
What story imprisons too many actors, writers, and other artists? How can you get to your breakthrough moment of authenticity as a storyteller? What\\u2019s one thing that instantly disarms any resistance others might have to sharing their stories? And how can you use the breath to help you handle fear and enhance your presence and creativity with storytelling?
What you will learn in this episode:
- Why stories have the power to keep you safe (or cause self-inflicted harm)
- What impact embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and dis-likability have in storytelling
- How you can create a safe space for others to share their story
Who is Shawn-Caulin?
Shawn-Caulin Young is an acclaimed LGBTQ actor, writer, director, and film and TV producer whose storyteller roots extend deep into the arid expanses of Farmington, New Mexico amidst the vibrant tapestry of the Navajo Nation. He\\u2019s the youngest of four whose distinct, artistic voice has been shaped by his unique upbringing amidst the professional horse racing world where he identifies as a non-binary gay cowboy.
As a beacon for LGBTQIA+ narratives, Shawn-Caulin has garnered acclaim across the spectrum of his various roles. His artistic voyage began in the corridors of high school drama, eventually propelling him to the prestigious Hartt School (UHA) in Connecticut, culminating in a BFA in Acting. His journey, enriched by classical training in England, led him to the vibrant streets of New York City, marking the beginning of an illustrious career in film and television.
Known for his transformative and heartfelt performances in Godless, Santa Clarita Diet, True Detective, and notably in the film The Hammer, Shawn-Caulin has etched a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. He also received the esteemed Screencraft Fellowship in 2022 for his work delving deep into the fabric of the Southwest (and beyond) and championing the untold stories of underrepresented communities with a keen eye on identity and perseverance. His scripts are not just tales but lifelines to the unsung experiences echoing from the underdog\'s world.
Beyond the camera, Shawn-Caulin is a seasoned horseman and a devoted mentor, guiding young artists in the art of storytelling and filmmaking. His artistic journey, dotted with significant accolades and an undying passion for storytelling, continues to push the boundaries of creative expression. His commitment to diversity and authenticity makes his body of work not just entertaining but profoundly impactful and inspiring for storytellers and audiences alike.
Links and Resources
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