National Storytelling Network Teller Pages
Katie Adams
I am a professional puppeteer and storyteller from Tampa, Florida. In 2000 I started my own company, Make Believe Theater, dedicated to inspiring a love of stories, reading, theater and visual arts, with highly entertaining performances that advance the arts of puppetry and storytelling. I tour throughout the United States and perform original versions of folk and fairy tales at theaters, libraries, schools, festivals and museums. My theatrical storytelling shows include mime, audience participation, unique props, and colorful costumes and backdrops.
Masankho Banda
Masankho - International Storyteller from Malawi, Central Africa now living in Oakland, California. To awaken in audiences of the world to the ancient art of storytelling. For years around the world audiencies have been enthralled by stories of all kinds. Folktales, tall tales, myths and legends, cultural stories and the list goes on. Masankho will tell stories that meet your needs and his stories which are intergenerational are suitable for Schools, Churches, Large and small Corporations and for individual events. Dynamic interactive storytelling which will include movement, bringing the characters alive, the audience will be treated to a fascinating tour around the world. Including the audience in most of the stories by having them playing various roles or providing some of the sound and visual effects.
Linda Batlin
Linda Batlin is a storyteller from Boulder, Colorado. She tells stories filled with wisdom and mirth for all ages in schools, libraries, festivals, museums, senior centers, birthday parties and other events. Her first person stories of important women characters from Colorado history bring them to life. Her repertoire is also filled with multicultural folktales from around the world, Asian stories, animal stories, ghost stories, Jewish folktales, nature stories, puppets, etc.
John Beach
John Beach was born on a small ranch in Southwest Wyoming, he was raised as a young boy on that ranch with his grandparents. As the largest (and least handy) grandchild, John ended up on top of the haystack with a pitchfork. He knows about cows and horses from the "bottom" up. This has grown into a love of the West, its history, culture, and idiosyncrasies. John lived in Rock Springs, Wyoming, a community with a rich mining history; and recently moved to Colorado, another of the western states, both of which help to inform the richness of his stories. John's travels in storytelling have taken him from Montana to Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico and those experiences have enriched the stories that John Beach tells about the West and all the colorful characters and stories.
Glenda Bonin
Camille Born
"Could Be Worse!" is Camille Born's personal motto and typifies her outlook on life. A born storyteller, for years Camille amused her friends and family with tales of everyday life. Then she began to do a living history presentation of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts in the USA, and found herself telling stories of Daisy Low's life instead of just answering questions. Hmmmm, she thought. Since she had always enjoyed listening to storytellers, at age 50 Camille joined her local guild and then everything clicked! She knew she must finally be grown up, because she finally knew what she wanted to be! She has been a professional storyteller ever since. Researching and writing original historical stories has been one of her most absorbing passions in storytelling.
Beatrice Bowles
Writer/storyteller Beatrice brings alive traditional stories from around the world for children today. Lively, fun and eternally amazing, her stories have the power to open young imaginations to wondrous connections between cultures--and to keep them open! Beatrice dances the Argentine tango and, when at home, loves to work in her garden, play with her five grandchildren and read in bed.
Scott Hill Bumgardner
Scott is a man with many hats and irons in the fire. He is a retired Houston cop, a real estate consultant, a rancher, and a life long story spinner. He got a lot of practice using his imagination as an only (wild) child. Later as an undercover cop he expanded his ability to tell stories. But, he really came into his storytelling self while recovering from a horse induced injury. He turned his imagination loose and began writing poems and tales. Over the years he has become a very polished performer of fun folksy tales. Past Pres. of the Houston Storytellers Guild, 2005 Louisiana State Champion Liar, Nominated for various cowboy poetry awards by the Academy of Western Artist Producer of three CDs: Texas Legacies, historical tales and poetry The Funky Bunkie Gators, fun Louisiana tales featuring Snappy the Amazing Pet Gator and Sit A Spell Pard, a western compilation of eleven performers of stories, poems, and songs.
Sean Buvala
Sean says the collection of stories in his head are "life and legend" representing the mix of stories from his experiences, myth and legend from many cultures, sacred stories and observations of shared life events. As a storyteller, Sean primarily works with teens and adults in business and corporate settings. However, schools and libraries use him all the time for younger children. He describes his style as somewhere between "in your life and in your face" depending on the needs of the group he's telling to/with at any given gathering.Sean has been presenting and storytelling "on the road" since 1985. He's traveled to perform and present workshops in dozens of states and to hundreds of organizations in those states. His audiences have ranged from just a few people gathered in a living room to several thousand teens and adults. He is the founder of Storyteller.net, the largest online resource for storytellers.
Mij Byram
What I love most about storytelling is the connection. It is touching the hearts and imaginations of listeners. It is opening them to adventures and feelings and possibilities. In a story, we can walk through fear and chase the villain. We can experience sorrow and joy and do it in the safe harbor of a story. My favorite story is the one I?m telling at the moment. If the listener likes the story I love the story. A story can change the way you think. That?s pretty powerful, to change thoughts and ideas. A story can touch your heart, make you laugh or make you cry, it can comfort or challenge. A story can help you see yourself and your world in a new way. How can you not be fascinated by stories? For me it's not about puppets or props or songs or staging or the teller or even the story. It's about the listener and what is happening inside the listener. It is person to person. It's about the connection. That connection is not magic. It's simply REAL.
Kaye Byrnes
Over ten years of storystage experience with audiences of all ages in a wide variety of venues, including festivals, schools, libraries, senior communities and public special events. Standard-based programs for elementary schools. Workshops for educators, librarians, storytellers and storytelling enthusiasts. Extensive multicultural repertoire of folktales, fairytales, myths, legends and personal tales. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre. Available within and beyond Florida. Call or e-mail to explore the possibilities!
Michael Caduto
Michael J. Caduto-master storyteller, musician and author-blends indigenous world tales, native instruments, guitar, singing and dance. He shares Earth stewardship and cultural understanding with 15,000 people each year-children, teachers and conferences. In 1984 Michael founded P.E.A.C.E.-Programs for Environmental Awareness & Cultural Exchange. His books, including Earth Tales from Around the World, In the Beginning and the Keepers of the Earth series, received the Aesop Prize, NAPPA Gold & Silver Awards, Storytelling World and Skipping Stones Awards. "A dynamic and powerful performance." (Connecticut) "A joyful night." (California) "Enchantment and Magic."(New Hampshire) "Inspirational!" (Florida)
Oel Castner
Texas storyteller Oel Castner, folklorist and humorist, tells stories that will tickle your funny bone, jog your memory, and warm your heart. born on the high plains, raised in the sandstorms, educated in the hills, married on the coast and lives in the Piney Woods, he is a true son of the Lone Star State. Sories about horny toads, reddbirds, and human critters make the ordinary things in life much more important. Memories will sing and little chills will run up and down your spine. Family time will truly resound in your heart, stirring the imagination to listen, learn, laugh and love.
Barbara Chamberlain
A storyteller for thirty years as an elementary school librarian, Barbara enjoys working with children and introducing them to good literature. She has also done writing and storytelling workshops for adults. She performs adapted Armenian folktales such as "The Donkey Egg," and "Brave Nazar." During the holidays she helps out Santa by doing storytimes as Mrs. Claus. "Ride the West Wind" and "The Prisoners Sword" were named recommended reading by the National Council of Teachers of English and sold 50,000 copies. She has also written numerous short stories that have been published in Teens Today, Straight, Jack and Jill, Pacific Press Publications, and The Christian Science Monitor.
Teresa Clark
Teresa Clark's unique blend of history, wit, personal glimpses, and fantasy create stories that are a delight to hear and impossible to forget. Best known for her original works and recollections of life's experiences blended with history, Teresa entertains and educates wherever she goes as she shares her passion for storytelling. Teresa's humorous and poignant tales fire the imagination, gladden the heart, and lift the soul. Of her the late J.J. Reneaux once said, "Charming, witty, soulful and wise, her performances are filled with a compelling sense of wonder and an irresistible zest for life." Teresa fears our overextended techno-planet lifestyle has led to a numbing of hearts. She tells in the hope she may help people reconnect with themselves, their hopes, and their dreams. She tells so they will remember what it is like to feel. Occasionally, Teresa posts thoughts on her blog: teresaclark.blogspot.com
Patricia Coffie
Patricia Coffie was born interested. She tells original stories of love and laughter and sometimes tears. Pat has been a regular at the Northlands Storytelling Network annual conference for more than 25 years. Her workshops have included puppetry, personal stories, and bar stories. She has had articles published in the Northlands Journal. Pat is a past president of Northlands and past board member of NSA.
Kevin Cordi
Nationally known storyteller Kevin Cordi would love to come to your school, community, or organization. He has told stories in over 35 states, England, Japan and Scotland. He is, according to NSN, "the first full time high school storytelling teacher in the country." He also spends his time working with elementary and pre-school as well. He is the Co-author, with Judy Sima, of Raising Voices: Youth Storytelling Groups and Troops. He has a Masters in "Storytelling and Education" and is a Ph.d candidiate at Ohio State University.
Don Creacy
Don "Buck P." Creacy P.O. Box 227, Georgetown, KY 40324 859-396-3736 859-402-0756 freshdeal@buckpcreacy.com www.buckpcreacy.com Buck P. Creacy is a humorist and a storyteller. But that description is inadequate for this funny man. Buck P. uses humor to make life better for his audience. At 14 while shining shoes at the barber shop, he realized he could shine more shoes if his customers were laughing. An ?honest to God? humorist, Buck P. shares wit and wisdom with children and the international corporate world alike. He is never malicious though sharper than ever. Choosing to make his humor ?safe? for any audience, Buck P. sees the world differently enough to make you laugh out loud.
Rosie Cutrer
Midwest storyteller Rosie Best-Cutrer enchants all age groups with her delightful stories and music. With a degree in theater & 23 years experience as a classroom teacher she knows how to entertain & educate. Using lots of audience participation she tells anything from folktales to her own original works. During and in between stories she accompanies herself on old time banjo. Rosie is on the Kansas Arts Commission's Roster of Touring Artists and recently was given two awards from The Children's Music Web for both spoken word for older and younger children. To find out more about her glowing reviews, programs,fees & where she'll be performing next visit her website at: http://www.rosiecutrer.com.
Karen Czarnik
As a storyteller, singer, songwriter & musician, Karen's unique performances combine music & tale to teach, engage, encourage & tickle the funny bone. Her collaboration of character & story reveal colorful images in the minds of listeners. From stage to elementary classrooms, campfires to coffee houses, Karen's music, voice & stories inspire audiences of all ages. Linking her music & theatrical work with the traditions of Storytelling, Karen incorporates physical animation, characters, stories & songs both old & new. Accompanying herself on AUTOHARP, she creates an energetic experience of song & story. Karen also gets her audiences involved, with her unique collection of "call & response", & "make some rhythm", songs...................................."Truly enjoyed the stories told by Karen. Laughter & memories of the past" "Enjoyed the Storyteller the most. She was great & was a good stress reliever." "Karen was inspiring & motivated me to pick up an instrument."
Dawn Daniels
Dawn Daniels is noted as a radiant artist of the spoken and sung word devoted to creating an entertaining, transformative, and empowering experience for her listeners. Her performances are an eclectic weaving of traditional, folk, literary, contemporary and original stories and songs from around the world. Dawn has performed for audiences of all ages in venues ranging from stage to pulpit to classroom to campfire, from the East Coast to her native Midwest. Her programs are custom-designed to meet the needs of each audience, based on age and interests.
Susan Danoff
Susan Danoff is a storyteller, teacher, and writer. She is author of the book The Golden Thread: Storytelling in Teaching and Learning and has produced three audio recordings, including Women of Vision, now available on CD. Susan has spent much of her career working in schools as a visiting artist and sharing the art of storytelling with teachers. Each summer since 1986 she has taught a weeklong summer workshop in storytelling at Princeton University, and she has taught storytelling to docents at the Princeton University Art Museum, through the Friends Council on Education, at West Chester University in PA, and at numerous teacher workshops.
Karen De Mauro
Specializes in myths and participatory storytelling to form connections between universal themes and contemporary personal lives. Karen's interactive presentation work includes corporate executives, Broadway actors and special interest groups from doctors to monks in exciting story-centered events for grown-ups. Her 40+ original musicals and workshops also involve over 4,000 young people every year. Sponsors choose themes and then, led by Ms. De Mauro, these collaborative site-specific shows are presented in forums from the United Nations to Hudson River Festivals, from historical sites to art and nature parks like Acadia. Karen is also the director of Naturestages. Her book, "Acting as a Way" details a process that activates the artist-in-everyone, and documents her journey from Kyoto's Noh theatre to the training centers of Lucent Technologies and Lehman Brothers in both the United States and Japan.
Leeny Del Seamonds
With a face and voice that launched a thousand characters, Leeny Del Seamonds, Master Story Performer?, is a multi award-winning international performer of animated, uplifting and interactive Latino, original & World tales spiced with mime, a cornucopia of voices, and love of people. Leeny?s repertoire reflects her desire to embrace life to its fullest, as she encourages listeners to feel positive and rejoice in human/cultural diversity, inviting them to share in her Cuban-American sense of humor & joy of performing. The 2002 National Storyteller of the Year?, Leeny is recipient of Parents? Choice Gold & Silver Awards, a Storytelling World Winner Award and an iParenting Media Winner Award. Leeny stars in the PBS and Fox Television/DVD series Ribert & Robert?s WonderWorld, a prized children?s program airing globally. With passion, fire and wit, Leeny?s one-woman performances and renowned workshops headline festivals, concerts and events to SRO audiences worldwide.
Marcia Donovan
Marcia Donovan has been a professional storyteller since 1984 and the Putnam County Library Storyteller since 1988. She holds Tennessee K-3 certification, has a Masters in Early Childhood Education and has 15 years pre-school and remedial teaching experience. Marcia was Artist in Residence in Putnam County fourth grades 1993-99. She has been Storytelling Artist in Residence with Pacesetters developmentally disabled adults since 2000. She has presented storytelling workshops at Tennessee Storytelling Aassociation conferences, Governor's Academy for Teachers of Writing and local teacher in-services at the Library and local schools.
Kate Dudding
As an award-winning storyteller and author, Kate Dudding enjoys telling many kinds of stories to all ages. A particular interest of hers is bringing history to life -- giving a voice to people from the past. She has told stories at many venues in the Northeastern USA, including The New-York Historical Society (New York City, NY), The Clearwater Festival (Croton-on-Hudson, NY), First Night Saratoga (Saratoga Springs, NY), and The Norman Rockwell Museum (Stockbridge, MA). Her first CD, Lighting the Way Home: Stories of Lighthouses and Their Keepers, is a Parents' Choice Approved Award Winner of 2007, one of six storytelling CDs to get an award this year.
Debbie Dunn
Debbie Dunn has been a professional storyteller since 1989. For eight years she traveled the USA full-time telling stories and teaching storytelling. Currently, she only does storytelling part-time. She is the author of "The Bell Witch Unveiled At Last! The True Story Of A Poltergeist" under her pen name DJ Lyons. Debbie aka DJ Lyons is available for book signings and for performing a one-woman show called the Bell Witch Unveiled.
Diane Edgecomb
"A storyteller in the grand tradition, Edgecomb is a virtuoso of the spoken word." Publisher's Weekly- 1995. One of the most versatile voices in the storytelling movement today, Diane has been lauded by Publisher's Weekly and others as a master of her craft. Her Storytelling Concerts accompanied by harper Margot Chamberlain have timeless themes ranging from Solstice Events rich in seasonal mythology to classic Celtic tales, such as her award-winning adaptation of "Deirdre of the Sorrows". Original stories include the family tale "Pattysaurus," a Storytelling World Honors Award winner and a true ghost story about the Standing Stones of England: "Twilight of the Stones"(a Three Apples Storytelling Festival favorite). Nationally recognized for her leadership in linking storytelling to nature and environmental education, Edgecomb has written original pieces and designed performances and workshops for the leading nature organizations throughout the Northeast.
Tim Ereneta
Storyteller Tim Ereneta brings to life traditional tales for contemporary audiences, available for storytelling events or as a one-man solo performance for theatrical venues. Tim's repertoire includes classic fairy tales, forgotten folk tales, and stories created on the spot. Gay Ducey, Artistic Director of the Bay Area Storytelling Festival, notes: "Tim is a contemporary, hip storyteller... original and authentic. His style is gracefully conversational with an ironic sensibility that gives his work depth and yet doesn't rob it of a comic center. He is understated, wry, and in every way a sophisticated an urban and urbane teller."
Ilene Evans
Ilene S. Evans Artistic Director, Teaching Artist, Performer Voices from the Earth Ilene Evans creates educational theater programs that span a vast range of arts disciplines including music, dance, drama, and storytelling. Ms. Evans has taught, lectured, and performed throughout the United States and Europe. After receiving her B.A. in Philosophy and Psychology from Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois, Ms. Evans received extensive music and dance training in the master's degree program at the University of Wisconsin. In 1988, she joined the staff of Whirlwind Performance Company as a teaching artist and performer. At Whirlwind, Ilene taught dance, choreography, storytelling, vocal technique, and African-American cultural arts to teachers, students, and parents. In 1991, Ilene created her original work, General Moses, Stories from the Life of Harriet Tubman. Since then, Ms. Evans has amazed audiences with her educational and entertaining one woman show.
Robert Fishbone
Wendy Gourley
Wendy Gourley came to professional storytelling from a background in musical theatre. She performed and taught at the Egyptian Theatre in Park City, Utah, was the founder and co-director of VocalWorks, a musical theatre program for children, grades 2-12, and taught music and drama at the Colby School. When she found performance storytelling, she felt like she found home. Here was an art form that encompassed all of her loves and she uses them all in her stories: writing, acting, singing, production design, and instrumental music. Wendy performs at festivals, concerts, schools and conferenc
Clare Grosgebauer
I was blessed to have a storytelling grandfather who shared a wonderful legacy with me--tall tales about "Snickerdoodle," a little-known tiny hero from American folklore. Snickerdoodle is a little guy who uses humor and imagination to outwit his foes. He travels the trail to adventure in a "peanutmobile" and is sometimes accompanied by his famous relatives Uncle Yankee Doodle and Cousin Polly Wolly Doodle. His message: Dare to THINK BIG! Discover the small wonders within YOU! You're never too little to make a difference!
Bill Harley
?Bill Harley has the uncanny ability to reaffirm life for listeners, be they five or fifty. Humor, empathy, intelligence and reality all radiate from his work and from him.? - Penguin Books, A Grammy award winning artist, Bill uses song and story paint a vibrant and hilarious picture of growing up, schooling and family life. His work spans the generation gap, reminds us of our common humanity and challenges us to be our very best selves. A prolific author and recording artist, Bill is also a regular commentator for NPR?s All Things Considered and featured on PBS. Harley joined the National Storytelling Network's Circle of Excellence in 2001 and tours nationwide as an author and performing artist.
Yvonne Healy
Yvonne Healy is a born storyteller! When she talks, the wind forgets to blow and kids forget to turn on the TV! * Your stories were touching and humorous. Your acting flawless. Truly amazing! - Susan O'Halloran, Just Stories, IL * * An Irish pixie of a performer! You could hear a pin drop! Superb! - Senior Programs, Harrison, MI* *
Rachel Hedman
Rachel Hedman is a fusion of energy who takes everyday events, discovers the adventure behind them, and shares the stories with everyone. Check out her blog at http://storytellingadventures.blogspot.com for postings every 1st and 15th of the month about storytelling trends in business, marketing, and honing the craft.
Julie Herrera
Julie has been telling stories to her sisters and cousins since she was young, and later to her own children and their friends. She has been an educator for 36 years including teaching elementary school, substituting in all grades, librarian for both secondary and elementary schools, adjunct college teacher of Children?s Literature. She is an adjunct faculty member at Denver University where she teaches a storytelling class in the Library and Information Sciences department.
Priscilla Howe
Priscilla's performances are a delightful blend of entertainment and education. With younger listeners, Priscilla's handpuppets come along for the ride and there's plenty of audience participation. Older kids and adults hear a more sophisticated mix of stories, served up with a dollop of humor. Expect surprises with Priscilla, such as a story told in French or Bulgarian. Priscilla has a wide range, from two-minute stories to the Medieval romance "Tristan and Iseult," in 95 minutes. She's as comfortable with preschoolers as she is with kids at the Juvenile Detention Center. Looking for curriculum connections? Check out the study guide on her main website, http://priscillahowe.com
Alan Irvine
Alan Irvine brings his stories to life with dramatic performances, weaving enchantment from gesture and voice, evocative description, extraordinary characters. Alan began telling stories over 25 years ago while working as a counselor at a summer camp in Louisiana, telling ghost stories in the cabin after lights out. He performs at schools, universities, festivals, historical societies, and museums, and has taught storytelling classes for seniors, elementary school kids, ministers, and many others. He has released numerous CDs of his stories, winning Storytelling World and NAPPA honors awards. Alan runs a youth storytelling group called Logos. Alan was the co-chair of the 2006 National Storytelling Conference in Pittsburgh, has produced numerous Tellabrations and other shows, and is current President of StorySwap.
Callid Keefe-Perry
Callid is a storyteller, schoolteacher, poet, musician, and webmaster of theopoetics.net. He is a Member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and often does much of his work with that group. He can be available for other engagements though as long as significant notice is given.
Charles Kiernan
Storyteller Charles Kiernan, now retired from gainful employment, performs at theatres, listening clubs, schools, libraries, arts festivals and even a sculpture garden. He is also coordinator for the Lehigh Valley Storytelling Guild, Pennsylvania State Representative for the National Youth Storytelling Showcase and Pennsylvania State Liaison for the National Storytelling Network. He has, of late, been fobbing himself off as Mark Twain with some success. Twain is wont to ramble on about his boyhood memories, the newspaper publishing business, life on the Mississippi and frogs. Mostly, though, he likes to talk about the river. The intent of the show is to give the audience a bit of Twain's biography, his humor and his viewpoint. The subject for his talk is his evolving view on what is man. To illustrate his view on this subject at various points during his life, he feels compelled to give the audience some of his personal history (he being his favorite topic).
Christopher Leebrick
A dynamic and unforgettable teller whose riveting style makes him an audience favorite! Award-winning storyteller, Christopher Leebrick, has enthralled audiences since the age of thirteen. He first appeared with the nationally recognized "Troupe of Tellers" in 1975, and since then he has shared stories with thousands across the United States and as far away as Australia. Both of his CDs, "Good Stories From All Over" and "Critters, Kids, and Cowboys", have received national Storytelling World awards. "Wow! Christopher is a master of his craft and such a treasured inspiration...a 10!" -- Lane County Educators. ". . . he commands a powerful presence. His nuances and gestures are extraordinary." --Australian National Storytellng Festival. "I would highly recommend Christopher. . . ." --St. Louis Storytelling Festival.
Molly Lemmons
Molly Lemmons, an award-winning author and storyteller retired from Mustang, OK Public Schools to pursue full time storytelling and writing. She travels with her stories that warm the heart, entertain her listeners with laughter and a tear or two, and leave them with a renewed respect for God, family and life. She takes many of her stories from her book, Kind of Heart, a nostalgic book of life in the 1950's.
Monica Leo
I am a first generation American, born to German refugees in the waning days of World War Two. After the war, my parents ordered a set of Kasperle hand puppets from a German craftswoman, and I was hooked. Since 1975, I've been creating and performing as founder and principal puppeteer of Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre. Eulenspiegel has always placed highest emphasis on the STORY, using visuals and music in service to its telling. I've toured with my puppets and stories in 25 states and four other countries.
Bob Linsenmayer
Bob Linsenmayer got his start as a professional entertainer while in college in California in the late 1950s performing folksongs and humor. When the folk music boom faded in the mid-60s, Bob moved to Chicago and spent the next 30 years in the export business traveling the world and raising a family with his wife Sheryl. When he was home from his travels he told stories and sang songs to his two children every night at bedtime. One day he performed for his daughter's pre-school class and from the enthusiastic response knew that working with children would be his retirement career. In 1996 Bob and Sheryl moved to South Carolina where Bob soon began presenting storytelling/music programs at schools, libraries and festivals. Kids now know him as "Mr. Bob". He honed his skills by studying with master storytellers at Eastern Tennessee State University and at numerous workshops.
Mike Lockett
Paddy Lynn
I have a degree in Theatre and have worked in the entertainment business for over thirty years. I have worked as a professional actress, a teacher, and drama workshop leader for many years. I started storytelling a little over ten years now, and bring my love for drama and my passion for books together in a program I call Storyacting. This highly energetic and enthusiastic program is designed to get kids excited about reading as well as performing. I have a variety of programs for people of all ages, and enjoy customizing programs that fit the needs of specific groups.
Margaret Read MacDonald
Folklorist (Ph.D. Indiana University), former Children's Librarian, educator (storytelling courses for Univ. of Washington; Lesley University), author of over 50 books on folklore and storytelling topics including award winning books PEACE TALES; GO TO SLEEP GECKO; MABELA THE CLEVER; TUNJUR! TUNJUR! TUNJUR!: A PALESTINIAN FOLKTALE. Tours widely throughout the world offering "Playing with Story" workshops for tellers and educators. Performances in schools, libraries, museums, festivals. Conference keynotes, workshops, performances.
Michael D. McCarty
Michael is a multicultural storyteller of African, African-American and International Folk tales, Historical tales, Stories of Science, Spiritual stories as well as stories of the brilliant and absolutely stupid things he has done in his life! His stories inform, educate, inspire and amuse. His storytelling style is energetic and enthusiastic. Michael has traveled to many countries including; South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, China, Jamaica, Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, England, Malaysia, Korea ...and his travels have reaped a harvest of tales that testify to the unity within the diversity of the human spirit..... He LOVES his job!
Tom McCormack
Tom McCormack has 20 years experience presenting stories from all genres. He has won international awards for his Native-American Storytelling. His pioneer history character portrayals express balanced Native-American perspectives and interactions. Dreamspeaker also plays music on a different ethnic instrument with each story from a different country. His summer 2008 summer reading performance will highlight the positive attributes of insects. (Join this exciting BugFest for an Insecterrific Summer). Tom will play music on insect instruments and teach children the Bug-A-Boo song! Tom is scheduling performances across California and West Nevada this Summer.
David Joe Miller
Norm Moyer
Born In Cheverly, MD (outside of Washington, D.C.) on August 4, 1953. Raised in Hyattsville, MD. worked three summers for National Park Service in Washingon, D. C. Park Interpreter B.A Philosophy W.Va. Wesleyan Col. Buckhannon, W. Va. M.Th. Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX B.A. Speech/theater Education Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR. Ordained Minister of the United Methodist Church for 30 years
Jay O'Callahan
Jay has performed his stories in New Zealand, Lincoln Center, The Abbey Theater in Dublin, the National Fine Arts Complex in London and throughout the United States. He was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for performance excellence. His work has been heard on National Public Radio. The Boston Symphony Orchestra commissioned Jay to create stories to perform with the symphony. At a recent performance at the Gloucester Stage Company, Liv Ullmann commented, "You change my life each time I hear you."
Debra Morningstar Oneida Storyteller
Debra Morningstar--Oneida Storyteller--Yukhika-l?atuhse? (She tells us stories) has presented her storytelling programs, residencies, keynotes, and Healing workshops across the country and Canada for the past 22 years! An enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Debra weaves Native stories, rattles and flute into an entertaining and educational cultural presentation! She regularly presents at schools, festivals, conferences and libraries and more! When performing, Debra invites the children to help her tell the stories as they pick animals and cultural objects out of her Native Story Basket! In Debra's CD "Tales From the Lodge..." listeners (of all ages) will enjoy listening to the ancient, traditional teaching stories accompanied by Debra's flute playing, drumming and tribal song. It is Debra's hope that she honors the Spirit of her ancestors by sharing her culture through education and storytelling.
Julie Pasqual
I am a storyteller who is trained in dance, acting, yoga, clown, stiltwalking, and American Sign Language. I strive to imbue my adaptations of world tales with my various skills, energy, sense of humor, and an updated sensiblity - in other words - I don't sit down!! I have told my tales in schools, libraries, museums, theatres, festivals, even at a wedding! I have a repetoire that includes stories from all around the globe, and for virtually any age. I also teach workshops for teachers, children, and aspiring storytellers.
Sheila Starks Phillips
Finding music a good way to "grab" children's attention, I often use my guitar, ukelele, Indian flute and a variety of percussion instruments to enhance stories that I tell. My stories are always age and content appropriate. The main goal is to encourage children to read. My repertoire includes folktales, problem solving and life lessons stories and many others, all told in an entertaining manner. I also have many adult programs that mostly entertain.
Lonna Pierce
Master storyteller, Lonna McKeon Pierce, is best-known for her one-woman show, "A Visit With Laura Ingalls Wilder," which she has performed throughout NY, PA, Pepin, WI, and Europe. A trained actress and singer, Lonna is also an accomplished teaching artist, and has delighted audiences in schools, museums, churches, radio, scout troops, and libraries for 20 years. Lonna has a passion for the spoken word.
Ricardo Provencio
Hola I am Ricardo Provencio a bilingual storyteller, and a community college counseling and storytelling faculty member. I have performed at the National Storytelling Festival as a Regional Showcase Storyteller, and have been a featured or a regional storyteller at the Nebraska, Illinois, Malibu by the Sea, Kansas/Missouri, Los Angeles, and South Mountain CC Storytelling Festivals. I love to tell Latino and Southwestern Myths, Legends, Folktales, and my personal stories bilingually.
Sara Ransom
Featured in festivals from New England to New Zealand, Sara is the daughter and granddaughter of performing storytellers. Sara has traveled worldwide in learning her craft. Her "excellent sense of pace and dramatic tension" (NEA) won her a National Endowment for the Arts Solo Performance Fellowship in 1991. Her international experience exhibits itself in her eclectic performances. With a hint of the brogue in her masterful portrayal of Celtic mystery, she draws her audience into ancient Irish legends, while her powerful portrayals of Kali, Shiva and the Ramayana gain an authentic feel from her years in India.
Laura Raynor
Laura has performed as a Teller in Residence at the International Storytelling Center in 2005, and she has been featured at the Celebration of Light, Timpanogos and Colonial Williamsburg festivals. Laura brings to life the colorful cast of characters from her unique and loving family. Her Grandma Dinah, who lived to be 105 years old, raised her on the tales of the Old Country, providing Laura with a landscape for her own stories, told in an animated and intimate style. Laura performed at the 2004 National Storytelling Festival. In 2006 she won the Award of Merit for Children?s Librarian of the Year in the State of Michigan. Her storytelling home is in the Ann Arbor District Library where she happily tells tales to enthusiastic listeners every week.
Connie Regan-Blake
With playful elegance, Connie Regan-Blake takes her listeners on a journey from old-timey mountain tales to surprising, heroic, adventures of everyday living. With her distinctive voice, southern charm and Irish heritage, she is an ambassador for storytelling and a sought-after performer and workshop leader across the globe. One of the first to bring storytelling to a national audience, Regan-Blake is a frequent featured teller at the National Storytelling Festival and all the major festivals in thhe United States and abroad. She is the recipient of the Circle of Excellence, Oracle and Lifetime Achievement awards.
Regina Ress
Award winning storyteller and educator, Regina Ress has performed and taught for over thirty years from Brazil to Broadway, in English and Spanish, in a wide variety of settings from grade schools to senior centers, from homeless shelters and prisons to Universities, Lincoln Center and The White House. For more information, audio and video clips visit http://www.rnrproductions-nyc.com/regina
Lynn Ruehlmann
Lynn Ruehlmann was bitten by the storytelling bug after having spent years in the theater where she was named Best Actress in a Comedy by Folio. Since 1990 she has made storytelling her professional focus. She performs for schools and adult organizations, everywhere from Virginia to Michigan to Alaska to Georgia to Connecticut. For many years she worked with Young Audiences of Virginia, who awarded her Artist of the Year. The Virginia Commission for the Arts has awarded her grants for her programs every year since 2002. She teaches workshops for teachers and students. She taught storytelling for Old Dominion University's Early Childhood Education Department and for CORE Knowledge Conventions in Anaheim, California, and in Boston, Massachusetts. She has been a guest on numerous NPR programs. Her recording, "Spy! The Story of Civil War Spy Elizabeth Van Lew," won a "Storytelling World" and a Parents' Choice Award. Her new CD, "It Happened in the White House: True
Sadarri Saskill
This multilingual storytelling family 'extraordinaire' brings a unique blend of language, movement, & teaching to their high demand interactive performances! Fluent in English, Sign, Spanish, French & Haitian Creole, they bring presentations alive with authentic clothing, seamless translation, & hilarious character voices. National winners of numerous awards, they perform around the world. Story-Play at its very beat. Once you have had them, you will want to book them again!
Peninnah Schram
Peninnah Schram, internationally known storyteller, teacher, author, and recording artist, is Associate Professor of Speech and Drama at Stern College of Yeshiva University. She travels across the US and other countries as a featured presenter at storytelling festivals, conferences, and as Performing Artist-in-Residence. Vibrantly elegant in her presentations, Peninnah tells Jewish folktales of wisdom and humor, interweaving melody and dialogue. Jane Yolen wrote about her: ?When Peninnah Schram tells a story, even the leaves on the trees stop trembling to listen.? Speaking about the power and role of storytelling, Peninnah says: ?Since storytelling is a dialogue, shared stories create more understanding; bring people closer together as a community; and serve as a string that binds one heart to another. (And I believe that the universe is made up of string.)?
Judy Seeley
Everybody loves good stories and Judy loves telling them. Judy grew up in Illinois and then lived in Michigan, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, collecting stories and memories all along the way. For the past seventeen years she has been sharing these tales at libraries, schools, clubs, senior groups, and festivals. With voice and gesture, Judy creates memorable characters for her folktales, personal stories, and humorous tales. She lives just east of Pittsburgh and travels throughout Western Pennsylvania. She has been a featured storyteller at the Three Rivers Storytelling Festival and the Punxsutawney Groundhog Festival.
Judy Sima
Travel around the world and back again with stories from many parts of the globe and the best in Children?s Literature. Judy Sima is an award wining storyteller, author, educator and one of Michigan?s premier storytellers. She has been featured at festivals and conferences, schools and libraries across the country. Judy's warm, engaging performances bubble over with humor, song, and loads of audience participation. Using modeling and active involvement, Judy is a nationally recognized workshop presenter. Her workshops are frequently featured at the National Storytelling Conference, Northlands Storytelling Network, American Association of School Librarians, and International Reading Conference. Judy's enthusiasm is contagious! Judy has been telling stories professionally since 1987. As a Teacher-Librarian for over 35 years, she introduced many young people to the art of storytelling through her middle school storytelling troupe.
Sondra Singer
Sondra's captivating storytelling transports her audiences to exciting new worlds. Her lifelong experiences as an actress and musician infuse her stories with techniques that amuse, inspire, and provoke thought in her audiences. She retells world tales, especially African and Middle Eastern stories. Many traditional and original stories feature ethnic hand drumming for fun and authenticity. Songs with guitar can add another dimension to her diverse and interactive performances. Sondra can also customize programs for special occasions. Hire Sondra to capture the attention and imagination of your audience! Website: www.storydrum.com
Joyce Slater
Hi, my name is Joyce, and I am a storyteller. I tell stories because it's fun and storytelling is great for everyone, in libraries, preschools, elementary, middle and high school classrooms, churches, nursing homes, retirement centers, festivals and fringes. I love creating programs and doing residencies and workshops. Sometimes I bring a puppet or two and sometimes I bring a song to sing or a drum to beat. Contact me about a program for your organization
Mary Morgan Smith
Mary Morgan Smith was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania. She grew up listening to the tall tales of her grandfather's youth in Pittsburgh in the late 19th century and to her mother's stories about life in a large family during the Depression. She began telling stories professionally over 30 years ago as a library storyteller for Prince George's County (MD) Memorial Library System.
Pamela Smith
An ancient practice for a new time... Biblical storytelling engages with questions, restores wonder, and invites the people of God into scripture as their holy ground as teller and listeners share a living experience of voice and place. Today we can buy a Bible and have change left from a $10 bill, but back when the Gospels were born handwritten scrolls were treasures that ordinary people couldn?t afford. These long-ago sisters and brothers of ours heard the Gospel as stories. Every telling is one-of-a-kind.
Lois Sprengnether Keel
For approximately 35 years, LoiS combined storytelling with librarianship. She now tells full-time, using her theatre training to enrich her programs that also may include puppetry, sign language, music, or dance. Her extensive repertoire of stories lets her design a program meeting a wide variety of topics for all ages. Those stories can reach around the world or back in time. Included among her historical programs is a reenactment of Liberetta Lerich Green, who grew up on a southeastern MI Underground Railroad Station, was active in the Civil War homefront efforts, later was a farmer's wife, & is brought forward 100 years to the present time to tell about her life & times.
Robert Stelmach
Robert Stelmach, a.k.a. Max Tell, has toured the Pacific Rim five times and performed to well over a hundred thousand children and their parents, including a command performance in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines, sponsored by the Canadian Embassy. In 2005, he was dubbed ?The International Troubadour? by the Vancouver International Children?s Festival. Max Tell?s music and stories for kids and families are funtabulous. He has a soothing, melodic voice and offers a variety of story and musical styles. A number of his pieces feature nonsense verse, while others are tender and thought-provoking. ??Dragon with a Flagon? is a fun choice for family listening and a solid addition to public library collections?. - Maren Ostergard, Bellevue Regional Library, King County Library System, WA. Max?s favorite storyteller is Jay O'Callahan. As a writer, Max has been compared to Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, and Robert Munsch; as a performer to Fred Penner and Rafi, with a touch of Danny
Susan Stone
"With her mastery of pacing and dialects, and expressive characterizations, Susan Stone vibrantly conveys the magic?" (ALA Booklist). Susan shares her stories with the technical expertise of her theatre training and the intuitive wisdom of a true storyteller. From dramatic, introspective Jewish tales for adults, to lively participatory multicultural stories for children, she has a unique understanding of her listeners' needs. She also teaches storytelling to teachers at National-Louis University, is an author, a children's librarian,and has been honored with many awards for her CDs (Parents' Choice Gold Award, Storytelling World Award, Parenting Publications Gold Award). A passionate performer for over 20 years, Susan's tales entertain, enlighten and illuminate the human condition. School Library Journal declares, "she is an incredibly talented storyteller." "Storytelling makes me HAPPY!!" (Susan)
Dawnella Sutton
The Barefoot Storyteller travels to your school, library, birthday party, or other event and involves you in stories...with art, movement, music & more!
Joan Swift
Joan and Mack Swift are retired school teachers( Joan taught for 30 years in elementary school and Mack was a hiSTORY teacher and coach for over 35 years) who LOVE TO TELL STORIES. They have been telling stories around Virginia for 15 or more years as a TANDEM TEAM and in SOLO PERFORMANCE. They love telling JACK TALES and continue the tradition of turning folktales into Jack Tales and have now created a repertoire of ORIGINAL Jack Tales. Both Joan and Mack continue to teach at Blue Ridge Community College and in the Master of Arts in Teaching at Mary Baldwin College.
Tom Taylor
Tom Taylor "Stories-PLUS!" "Plus" what? Well, in addition to folktales, true tales, tall tales, short stories, Texas-lore and more, there are Mr. T's Original humorous poems and songs, interactive demonstrations of American Folk Rhythms featuring not only guitar, a "sorta" banjo, harmonica and bones, but also a stump fiddle, musical spoons, ol' timey washboards, hamboning and paper/plastic bags! Taylor's "Stories-PLUS!" programs are known, in fact and in deed, to have prompted spontaneous dancing of unsuspecting audience members who were so caught up in the moment, they simply HAD to join in with their own creative, exuberant participation.
Sandy Taylor
Sandy Taylor, storyteller, educator, author and director of Rainbow Child International, has been performing and teaching storytelling and multicultural arts for over 35 years. She uses storytelling as a way to connect us to each other and to the deepest part of ourselves. Sandy?s performances, all with lots of audience participation, range from cultural and environmental immersions to seasonal or holiday themes, or present tools for building relationships, developing values and peace making. Her repertoire includes hero?s journeys, sacred stories, love stories, scary stories, nature tales, stories for peace making and for girls? and women?s empowerment, folk tales, myths, and personal stories. Workshops and residencies explore aspects of life, both seen and unseen. Storytelling workshops can be combined with cultural, environmental or spiritual themes. The workshops delve into the art and craft of storytelling as a means for practicing self-expression and discovering more about
Darci Tucker
Storyteller, playwright and actress Darci Tucker, a graduate of UCLA, founded "American Lives: History Brought to Life" in 2000. She brings to her performances almost 20 years experience teaching history in museums and schools. She is a frequent presenter at educators' conferences nation-wide, and trains teachers and museum professionals to use storytelling and character interpretation as teaching tools. Her customers include: * Alameda County, CA Office of Education * George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate * Hillsborough County, FL Office of Education * Los Angeles County Office of Education * State University of New York, Cortland, School of Education
Ivory Williams
Ivory D. interweaves his stories with humor, wit and fun to engage audiences with upbeat & positive messages. His expertise with corporate execs, educators and adult audiences proves that: "Storytelling is not just for kids" & "Grown Folks Talkin'...HUSH!" which are his signature presentation pieces. He has a knack for using hilarious tales to deliver relevant messages to both youth and adults. Bio: President of the Detroit Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. AT&T Manager (sales/marketing 20+ yrs) retired. Wayne State University Grad. Former elementary school principal Navy (Vietnam Vet) Professional Storyteller/Public Speaker Distinguished Toastmaster
Eric Wolf
Eric James Wolf was born three minutes after the taxi arrived at a New York City hospital on January 20th, 1970. He has attended numerous educational institutions, both public and private, graduating with a BA in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic for which his senior project was storytelling. His experience has included an apprenticeship with a professional storyteller. He completed an M.S. in Environmental Education from Lesley University ? sister school to Harvard. He has been telling stories since 1993 for compensation ? but his first public performance was at the age of 8 when his sister told her teacher that he was a good storyteller. The kindergarten teacher proceeded to nod knowingly and invited him to tell a story to her class. Little did she know ? 20 minutes later, with the lights turned low, Eric finished telling, ?The Old Man in the Shack.? Then the fifteen parents lined up out side were finally able to pick up their children.
Diane Wolkstein
Diane Wolkstein is an artist and innovator. Her belief in story, its meaning and importance in transforming people's lives, led her to initiate the position of storytelling at the New York City Parks Department in 1967. Since then, she has traveled the world, researching and re-creating in both performance and writing, many of the world's great oral epics. Of her twenty-three books of mythology, which have been translated into twelve languages, two of her books have become classics: "Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth" and "The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folk Tales" which are used in courses on literature and mythology.
Mary Wright
Born of missionary parents in Rangoon, Burma, Mary's stories stretch from the mountains of Asia to her own back-yard. Combined with her own personal warmth, her telling of folktales, fairy-tales, tall tales and true adventures all speak to the wonder of living and the resiliency of the human spirit. Mary believes in the power of story to heal and uplift, as well as to empower and entertain. She is well regarded for her ability to reach audiences of all ages. A trained theater artist, Mary specializes in collecting other people's stories and transforming them into theatrical productions that weave the individual's story into a greater story of a moment in time, or a community's history. Mary is 1/2 of "A Couple of Cronies," a storytelling piece created with Cora Hook to celebrate the wonders of turning 50 in the 21st Century. They premiered the piece at the 2006 National Storytelling Conference Fringe to a standing ovation.
Judith Wynhausen
I have a background in music and theatre, and I enjoy telling in costume, but also tell "as myself." I also taught kindergarten in the Waldorf tradition for five years. I am best known as Mother Goose, telling original stories that incorporate the well-known rhymes. I also tell bilingually in Spanish and English, and have a bilingual Mother Goose CD as well as an English CD available. I will be soon be publishing a DVD of the bilingual stories and an illustrated bilingual Mother Goose book.
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