NEW ENGLAND
SCHOOL PERFORMING
ARTIST DIRECTORY
LANGUAGE ARTS


FOLK TALES

(See Also SOCIAL STUDIES/ COUNTRIES / REGIONS)

GENERAL
ANIMAL
AFRICAN TALES
AFRICAN-AMERICAN TALES
CARIBBEAN TALES
CHINESE TALES
INUIT (ESKIMO) TALES
IRISH TALES
JAPANESE TALES
JEWISH TALES
LATIN AMERICAN TALES
NATIVE AMERICAN TALES
RUSSIAN TALES
SCOTTISH TALES
SWEDISH TALES
TALL TALES
TRICKSTER TALES
WHY STORIES


FOLK TALES, GENERAL

THEATER || STORYTELLING || PUPPETRY || MUSIC

THEATER


photo of Lon Cerel
   LON   CEREL
18 Pinewood Avenue
Johnston, RI 02919
(401) 946-3183
E Mail: magicguy@cox.net
Website: loncerel.com/magicofreading.html

"The Magic of Reading" is a curriculum-based program incorporating popular children's books. Lon Cerel has been entertaining children and their families for over 20 years and has twice been voted "RI's Best Family Entertainment" by the RI Parents' Paper.

Lon's goal is to aid in your efforts to motivate your children, by promoting the Fun of recreational reading, and the use of the library. Instead of turning on the TV, children learn to turn on their minds and their imaginations. The program is a perfect companion to the Books & Beyond and Feinstein Good Deeds programs. In addition, by utilizing the techniques of stage magic, each illusion reinforces moral values such as sharing, cooperation, giving respect to get respect, "paying it forward", and consequences (cause and effect).

The program is specirfically geared to grades K-5.

Program Title: The Magic of Reading
Audience Limit: 250/assembly
Fee: $450-$550; second show, same day: $200 additional


photo of Enchanted Circle Theater
  ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read.

Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream.

Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly

Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.

Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage)


photo of Gould & Stearns
   GOULD and STEARNS
Bonnie Stearns, Managing Director
44 Hillcrest Terrace
Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802) 254-8355 Fax: same
email: stearns@sover.net
Web: www.sover.net/~stearns

OR

Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Peter Gould and Stephen Stearns are madcap performers and master teachers who have been offering school programs and residencies for over 20 years. Their performances are clever, often zany, and always heart-warming. In their work as workshop and discussion leaders, often in conjunction with a performance, they give students a can-do message about managing problems and opportunities with the help of humor.

Programs include:

Secrets: Peter and Stephen use stories of their own growing up to look, with humor, at real kid issues - peer pressure, self esteem, and choice-making. (grades 4-6, 7-8)

Fee Fie Fo Fun! involves the audience in re-creating the familiar story of Jack and the Beanstalk with Peter and Stephen - and gives insight into the art forms of mime, theatre and comedy. This new look at an old favorite is a perfect way to introduce young students to storytelling as a living art form. (grades preK-5)

A Peasant of El Salvador - about which teachers have said - "The best social studies lesson my students will have all year... The most moving, meaningful play I have ever seen... Taught more about Latin American culture in one hour than I do in three years teaching." (grades 9-12)

Simple Gifts - a special holiday program for December - highlights stories from a variety of cultures and traditions, and reminds us that the simple gifts of ourselves are the best sources of warmth and comfort we can offer one another.

Laughing Matters teaches students basic illusions and mime techniques and creative use of language while it takes them on a journey of the imagination - from a whaling ship of the 1800s to the vaudeville stage, and into the future! (grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12).

Program Titles: Secrets, Fee Fie Fo Fun!, A Peasant of El Salvador, Simple Gifts, Laughing Matters

Audience limit: 24/class, usually 300-350 /assembly, up to 650 or more in suitable auditorium.

Fee: $500-$800/performance

Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts


photo of The Mystic Paper Beasts
  MYSTIC PAPER BEASTS
Marya Ursin
8 Hancox Street
Stonington, CT 06378
(860) 535-3346
Email: mybeasts@aol.com
Website: www.mysticpaperbeasts.org

The Mystic Paper Beasts have gained international renown for their whimsical performance style and for their amazing hand made masks. Performances of new and old myths include dance, mime, narrative, and feature 25 - 30 masks in each show. Appropriate for family audiences, and for pre-K - 6, depending on the show. Shows run 45 minutes and can be followed by a Q & A time.

Repertoire includes: Art Fool (about making art, antic and amusing); Myth Spritz (Greek Myths); Magic Soles (Fairy stories about shoes); Sky Tails (Native American Stories), Asian Mystery Tales (two Japanese and one Chinese story). Plays may be commissioned.

Workshops:
Myth in mask (using the Beasts' masks): using the body and the mask in creating short tales. (15-20 students)
Mask making (requires art supplies and quite a bit of time): 3 hours with paint drying time separate. (Small groups are best)

Program Titles: Myth Spritz; Art Fool; Asian Mystery Tales; Sky Tails.

Audience Limit: 30/class; 500/assembly

Fee: $600 for single performance; $900 for two in same location. Workshops: "Myth in the mask: $100 per instructor per hour; "Mask making": $120 per hour per instructor, most materials supplied. All fees negotiable.

Special Requirements: One hour set up time for programs. If the distance is great, the Beasts ask to be housed locally.

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism


PUPPETRY


photo of Galapagos Puppet Theater
   GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER
Margaret Moody
78 Varnum Street
Arlington, MA 02174
(781) 643-1228
Email: mmne@galapagospuppets.com
Website: www.galapagospuppets.com/index.htm

Galapagos performs folk and history tales of Chinese, Jewish and Scandinavian cultures with expressive hand puppets. Using traditional Chinese puppets and choreography we present three episodes of the Chinese epic Journey to the West. "The Golem" and "Trolls in the Kitchen" offer entertaining introductions to Jewish and Scandinavian folktales. In "Esther's Story," a life-sized puppet shares the Holocaust diaries of the teenaged Esther Cohn. Galapagos has toured the East Coast since 1987, and has extensive experience in schools, libraries and museums.

Program Titles: Fire Cloud Cave; The Banana Princess; Monkey Wreaks Havoc; Esther's Story; Trolls in the Kitchen; The Golem

Audience Limit: 275/assembly; 125 small group

Fee: Most shows: $500 single performance; $800 two performances on same day
Shows by solo puppeteer for audiences of no more than 125; $200

Special Requirements: "Esther's Story" needs a room that can be darkened


photo of The Gerwick Puppets
   GERWICK   PUPPETS
Lenny Gerwick and Deborah Costine
6 Wood Street
Southborough, MA 01772
(508) 481-6260
E Mail: info@gerwickpuppets.com
Website: gerwickpuppets.com

"Classic Quality Puppetry at its Best," The Gerwick Puppets are one of New England's longest running puppet troupes. Founded in 1974 by artist/educators Deborah Costine and Len Gerwick, this company performs in elementary schools around New England and regularly at such venues as Boston's First Night, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, The Mark Twain Museum in Hartford CT and The Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline MA. Eight Productions are available and performed "live" with elaborate theater lighting and artist-painted scenery and high quality sound. Most include some interaction with the audience.

Their DVD "The World of The Gerwick Puppets" documents much of what this company does as well as showing puppet making methods and how children can create their own puppet shows!

Curriculum materials are available for each production.

Productions:
Adventures From Thornton W. Burgess: This much-loved production is adapted from stories by Massachusetts author Thornton Burgess. Children learn about New England animals including skunks, opossums, and woodchucks and their habits and habitats.

Inside the Haunted House: In this original story written by the puppeteers, a boy and girl decide to explore an old mansion that is said to be haunted! Many funny and slightly scary surprises await them in this very exciting production.

Pilgrim Adventure to America: This is an elaborate telling of the Pilgrim story through the eyes of the Brewster family. For maximum dramatic effect, this productions uses masks as well as hand puppets, a miniature Mayflower, a map of Cape Cod, and many interesting visual and audio effects.

Midwinter Magic: This elaborate, winter fantasy takes place as puppet children "Mary Lou" and "Bruce" fall asleep on the longest night of the year. They are guided through a dream of enchanting music and puppets by "Katrinka" the midwinter sprite! Classical music enhances the experience!

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp: This ancient story from "The Arabian Nights" shows the struggle between good and evil. The evil magician, the ominous secret cave, the magic flying carpet and the all-powerful genie of the magic lamp are part of this enchanting classic story!

Rip Van Winkle: This early work of American literature by Washington Irving tells the story of the happy-go-lucky man who slept through the Revolutionary War. The show closely follows the original story and includes historical concepts and ideas from the late 1700's. (appropriate for grades 3 and up)

Aesop’s Fables: In this solo production, puppeteer, Len Gerwick, uses a different performing style, he is visible to the audience. The show's focus is on the morals of the fables: appreciating what you have, learning from the mistakes of others, and falling victim to one's own weaknesses.

The Case of the Missing Woodpile: In this musical mystery performed solo by Len Gerwick, Mary Lou and Bruce are on summer vacation, planting a garden and building a tree house. Suddenly the wood for the tree house disappears and the audience gets to help solve the mystery! Original jazz score written by musician Jonathan Klein.

Other Activities:

Puppets in the Language Arts Curriculum: Students can each make a puppet for use in a puppet show that they write and produce themselves. Instruction is available for how to create a script based on a story they have read, how to practice effective puppet movement and dialogue. This is a very valuable educational project! Creating a script through the Gerwick Puppets’ unique process helps children understand the structure of stories. Custom designed programs are available.

The Gerwick Puppets are available as Artists-in-Residence and are approved by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and are on the New England States Touring roster.

Their DVD "The World of The Gerwick Puppets" by Two Bob's Productions, documents much of what this company does as well as showing puppet making methods and how children can create their own puppet shows!

Program Titles: Adventures from Thornton W. Burgess; Inside the Haunted House; Midwinter Magic; Aladdin and the Magic Lamp; Aesop's Fables; Rip Van Winkle; Pilgrim Adventure to America; The Case of the Missing Woodpile Tales; Mid Winter Magic; The Puppets Teach Fire Safety

Audience Limit: 250

Fee: 1 performance $700, 2 performances $1,000 plus travel fee; Residency days are $300/day/artist

Special Requirements: The puppet theater requires a space of 15 ft. width, 10 ft. depth and 8 ft. height. A darkened room is best.


photo of Diane Kordas
   DIANE  KORDAS  ROMPER  RHYTHM  AND  PUPPETS
Diane Kordas
516 Barnard Hill Rd.
Weare, NH 03281
603-529-7623
Email: diane@romperrhythm.com
Website: http://www.romperrhythm.com

Diane Kordas brings stories to life with puppets and music, either with a staged puppet show production or with songs and short puppet skits. Lots of humor and audience participation are highlights of each program. Great for preschools and day care centers, schools, libraries, birthday parties, recreation centers and more.

*NH Council on the Arts Touring Artist and New England Foundation for the Arts (link) *Winner of Children's Music Web award for her Dinosaur Stomp CD.

Program Titles: Friendly Forest Folktales; Bremen Town Musicians; Pirates, Ahoy!; Elves and the Shoemaker with the Gingerbread Man; Sir George and the Dragon; Outerspace Adventures!. Shadow Puppet show: Chicken Little and other Tales. Residencies, workshops, Teacher Training workshops. See www.romperrhythm.com for new shows and updates

Grade Level Suitability: pre-K - 3 for most programs, workshops and residencies for K-12

Audience Limits: 250

Special Requirements: I supply my own puppet stage, sound, lighting_and need a grounded 3 prong outlet to plug into.

Fee: Starts at $300, discount for block bookings

Funding Sources: New England Touring Roster, New England Foundation for the Arts; New Hampshire State Council for the Arts


photo of Nappy's Puppets
   NAPPY'S   PUPPETS
Jim Napolitano
53 Waterbury Road
North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 534-1381
E-Mail: nappy2xl@earthlink.net
Website: www.nappyspuppets

For thousands of years, man has manipulated puppets for a variety of reasons; religion, education, therapy and entertainment. Of all the forms of puppetry, the most magical and cinematic is shadow puppetry.

Seen on the award-winning PBS show, Between the Lions, Jim Napolitano is available to perform for your audience. Presenting his unique one-man show shadow puppet shows, Jim is sure to delight and amaze your group.

Title: Jack and the Beanstalk, Father Goose's Tales, Sing-a-Long with Nappy's Puppets

Audience Limit: 350/assembly

Special Requirements: Indoors with access to electricity

Fee: Shows start at $400.00.


photo of Pat Puppets
   PAT  PUPPETS
Patricia Boylan
41 Leavitt Street
Hingham, MA 02043
(781) 749-1558
Email: thepatpuppets@hotmail.com
Website: www.thepatpuppets.com

Patricia Boylan, a puppeteer and nursery school teacher for over 20 years, uses the art of puppetry to share classical children's stories (such as "The Three Bears", "Peter Rabbit", "The Gingerbread Boy", "The Tortoise and the Hare") with children. Each program includes three stories. During the performance Pat helps the children understand this special art form and shows how they can themselves be "puppeteers." (Grades Pre-K through Gr. 3)

Program Title: Classic Children's Stories told with Hand Puppets

Audience Limit: 20/class; 150/assembly

Fee: $275 + travel outside of 30 miles


photo of Pumpernickel Puppets
   PUMPERNICKEL   PUPPETS
John McDonough
61 Park Ave.
Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
(508) 799-4814
E-mail: Puppets2Go@aol.com
Web site: www.pumpernickelpuppets.com

Pumpernickel Puppet shows are presented with a cast of colorful puppet characters, audience participation, live voices and sound effects and fast paced scripts that educate as well as entertain.

A demonstration period follows every performance giving the audience some insight into what happens behind the scenes. All programs last approximately thirty-five to forty minutes and our portable stage, lights and sound system can be set up in almost any indoor location.

The Pumpernickel Puppets are the creation of John McDonough. John has been a professional puppeteer for over thirty years. Performance locations have included: The Puppet Showcase, Brookline, MA, The Institute of Professional Puppetry at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Centre, Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC, The Center for Puppetry Arts Atlanta, GA and the prestigious International Festival of Puppet Theatre sponsored by the Jim Henson Foundation.

Program Title: Peter Rabbit; The Frog Prince; Sir George and the Dragon; The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Lion and the Mouse

Audience Limit: approx. 150

Grade Level(s): Preschool - 3rd Grade

Fee: $225 and up (depending on location)

Possible Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council


photo of Robbins=Zust Family Marionettes
   ROBBINS-ZUST   FAMILY   PUPPETS
Genie Zust
Penrhyn Manor
Richmond, MA 01254
(413) 698-2591
E Mail: kal-rze@berkshire.net
Web site: www.berkshireweb.com/zust

The Robbins-Zust Family has been deighting audiences since their opening on Shakespeare's birthday anniversary, April 23, 1971. Their productions include 17 one-hour-long classic marionette plays that feature live music and their own hand-crafted marionettes.

Program Titles: Androcles and the Lion, Beauty and the Beast, Brementown Musicians, Carnival of the Animals, Emperor's New Clothes, Firebird, Goldilocks and Peter Rabbit, Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter & the Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood, Rumplestiltskin, Punch & Judy and more.

Audience Limit: 500/assembly

Fee: $200-$500

Special Requirements: stage platform or high ceiling, electricity


photo of Sparky's Puppets
  SPARKY'S  PUPPETS
Sparky Davis
28 Ferncrest Ave.
Cranston, RI 02905-3511
(401) 467-0159
E-Mail: Popcorn700@aol.com
Website: www.sparkyspuppets.com

Enjoy the lively antics of these colorful hand puppets as they perform adaptations of favorite children's books! Each show includes several stories full of action, humor and plenty of audience participation. Choose from dozens of tales to create a program for any season or occasion!

Sparky's Puppets have performed in schools, libraries and festivals throughout New England for over 25 years. A recent sponsor wrote, "Awesome! I was entranced through your whole show! Your folktales were very imaginative and they made the children think about natural happenings. They were positively, 100% engaged throughout the program! Keep up the great work!" Debbie Miceli, Grade 3 Teacher, West Vine St. School, Pawcatuck, CT. (Grades K - 4)

Program Titles: Aesop's Fables; Tales of Sea and Shore; The Book Detective; Stories from Snowy Lands; Hats Off to Reading; How Does Your Garden Grow?; Halloween Spells; A Golden Christmas; Trickster Tales; and more

Audience Limit: 35/class; 200/assembly

Fee: $275 + .40/mile round trip

Special Requirement: electricity


photo of You and Me Puppets
   YOU   and   ME   PUPPETS
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Judith O'Hare developed the You and Me Puppets in 1977 to provide a way for children to be expressive through the art of puppetry. Her style of participatory puppetry is unique and her work in puppetry in education has been recognized by the Puppeteers of America through a leadership award in 1994, and most recently she has been named a national education consultant. She oversees a yearly "Puppets: Education Magic" teacher training project, speaks at educational conferences and provides on-site teacher training for schools. She also works in partnership with teachers to develop classroom puppet plays from conception to performance. Student workshops are also available in a variety of subject matter.

Program Titles: Memories of a Chinese Grandmother (Grades K - 8); The Selfish Giant (Grades K - 6); Jessica's Friends (preK - 4); Hansel and Gretel (K - 6), Tales from Greek Mythology (Grades 5-8; Petite Puppet Plays (preK-4)

Audience Limit: 25/workshop/class; 200/assembly

Fee: Start at $350, reduction for same performance/same day/same location.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)

Special Requirements: assistance for loading and unloading, electricity, space approx. 15X20


photo of Michael Zerphy
   MICHAEL   ZERPHY
Ellen Weiner, Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Michael Zerphy, with his zany style and participatory humor, has captivated audiences across the United States and Europe.

Michael offers a school performance, "Don't Do That!" for grades K-6 that focuses on problems, conflicts and a peaceful approach to solving them. We all experience problems - how we react to them is what sets us apart, and therein lies the tale. Physical comedy, stories and humor set the stage for a look at personal conflict. "Don't Do That!" encourages students to deal with conflict in a positive, creative way instead of reacting negatively. Study Guide available.

Zany Acts is a show for general audiences - a family concert of clowning and fun for all. Michael creates a world that continually surprises both Zany, the clown, and the audience - a world in which the ordinary becomes magical and failure is turned into success. Music, juggling, a wide variety of props, and even the audience are included in this versatile show which is appropriate for all ages.

Recent appearances, in addition to schools, include the New York International Festival of Clown Theater, the New England Vaudeville Festival and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Program Titles: Don't Do That!; Zany Acts; $600 (1), $950 (2), travel extra

Fee: $525 for a single performance, reductions for multiples and blook booking.

Funding Sources: Vermont Cultural Council, New Hampshire Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.(New York)



STORYTELLING


   MARK   BINDER
Pembroke Villa
PO Box 2462
Providence, RI 02906
(401) 272-8707
Email: mark@markbinder.com
Website: www.markbinder.com

Mark Binder is the author of the Everything Bedtime Story Book, and has had hundreds of short stories published in newspapers and magazines like The Family, Hadassah, and Cricket. He is a professional storyteller and recording artist, with five storytelling CDs, including the award-winning Classic Stories for Boys and Girls. Mark graduated from the Trinity Rep Theater Conservatory, earned a BA from Columbia University, an MA from Rhode Island College, and has taught as an adjunct professor at the Rhode Island School of Design. He is a Rhode Island Artist Educator, and on the New England Foundation for the Arts Touring Roster. He is a founder of the American Story Theater and has served on the board of the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling. His programs have received grant funding from the United States Department of Education, the Rhode Island Department of Education, the City of Providence, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, National Storytelling Network, and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.

Program Title: Tales for Peace, Eureka! Science and Math Stories; Tall Tales and Whoppers; The Instant Short Story; Silly Stories; Tales of Chelm; Holiday Stories and Songs; Spooky Stories; Tales from the Outdoors; Telling and Reading Stories with Children...

Audience Limit: 250/assembly

Fee: $750 half day, $1000 full day

Possible Funding Sources: RI State Council on the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)


photo of Judith Black
   JUDITH BLACK
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

With a degree in education and twenty years of experience, Judith uses storytelling in both performance and workshop with all grade levels. Her original performance material has been featured at festivals and conferences throughout the continent from the Montreal Comedy Festival to the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee. She has keynoted conferences on the uses of storytelling in education and received commissions to create original works for organizations as wide ranging as the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

Program Titles: History Alive - America's Unsung Heroes and Heroines; The Long Journey - Stories of Immigration; Pinching the Giants - Tricksters of the World; Glad to Be Who I Am - Tales To Bolster Self-Image; Rainbow Race - World Folk Tales; many more.

Audience Limit: 25/class; 200/assembly

Fee: Begin at $400 for the first performance, $250 for each thereafter same day/same location.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)


  ROSA BOVA
231 Massachusetts Ave, Apt. 208
Arlington, MA 02174
(781) 646-8876

"Rosa's vivid imagination, creative imagery and sense of humor capture the minds and hearts of children and adults," says elementary school teacher, June Roche, Hardy School, Arlington.

"As inaugural children's performer at Huntington Theatre Open House Storyteller Rosa Bova captivated ages 5 to 75. Thanks to the success of her performance we have established storytelling as an integral part of Open House at the Theatre," says Deborah J. Gillis, Huntington Theatre.

Other Clients include: Lincoln Center NY Storytelling Festival, Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Bookcellar Cafe, State of Maine Writers Conference, Schools, Libraries.

Program Titles: Amelia Earhart First Lady of the Air; Betsy Ross, Girl of Olde Philadelphia; Come and Hear About Paul Revere; Glauscabi and The Wind Eagle (Native American); The Romance of Italy (Folklore, Legends, Personal); Paul Bunyan and Other Tall Tales; A Whale of a Tale (Nature); Fluttery, Buttery Butterflies (Nature); Turkeys, Indians and Popcorn (Fall/Thanksgiving); Childhood stories, and more.

Fee: $300-$350

Special Requirements: Small table, chair; microphone/VCR as needed


photo of Kate Carney
  KATE   CARNEY'S   HEROIC   WOMEN   YOU   CAN   TALK   TO
Kate Carney
51 Pettee Street
Newton, MA 02464
(617) 244-0209
Fax: (617) 926-7273
E Mail: carneyk@earthlink.net
Web site: www.katecarney.net

Travel back in time with Kate as she tells stories, in costume and character, from the lives of some extraordinary American women. These interactive historical programs will give your group a moving, thought-provoking and humorous chance to explore history as if they were there.

Mrs. Larcom, Lowell Mills Boardinghouse Keeper. Things are going downhill fast at the Lowell mills; the mill girls are speaking up. Should she…? (Grade 5-up)

Paul Revere's Mother-in-law, Mrs. Rachel Walker, draws us into the chaos of the Revolutionary War with her gossipy innkeeper’s scuttlebutt. (Grades 5 -12)

Annie Sullivan, Teacher, insists that she’s no "miracle worker" and shows how deaf-blind-mutes like Helen Keller can learn. (Grades 5-12)

The First Woman Doctor in the West, Bethenia Owens-Adair, MD reveals her secret of survival on the Oregon Trail & frontier: Don’t take no for an answer. (Grades 5-12)

Juliette Gordon Low, Founder of the Girl Scouts of America. Who knew a madcap scatterbrain who cared for nature could change girls’ lives all over the country? Grades 4-up

Mary Antin, Russian Immigrant, and “The Promised Land” author, celebrates her "American Dream" success and laments its price to her family. (Grades 5-12)

Mary Lyon of Mount Holyoke, founder of the first female seminary, wonders at student Emily Dickinson and America's fear of "female greatness". (Grades 7-12)

for Younger Children

Living History Stories in costume and character, about the American Revolution, the Frontier, Immigration, the Girl Scouts and Helen Keller’s World. (Grades 2-4)

Greek Myths and Aesop’s Fables: Children act out Aesop’s talking animal fables, and hear thrilling, funny misadventures of heroes, gods and goddesses. (Grades 2-6)

Mother Nature's Myths: enchanting, interactive "why" and "how" stories about why odd things in nature came to be as they are. (Grades K-4)

Mother Earth Multicultural Tales: interactive folk stories, which build understanding and appreciation of other cultures as they span the globe. (Grades K-4)

Study Guides are available for all of Kate's 45-minute programs. She offers workshops in Role-playing, Storytelling and Creative Drama.

Program Titles: For Grades 5-12: Paul Revere's Mother-in-law, Rachel Walker; Mrs. Larcom, Lowell Mills Boardinghouse Keeper; Annie Sullivan, Teacher; First Woman Doctor in the West: Bethenia Owens-Adair, MD; Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of America; Mary Antin, Russian Immigrant and Mary Lyon of Mount Holyoke. For Grades 2-6: Living History Stories, Greek Myths and Aesop’s Fables. For K-4: Mother Nature's Myths and Mother Earth's Multicultural Tales.

Audience Limits: 200/assembly depending on show

Fees: For groups up to 60: $280 plus $.48/mile. Size of group determines fee. Discounts available for Performance/Workshop combos, co-sponsorship and block bookings.

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts (www.nefa.org)

Requirements: A music or speaker’s stand (for visual aids).


photo of Karen Chace
   KAREN   CHACE
97 Chipaway Road
East Freetown, MA 02717
(508) 763-8565
E Mail: storybug@aol.com
Website: www.storybug.net

Since 2000 Karen has presented her enthusiastic, interactive, and participatory programs at libraries, conferences and schools around the country. She is also the founder and director of a student storytelling program and since 2002 she has mentored over 85 student storytellers. She is a contributing author to the National Storytelling Network's recent publications, A Beginner’s Guide to Storytelling and Telling Stories to Children and writes a regular column for Storytelling Magazine. Her conference presentations include the National Storytelling Conference, Youth, Educators and Storytelling (YES), Sharing the Fire, and the Northland’s Storytelling Network.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature, she combines her passion for literacy and storytelling in delightful programs of stories from around the world. Karen believes that storytelling inspires students, offering them opportunities to succeed in ways they never imagined!

“Karen catches the children and never lets them go.” Karen Allen, New Bedford Whaling Museum, MA

Program Titles: Jaws, Claws and Paws: Animal Stories From Around the World; Tales With Scales: Fish Stories From Around the World; The Trickster Tour; The Treasure Chest; Book A Trip Around the World; Winter Wonderland; Spooktacular Stories; The Spirit of the Season; Pathways to Peace

Workshop/Residencies: Storytelling With Ease; Story by Story – Building a School Storytelling Club; S.T.A.R. (Stories Teach and Reach); Researching Stories on the Internet

Audience Limit: 25/class; 200/assembly

Fee: $250 plus travel; Block Booking rates available. Residencies, Teacher's In-services and Conferences vary and are negotiable

Possible Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council


photo of Leeny Del Seamonds
   LEENY   DEL SEAMONDS
Master Story Performer
PO Box 1268
Westford, MA 01886
Phone/Fax: 978-692-3961
E-mail: leeny@LeenyDelSeamonds.com
Website: www.LeenyDelSeamonds.com

Leeny Del Seamonds is a vivacious Hispanic master performer of World and original stories, legends, family foibles, ghost tales and storysongs. An accomplished actor, singer and mime, Leeny transports listeners to foreign places and into multicultural situations, fostering understanding and appreciation of human and cultural diversity. With a twinkle in her eye and fire in her heart, Leeny breathes life into stories, as she masterfully and effortlessly springs from one story character to another, inviting audiences to share in her Latin/Cuban-American sense of humor and love of people. The 2002 National Storyteller of the Year®, Leeny is on the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Creative Schools Program roster, the Massachusetts Touring Program, the New England Foundation for the Arts roster, is a member of the National Storytelling Network, is a past Board Member of the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling and a frequent contributor to their Museletter. Leeny has also been published in Storytelling Magazine, Tale Trader, and Ahhhh! A Tribute to Brother Blue. Her recording, “¡Ay Caramba! ¡Ay Ay Ay! Cuentos y Canciónes (Latino Stories & Songs),” won a 2003 Parents’ Choice Silver Honor; and her acclaimed recording, CelloTales: The Melding of Music, Myth & Memories, (with cellist Gideon Freudmann) won a 2004 Parents' Choice Gold Award and a 2005 Storytelling World Winner Award.

Leeny Del Seamonds has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival and Teller-in Residence at the International Storytelling Center, both in Jonesborough, TN. Leeny was a headliner at “Gimistory," The Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival, BWI; The Women's Center of Jacksonville Annual Celebration of Women; the Virginia Storytelling Alliance Gathering in Richmond, VA; Tcha Tee Man Wi Storytelling Festival in Corvallis, OR; Three Apples Storytelling Festival in Harvard, MA; Prarie Center for the Arts Stoytelling Festival, Schaumberg, IL; Smoky Hill River Festival, Salina, KS; Nebraska Stoytelling Festival; Mariposa Storytelling Festival in CA; Multi-Cultural Stroytelling Festival in Eguene, OR; and Baltimore Book Festival, sponsored by Parents' Choice Foundation. She has been featured at dozens of national festivals and special events, including Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival in New York; Corn Island Storytelling Festival in Louisville, KY; John F. Kennedy Library & Museum; WaterFire Park in Providence, R.I. (four times); Hudson Valley Storytelling Festival; Connecticut Storytelling Festival (twice); First Night Boston (seven times); Hynes Convention Center (five times); Club Passim in Cambridge, MA; The Hatch Shell in Boston (twice); Connecticut Storytelling Institute (three times) and the Nu Wa Stoytelling Cultural Exchange Tour in China.

Leeny is a regular presenter at the Sharing the Fire Storytelling Conference, Cambridge, MA, and in March 1996 was the featured Opening Keynote performer. She was Keynote for The Conference on Storytelling for Children at Keene State College, NH, and has performed and presented at the National Storytelling Conferences in Philadelphia, Kansas City, Rhode Island, Denver and Bellingham, WA. Leeny is a regular cast member on Ribert & Robert's WonderWorld, an award-winning national PBS Television and DVD series airing in the United states and Singapore and distributed worldwide.

An multi award-winning international artist, Leeny is available for performances, workshops, teacher in-service, commissioned pieces, coaching, Keynote addresses, television and touring.

Program Titles: Foibles, Folklore & Fun!; Tales, Trials & Tribulations; The Star Inside; ¡Ay Caramba!; The Nature of Things; For the Birds!; The Home of the Brave; Hooray for Heroes!; Which Way to the Witch?; Winter Magic Tales; Far Out! A Spacial Odyssey; I'magic'nation; Millennium Myths & Madness!; Kudos for Courage & Kindness!* and CelloTales* with cellist Gideon Freudmann. (*Bookings for these programs available through Young Audiences of Massachusetts

Workshops: Creative Dramatics; Mime, Movement & Improvisation; A Time for Mime; Making the Most of Your Voice; Telling a Tale; ¡Ay Caramba—Dos!; and From Storybook to Storyteller: Making the Story Your Own!; Spoken Word Alive!

Audience Limit: 200/performance; 28/workshop

Fee: $500/one school daytime performance; $700/two; $900/three. $150/school workshop; $550+-evening/special; $2000+ for festivals/touring (*plus travel)


photo of Jackson Gillman
   JACKSON   GILLMAN -   "Stand-Up   Chameleon"
PO Box 41
Onset, MA 02558
(508) 295-0886
E-Mail: jacksong@jacksongillman.com
Web site: www.jacksongillman.com

Sparkling with energy, wit and whimsy, the "Stand-Up Chameleon" magically transforms into a wide array of colorful characters. Through his many talents as songsmith, comic, mime and storyteller, Jackson engages and delights audiences of all ages with his highly visual and interactive performances. Many different shows to choose from including several educational nature programs. Has been a featured performer at festivals across the country. For 6-12 grades, his two substance abuse awareness presentations have been used annually by schools for their prevention programming. 28 years experience, easy-going and flexible, references galore.

Program Titles: Nature in Action, Story & Song; Riot in the Garden; BUGS!; Applemania; Autumn Wonders; Halloween Silly Willies; Winter Revels; Spring into Action; On a Wing and a Song; The Man Who Planted Hope; Kipling: "Just So"; Levity in Motion; Harlequin and the Gift of Many Colors (with ASL); The Dancing Man (with ASL); Holiday Revels (with ASL); Hard Knocks - substance abuse program (grade 6 and up)

Fee: starts at $375 + travel

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts


photo of Bonnie Greenberg
   BONNIE   GREENBERG
Bonnie Greenberg
63 Gould Road
Newton, MA 02468
(617) 244-2884
Fax: (617) 455-6597
E-Mail: BBonnieG@aol.com
Website: www.bonniegreenberg.net

Bonnie's vibrant, engaging stories are rooted in her love of people, her Appalachian childhood, and her experiences in Israel. Designed for all ages, her broad repertoire opens the hearts of listeners and connects them with tradition, memories, and images of life's possibilities. Multicultural themes are often accompanied by guitar and audience participation. Her stories are about ordinary people whose extraordinary lives will inspire you to find the special meaning in your life. Jewish folklore a specialty.

Program Titles: Many Faces, One Spirit (multicultural tales from around the world with music); Celebrate! Tellabrate! (holiday stories); From the Hearts of the People (Holocaust resistance and righteous gentiles); Survival Tales of the African-American and Jewish People, with Sandi Hannibal

Audience Limit: 60/class; 200/assembly

Fee: $400 plus travel. Block booking discounts.

Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council

Special Requirements: lapel microphone if possible, otherwise regular mike


photo of Abigail
  ABIGAIL   "IFATOLA"   JEFFERSON
P.O. Box 176
Peacedale, RI 02883
(401) 932-6565 or (401) 783-4982
EMail: abijef@cox.net
Website: www.abigailjefferson.com

Abigail "Ifatola" Jefferson, storyteller, dancer and arts educator, performs and conducts workshops nationally. Through a unique blend of story, dance, song, and rhythm, Abigail brings to life traditional stories from around the globe. Her performance presentations are highly interactive, educational and fun-filled. Audiences of all ages have described her performances and workshops as inspiring, informative, and energizing.

Abigail has conducted workshops and performed in schools, churches, prisons, shelters, theatres, festivals and libraries. She is a graduate of Howard University with a B.F.A. in theatre, and holds a M.Ed. from Lesley University. Currently, Abigail is an adjunct professor for Lesley University's Creative Arts and Learning Program, and the co-director of Celebration of Culture, a program designed to increase students' and educators' appreciation of diversity. She has traveled to Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, and Cuba to study cultural traditions.

Program Title: Dance, Drum, Story or Celebration of Culture

Audience Limit: 200

Fee: $500 plus travel

Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts, Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils.


photo of Jennings and Ponder Jennings and Ponder - World Tales and Celtic Music
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Tim Jennings and Leanne Ponder present their stories in two intertwining and overlapping voices, and, between tales, play music on harp and concertina. Their live-performance storytelling CD, "World Tales," won a 1999 American Library Association Notable Children's Recording award. Their two music recordings have been acquired by the Irish traditional Music Archive in Dublin. Recent performances have included Vermont Public Television, Club Passim, and the Saturday night event of the UK Society for Storytelling Annual Gathering, at the National Folk Life Museum in Wales. "This is the best tandem storytelling I have ever heard"-- 2nd Story Review, Ontario.

"If you don't believe storytelling can be absolutely fascinating, try this duo; they are brilliant!" -- FolkWorld Magazine, Germany.

Audience Limits: up tp 300

Fee: $650 for one performance; reductions for multiples and block bookings.

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Vermont Arts Council, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)


photo of Angela Cay Klinger
  ANGELA   CAY   KLINGLER   - THE STORYTELLER
PO Box 530
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 898-0537
E Mail: AKFairTale@aol.com
Website: Members.aol.com/AKFairTale

“Alternately wise and funny, silly and poignant,” (Yukon News) Angela bridges time, culture and curriculum with her retellings of traditional world folktales, fables, fairytales, myths and legends.

“Very knowledgeable in curriculum” and with a “style and language for each maturity level,” (Teacher’s Center, CA/Gilmanton, NH) “Angela truly incorporates storytelling into the classroom” and “sparks students’ interests.” (Pond & Peak Reading Council/Parkside Middle School, NH).

Nationally recognized and telling professionally since 1989, presentations include the New England Conference on Storytelling for Children, Massachusetts Title I, Nature in Legend & Story and National Storytelling Conferences, Sharing the Fire and Higgins Armory Museum Faire.

Program Titles: World Folktales, Fables, Myths & Legends; Geomythology: Story, Stone, Water, Fire; The Middle Ages: Bold Knights & Ladies Faire; Literacy: Fairy, Beasts & Lore; visit website for additional curricular specific programming available.

Audience Grade Level Suitability: K - 8

Audience Size:

Special Requirements: Distraction-free room/space large enough to accomodate audience. If telling outside, electricity for portable sound system.

Fee: $400 for a half day of one to three sessions or evening PTA/PTO Book Fair or Family Night performances, $800 for a full day-up to six sessions. Depending on travel distance, an additional $50 - $200 travel fee may apply. Residencies, Teacher’s Inservices and Conferences vary and are negotiable.


photo of Betty Lehrman
   BETTY   LEHRMAN
88 Flanagan Drive
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 877-9738
E Mail: betty@bettylehrman.com
Website: www.bettylehrman.com

Betty Lehrman enchants audiences with programs of original stories, history, folktales, picture books and songs. Since 1978, Betty has appeared in schools, libraries, museums, festivals, and concert halls across the US, Australia, and Thailand. Broadcasts include National Public Radio, WGBH-FM, WCVB-TV and many others. She has won Parents' Choice and American Library Association awards, and is a published author. Currently she is works part-time as the drama director of the Benjamin Franklin Charter School in Franklin, MA. Her most-requested program, a dramatic presentation of the life of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, comprises a full hour of stories, music and games featuring costumed participation from selected students.

Program Titles: Laura Ingalls Wilder's 'Little House' Stories (K-6); The Blue Shawl (historical drama with musician, grades 4-12); Picture Book Tales (K-2), and many others

Audience Limit: 250/assembly

Fee: $500 for 45 minute show; $650 for two in one day. $550 for "The Blue Shawl". Block bookings and workshops negotiable

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council and local cultural councils


photo of Rona Leventhal
   RONA   LEVANTHAL
439 West Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
(413) 586-0624/(413) 628-0031
E-mail: rona@ronatales.com
Website: www.ronatales.com

Rona Leventhal is one person, but many voices. Through her, skies talk, turtles sing, and magic happens! "Part mime, part singer, part actress, she walks her tales, talks them, sketches them with her hands, and stretches them from the ceiling to the floor" *. Rona will have you dancing, swaying in your seats, making funny noises, singing, and laughing, as she shares stories from the silly to the serious, from the mysterious to the monsterous! *Bruce Watson, Amherst Bullion, MA

Over the past fifteen years Rona has gained a reputation as an exuberant and dynamic Performer, bringing with her a cornucopia of voices, characters and cultural accents. Dramatic and engaging, she tells tales from many cultures, as well as original stories, giving us insights on how to live more clearly with ourselves, others, and the earth. She beautifully weaves together movement, songs, and humor, encouraging audience participation, and creating a joyful sense of community! Whether in the schools or in a public forum, Rona has the ability to communicate with the audience in a way that effectively imparts a message in a captivating and entertaining fashion.

But Wait! There’s more! Rona is also a Specialist of Improvisational Theatre and Movement and a Visiting Lecturer and Adjunct Faculty with the Education Departments at Columbia University, Lesley University and the University of Massachusetts. She’s a Certified Teacher and an Environmental and Outdoor Educator. Add to the mix her work in Integrating-the-Arts-into-the-Curriculum, creative writing and her work in Team Building and group dynamics and you have a multi-faceted Educator, Performer, professional development Trainer and Speaker.

An Eclectic Educator, Rona is deeply committed to working with teachers in school residencies to reach their curricula goals. Developing imagination is one of the keystones of her work...... an essential component, she believes, to inquiring and creative minds. She is also passionate about bringing literacy to students an an exciting, motivational, and accessible way. This includes in-school Residencies, Teacher Workshops and Parent/Literacy Nights.

Rona is an approved Teaching Artist and Performer with the Massachusetts, New York (BOCES), Alaskan, and Utah arts councils, the Wang Center for Performing Arts (Boston) and the New England Touring Roster (funding available). She is applauded for her enthusiastic spirit, supportive nature, and inspiring talent. In residencies, she works closely with teachers to meet curricua needs using an array of educational and fun activities to achieve goals. She tells stories, does residencies, gives keynote addresses, and leads workshops internationally. She performs the story-theatre piece "Degas and the Little Dancer", is co-editor of the book, Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope: Stories of Peace, Justice, and the Environment, which contains an article co-authored by Rona, “Ten Reasons to Use Storytelling in the Classroom”. The book received 2003 Honors Award from Storytelling World Magazine. Upcoming projects include several recordings, performances with historical content, and the book The Power of Imagination: Teaching to Creative Minds.

Program Titles: Earth Celebrations!; Woven As One - Stories and Songs of Community; The Silkie's Song - Stories and Songs of the Sea;Turning the wheel: Seasonal Tales; Rising Up: Stories of Struggles, Justice, Freedom and Hope; Tales from Russia; Asian Sampler; Feel'in Proud: Stories of self-esteem; Go Girls!: Stories of Strong Women and Girls; A Kaleidoscope of Stories: A Medley of Tales from Around the World; Oy Vey!: Stories from the Jewish Tradition; Mysteries, Puzzles and Mind Twisters: Stories to Ponder and Play with; Haunts, Haints and Hollers: Stories for Halloween; Degas and the Little Dancer: A Story Theatre Piece; and Subject-Specific Stories upon request (additional fee for creating new shows).

School Residencies and Workshops: Kids telling Stories; Kids Creating Stories; Writing Outside the lines: Storytelling as a Gateway for Improving Children's Writing (descriptive language); Story Quilts; Moving the Body, Freeing the Mind: The Art of Storytelling; Improvisational theatre and Movement; Creative Writing; What Color is the Wind: Integrating the Arts into the Curriculum; History Alive!: Collecting and Performing Oral Histories; Fictional Tales of Truth: Diversity and Anti-Bias Education; Literacy/Parents Nights; Environmental Education, Hold On!: Building Cooperative Classrooms (team building). Many curriculum-specific possibilities.

Audience Limit: 200 max./assembly; prefer and highly recommend less!

Fee: $425-1250 for 1 - 4 shows;; Residency fees vary depending on number of days; Travel cost extra if one hour or more driving distance.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Touring Roster, Local Cultural Councils, local businesses.


photo of Mary Jo Maichack
  MARY   JO   MAICHACK   MINSTREL/STORYTELLER
Maichack Arts
93 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-3667
Fax (413) 538-6023
E Mail: EmJay7@aol.com
Website: www.maryjomaichack.com/

Mary Jo is a seasoned, national award-winning, dynamic storyteller, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and just plain entertaining performer who presents interactive variety shows for children and families. Participate in world folktales, sing, dance, laugh, listen to the fiddle, act in costumed story theater - all in one show! Since 1989, Mary Jo has performed more than 3,000 shows in libraries and schools, on PBS, featured at regional festivals: Three Apples Storytelling Festival (twice); CT Storytelling Festival; LAUGHS Fest (Virginia), Sharing the Fire conference workshop presenter, League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling, (L.A.N.E.S.) M.I.T., Boston, 2002-2005; Mark Twain Festival, Hartford, Conn.; Celebration Barn Theater, South Paris, Maine, 1992 and 1994; Norman Rockwell Museum since 1998, Schoodic Arts Festival, Northeast Harbor, Maine; and from San Francisco’s Chinatown to Scuola Gozzi in Venice, Italy. “A Great performer,” says Peg O’Sullivan, Director of the CT Storytelling Fest. Her multilingual show, “Everybody Says Hello” was nominated for a Mass. Cultural Council Gold Project Award for innovation and community building. Her audio tape, "Books Are Celebrations: Stories, Songs & Fiddling to Energize Young Readers" won a 1999 NAPPA Gold Award. New CDs include “Howlarious Halloween: Ghost Stories, Songs & Jokes from the Crypt,” and “Missing the Muffin Man,” a short story of historical fiction set in Dickens’s London.

"A consummate artist, at ease with audiences of all ages and sizes." Northampton Center for the Arts

Program Titles: Books Are Celebrations—the funniest reading show ever; Everybody Says Hello—Multilingual Fun in Story & Song; The People Could Fly/African-American Folktales and Music; Clever Maidens: Women's History in Folklore and Myth; Greek Myths—ALIVE!, Native American Tales; Skunk Grease & Turpentine (Hilarious Tall Tales & Tunes of American Pioneers); The Minstrel's Revels: A Medieval Romp; Or Would You Rather Be A Fish? Folklore & Songs of the Sea); Howlarious Halloween/Ghost Stories & Songs; Sun, Moon, Stars!; All Together Now/Stories & Songs to Celebrate Diversity; Round the World in Tales & Tunes multicultural show; The Lake of the Croaking Frogs and Other Tales & Tunes of Nature; Preschoolers’ Palooza!; Stinkbug Bugaloo: Stories & Songs of Insects; Meowls & Growls: Animal Tales; After-school programs incorporating performance with teaching kids storytelling skills; Workshops, in-service programs and residencies in storytelling for adults and children; “Oh, Behave! Family Audience Management Essentials for Event Hosts.”

Audience Limit: prefer audiences of 200 and under but will discuss any

Fee: $395 + travel (depends on distance)and up; strong block booking discounts

Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other


photo of Tom McCabe
   TOM   McCABE
PO Box 128
Northampton, MA 01060
(413) 534-0797
E-Mail: info@TomMcCabe.com
Website: TomMcCabe.com

A Parent's Choice Award winner, Channel 5 Boston has dubbed Tom: "New England's Pied Piper." Tom’s shoes (pictured) are covered with tiny pins and trinkets - gifts from children he has met along the way.

In educational settings Tom's focus is literacy. Click here: Tom tells a tale or two and listen to Tom’s unique version of CINDERELLA. Her wish? To learn how to read. Oh, she gets to the ball and meets a prince but every detail supports reading and the library. You can also listen to a family story for older children, an entire writing lesson and Tom’s own story of struggling to learn how to read. Click here: Kennedy Center: Millennium Stage to watch Tom’s 2002 solo performance.

An MCC Creative Teaching Partner, Tom presents assembly programs (pre- 8), classroom writing workshops, teacher in-service trainings, parent programs and residencies. Tom teaches children, teachers and parents simple, effective strategies generating writing. He always begins by asking "How many people have ever sat in front of a piece of paper and did not know what to write?" Everyone raises a hand. After a program with Tom, you will never have that problem again.

In his Conflict Resolution program he teaches the audience a four-step method for peacefully resolving conflicts. Detailed follow-up material guarantee these lessons will continue.

For conferences, Tom offers workshops, key-notes or an after-dinner spoken word program.

Public Performances: His family concerts at libraries and schools feature folk tales and original stories with lots of audience participation. Everyone joins in, even the dads.

For Adults: a riotous evening of family tales: THE QUEEN OF FILENE'S BASEMENT.

At his web site: TomMcCabe.com, you will find detailed descriptions of his many programs, numerous testimonials

Program Titles: Storytelling; Writing; Conflict Resolution

Fee: Upon request


photo of Sumner McClain
   SUMNER   McCLAIN
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(617) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

A respected and sought-after storyteller, Sumner's message is Yes! You can be anything you want to be. Appreciating differences and self-esteem are two topics close to his heart and ones that are frequently requested. In addition, he has in his repertoire many stories from folk literature as well as the African-American experience. His original story about Martin Luther King, Jr., "Daddy King" is heavily booked each year. Workshops for students and teachers are also available.

Audience Limit: 25/workshop; 200/assembly

Fee: Begin at $400 for the first performance, $250 for each thereafter same day/same location.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)


photo of Elisa Pearmain
   ELISA   PEARMAIN
PO Box 634
Lincoln, MA 01773
(781) 259-0492
E Mail: elisa@wisdomtales.com
Website: www.wisdomtales.com

With a background in dance and theater, and a Master's degree in Education, Elisa's performances, residencies, and workshops are moving, participatory, and educational. From the 1990 National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee, to First Night Boston, and The Three Apples Storytelling Festival, Elisha performs for thousands of children and adults. Elisa was a Storyteller in Residence in the Boston and Lowell Public Schools for ten years, and trains teachers and others in storytelling through Lesley College. She is the award-winning author of Doorways to the Soul: Fifty-two Wisdom Tales From Around the World (Pilgrim Press 1998) and Once Upon a Time: Storytelling for Character Development and Bullying Prevention (Character Development Group, 2006), which offers 99 folktales and follow-up activities for the K-8 Classroom.

Programs Include:

Wising Up - World Wisdom Tales for Character Education and Bully Prevention (grades K-8)

The Calabash of Wisdom - World wisdom tales for building empathy, awareness and responsibility (Middle and High Schools, performance and follow-up workshops)

For All to Share - Multicultural folktales, myths and legends (pre K-12)

Halloween Tales From Around the World - Multicultural Halloween, performance (K-12) and writing/storytelling residency (5-8)

I Can Tell - Storytelling residency and teacher training, K-8

A Trunkfull of Tales - Family storytelling for Home and School - a workshop for educators and parents, and residency (2-8)

Program Titles: We Share a Common Story; The Calabash of Wisdom; For All to Share; Halloween Tales From Around the World; I Can Tell; A Trunkfull of Tales

Audience Limit: Varies with program

Fee: $400 for 1 performance; $500 for two; $600 for three +travel over 1 hour

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council


photo of Steve Schuch
  STEVE SCHUCH
Night Heron Music
267 Center Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
(800) 785-9678
E Mail: info@nightheron.com
Website: http://www.NightHeron.com

Join award-winning musician, author, and storyteller STEVE SCHUCH on a voyage of discovery. Striking pieces for violin and whales... magical tales of from around the world... lively singing, fun with languages, and the science of sound... all are part of Steve’s wide-ranging repertoire. Music and story selections are grade level appropriate, exemplifying arts education at its best. All programs include a free set of Books, CD’s and Educator Prep Materials. Steve offers encouragement for young writers and musicians as well. Honors include Artist Fellowships, composer awards and five fiddling championships. Steve’s musical story, A Symphony of Whales, received five national book awards, and his children’s recording, Trees of Life, a Parents’ Choice Gold Award. Schools often include an Author Book/CD Signing with a portion of the proceeds going back to the school. Details at: www.NightHeron.com.

"Warmth and storytelling magic." –Los Angeles Times

"Exceptionally fine... Schuch brings as much skill and intelligence to folk music as he does to classical." –The Boston Globe

Sample Program: A Symphony of Whales
Learn about whales, their songs and their encounters with humans. Listen to a true tale of arctic rescue and hear Steve’s unforgettable“Whale Trilogy” –– a solo violin piece played with these mysterious songs of the deep. Weaving together science and performance, this program includes material from Steve’s travels, CD’s and award-winning book, A Symphony of Whales. “Riveting indeed.” –Smithsonian

Program Titles: A Symphony of Whales; The Author’s Story; Songs & Tales Around the World; Music & Tales of Ireland; Songs & Tales of the Earth; Life in a Third World Village (music & slide program); Roots of Rhythm & Harmony; Fiddler on the Loose; Imagination & the Art of Storytelling; The Writer's Workshop; Parent/Educator Workshops; Family Concerts; Artist Residencies.

Audience Limit: 250/assembly; 30/workshop; call to discuss Family Concerts and Artist Residencies

Fee: Contact artist for details.

Funding Sources: Title II Grants, New England Foundation for the Arts, New Hampshire Arts Council, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)


photo of Mark Shepard
   MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory
589 Chapel Street, #3
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 495-8808
E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com
Website: http://www.drumstory.org

Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills.

Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape

Audience Limit: 350/assembly

Fees: Negotiable

Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts


   TELLALORE
Marcie Theodore
PO Box 147
Franconia, NH 03580
(603) 823-9061
Fax: (603) 823-7407
E Mail: tellalore@chucktheodore.com

Tellalore is a storytelling duo that uses vocal interplay to bring added drama to a wide variety of traditional and contemporary material. Performing tandemly since 1987, they have appeared at schools, libraries and festivals throughout New England. With backgrounds in education and libraries, Marcie and Mary use their experience to expose children to a wide variety of literature.

Audience Limit: 25/class; 200/assembly

Fee: Negotiable


photo of Tim Van Egmond
  TIM VAN EGMOND
Folksinger & Storyteller
118 E. Chestnut Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351-9541
(413) 367-9304
E-mail: timve@rcn.com
Website: www.timvanegmond.com

Tim Van Egmond waves together tales, tunes, and songs -- from the rib- tickling to the spine-tingling to the heart-warming. Music flows in and around his stories through his singing and playing on a wide variety of traditional instruments (including limberjack, hammered and mountain dulcimer, mouth bow, guitar, conga drum, and pennywhistle). His dynamic style incorporates dramatic movement, voice, and facial expression to make stories come alive. His gift of encouraging participation makes for high-spirited and engaging programs. Each program is tailored to meet special needs and interests of sponsors and participants.

Teacher and Student Workshops also available.

Program Titles: Building Bridges - A Celebration of Multicultural Diversity and Understanding; Hearing Nature's Voice; You're (Not) So Different From Me - Disability Awareness; Sun and Moon and Stars; The Story Bag; Sing, Jump, Say, Clap! - Language and Literacy Readiness Activities for Early Childhood; Young Fogies & Old Whippersnappers - intergenerational programs with students and seniors.

Audience Limit: 50/class; 200/assembly (Extra charges for classes over 50 or assemblies over 200)

Fee: 1 show- $350 + travel; 2 shows - $525; 3rd and 4th show, $175 each; Block-booking discount available.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners Program


  TERESA WHITAKER
52 Wheeler Drive
West Suffield, CT 06093
(860) 668-1535

Lively and participatory stories, traditional and original, using vocal improvisation, guitar, Celtic harp and percussion instruments. Large puppets are used in some performances. Teresa has performed in numerous schools, libraries, festivals and conferences. She brings a great sense of joy and celebration to all of her performances. She is deeply committed to the role of the arts in making the world a better place. She believes that children's creativity and imaginations are treasures and natural resources.

Program Titles: Strength and Power; Fabulous Frogs; Singing Back Up the Sun; Heroes and Heroines; Enchantments and Changes; Stories from Music and Movement; Stories of the Earth and Stars; When Animals Talk. Also available, Celtic Myth and Music with storyteller & fiddler Mary Jo Maichack.

Audience Limits: 300/assembly; 30-60/class

Fee: Beginning at $300


MUSIC


photo of Abigail
  ABIGAIL   "IFATOLA"   JEFFERSON
P.O. Box 176
Peacedale, RI 02883
(401) 932-6565 or (401) 783-4982
EMail: abijef@cox.net
Website: www.abigailjefferson.com

Abigail "Ifatola" Jefferson, storyteller, dancer and arts educator, performs and conducts workshops nationally. Through a unique blend of story, dance, song, and rhythm, Abigail brings to life traditional stories from around the globe. Her performance presentations are highly interactive, educational and fun-filled. Audiences of all ages have described her performances and workshops as inspiring, informative, and energizing.

Abigail has conducted workshops and performed in schools, churches, prisons, shelters, theatres, festivals and libraries. She is a graduate of Howard University with a B.F.A. in theatre, and holds a M.Ed. from Lesley University. Currently, Abigail is an adjunct professor for Lesley University's Creative Arts and Learning Program, and the co-director of Celebration of Culture, a program designed to increase students' and educators' appreciation of diversity. She has traveled to Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, and Cuba to study cultural traditions.

Program Title: Dance, Drum, Story or Celebration of Culture

Audience Limit: 200

Fee: $500 plus travel

Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts, Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils.


photo of Mark Shepard
   MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory
589 Chapel Street, #3
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 495-8808
E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com
Website: http://www.drumstory.org

Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills.

Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape

Audience Limit: 350/assembly

Fees: Negotiable

Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts


  MICHAEL CADUTO
PO Box 1052
Norwich, VT 05055
(802) 649-1815
Website: www.p-e-a-c-e.net
Email: michaelcaduto@p-e-a-c-e.net

Using traditional storytelling techniques, song, dance, guitar, Native instruments, discussion and activities, Michael Caduto immerses his audiences in programs about World cultures and Earth Stewardship. Performances are available based on Native cultures and the environment from throughout North America and beyond.

Michael's natural history and environmental programs include slides, folklore, guitar and song, field trips and, in some cases, live animals. These programs help children understand, appreciate and care for Earth --- the plants, animals and cultures with whom we share this planet.

Michael is the author of the award-winning Earth Tales From Around the World and In the Beginning: The Story of Genesis and Earth Activities for Children (A new color picture book for 2004), and co-author of the best-seller, Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children.

Program Titles: Keepers of the Earth; Earth Tales from Around the World; The Rainbow Garden (Celebrating Cultural Diversity); Native American Thanksgivings; Keepers of the Animals; Keepers of the Night; Flying Turtles and Talking Bears; Nature in Native American Myths; Italian Tales of Wisdom; Earth Gardens and the Seeds of Life; The Loon's Necklace; The Children Who Plant Trees; Tales from the Deep: Legends of the Living Waters; and Touching the Sky Dome:Tales of the Sun, Stars and Moon

Audience Limit: 50/class; 250+/assembly

Fee: $225-350 for each performance/workshop, plus .30/mile. Residencies are $600/day.

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Vermont Arts Council, New Hampshire Council on the Arts.

Special Requirements: Michael works in all kinds of environments, from classrooms and school libraries to assemblies and outdoor festivals. When indoors, a quiet space that can be darkened enhances the performance.


photo of The Gerwick Puppets
   GERWICK   PUPPETS
Lenny Gerwick and Deborah Costine
6 Wood Street
Southborough, MA 01772
(508) 481-6260
E Mail: info@gerwickpuppets.com
Website: gerwickpuppets.com

"Classic Quality Puppetry at its Best," The Gerwick Puppets are one of New England's longest running puppet troupes. Founded in 1974 by artist/educators Deborah Costine and Len Gerwick, this company performs in elementary schools around New England and regularly at such venues as Boston's First Night, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, The Mark Twain Museum in Hartford CT and The Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline MA. Eight Productions are available and performed "live" with elaborate theater lighting and artist-painted scenery and high quality sound. Most include some interaction with the audience.

Their DVD "The World of The Gerwick Puppets" documents much of what this company does as well as showing puppet making methods and how children can create their own puppet shows!

Curriculum materials are available for each production.

Productions:
Adventures From Thornton W. Burgess: This much-loved production is adapted from stories by Massachusetts author Thornton Burgess. Children learn about New England animals including skunks, opossums, and woodchucks and their habits and habitats.

Inside the Haunted House: In this original story written by the puppeteers, a boy and girl decide to explore an old mansion that is said to be haunted! Many funny and slightly scary surprises await them in this very exciting production.

Pilgrim Adventure to America: This is an elaborate telling of the Pilgrim story through the eyes of the Brewster family. For maximum dramatic effect, this productions uses masks as well as hand puppets, a miniature Mayflower, a map of Cape Cod, and many interesting visual and audio effects.

Midwinter Magic: This elaborate, winter fantasy takes place as puppet children "Mary Lou" and "Bruce" fall asleep on the longest night of the year. They are guided through a dream of enchanting music and puppets by "Katrinka" the midwinter sprite! Classical music enhances the experience!

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp: This ancient story from "The Arabian Nights" shows the struggle between good and evil. The evil magician, the ominous secret cave, the magic flying carpet and the all-powerful genie of the magic lamp are part of this enchanting classic story!

Rip Van Winkle: This early work of American literature by Washington Irving tells the story of the happy-go-lucky man who slept through the Revolutionary War. The show closely follows the original story and includes historical concepts and ideas from the late 1700's. (appropriate for grades 3 and up)

Aesop’s Fables: In this solo production, puppeteer, Len Gerwick, uses a different performing style, he is visible to the audience. The show's focus is on the morals of the fables: appreciating what you have, learning from the mistakes of others, and falling victim to one's own weaknesses.

The Case of the Missing Woodpile: In this musical mystery performed solo by Len Gerwick, Mary Lou and Bruce are on summer vacation, planting a garden and building a tree house. Suddenly the wood for the tree house disappears and the audience gets to help solve the mystery! Original jazz score written by musician Jonathan Klein.

Other Activities:

Puppets in the Language Arts Curriculum: Students can each make a puppet for use in a puppet show that they write and produce themselves. Instruction is available for how to create a script based on a story they have read, how to practice effective puppet movement and dialogue. This is a very valuable educational project! Creating a script through the Gerwick Puppets’ unique process helps children understand the structure of stories. Custom designed programs are available.

The Gerwick Puppets are available as Artists-in-Residence and are approved by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and are on the New England States Touring roster.

Their DVD "The World of The Gerwick Puppets" by Two Bob's Productions, documents much of what this company does as well as showing puppet making methods and how children can create their own puppet shows!

Program Titles: Adventures from Thornton W. Burgess; Inside the Haunted House; Midwinter Magic; Aladdin and the Magic Lamp; Aesop's Fables; Rip Van Winkle; Pilgrim Adventure to America; The Case of the Missing Woodpile Tales; Mid Winter Magic; The Puppets Teach Fire Safety

Audience Limit: 250

Fee: 1 performance $700, 2 performances $1,000 plus travel fee; Residency days are $300/day/artist

Special Requirements: The puppet theater requires a space of 15 ft. width, 10 ft. depth and 8 ft. height. A darkened room is best.


photo of Mary Jo Maichack
  MARY   JO   MAICHACK   MINSTREL/STORYTELLER
Maichack Arts
93 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-3667
Fax (413) 538-6023
E Mail: EmJay7@aol.com
Website: www.maryjomaichack.com/

Mary Jo is a seasoned, national award-winning, dynamic storyteller, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and just plain entertaining performer who presents interactive variety shows for children and families. Participate in world folktales, sing, dance, laugh, listen to the fiddle, act in costumed story theater - all in one show! Since 1989, Mary Jo has performed more than 3,000 shows in libraries and schools, on PBS, featured at regional festivals: Three Apples Storytelling Festival (twice); CT Storytelling Festival; LAUGHS Fest (Virginia), Sharing the Fire conference workshop presenter, League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling, (L.A.N.E.S.) M.I.T., Boston, 2002-2005; Mark Twain Festival, Hartford, Conn.; Celebration Barn Theater, South Paris, Maine, 1992 and 1994; Norman Rockwell Museum since 1998, Schoodic Arts Festival, Northeast Harbor, Maine; and from San Francisco’s Chinatown to Scuola Gozzi in Venice, Italy. “A Great performer,” says Peg O’Sullivan, Director of the CT Storytelling Fest. Her multilingual show, “Everybody Says Hello” was nominated for a Mass. Cultural Council Gold Project Award for innovation and community building. Her audio tape, "Books Are Celebrations: Stories, Songs & Fiddling to Energize Young Readers" won a 1999 NAPPA Gold Award. New CDs include “Howlarious Halloween: Ghost Stories, Songs & Jokes from the Crypt,” and “Missing the Muffin Man,” a short story of historical fiction set in Dickens’s London.

"A consummate artist, at ease with audiences of all ages and sizes." Northampton Center for the Arts

Program Titles: Books Are Celebrations—the funniest reading show ever; Everybody Says Hello—Multilingual Fun in Story & Song; The People Could Fly/African-American Folktales and Music; Clever Maidens: Women's History in Folklore and Myth; Greek Myths—ALIVE!, Native American Tales; Skunk Grease & Turpentine (Hilarious Tall Tales & Tunes of American Pioneers); The Minstrel's Revels: A Medieval Romp; Or Would You Rather Be A Fish? Folklore & Songs of the Sea); Howlarious Halloween/Ghost Stories & Songs; Sun, Moon, Stars!; All Together Now/Stories & Songs to Celebrate Diversity; Round the World in Tales & Tunes multicultural show; The Lake of the Croaking Frogs and Other Tales & Tunes of Nature; Preschoolers’ Palooza!; Stinkbug Bugaloo: Stories & Songs of Insects; Meowls & Growls: Animal Tales; After-school programs incorporating performance with teaching kids storytelling skills; Workshops, in-service programs and residencies in storytelling for adults and children; “Oh, Behave! Family Audience Management Essentials for Event Hosts.”

Audience Limit: prefer audiences of 200 and under but will discuss any

Fee: $395 + travel (depends on distance)and up; strong block booking discounts

Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other



FOLK TALES, AFRICAN


THEATER || STORYTELLING || PUPPETRY

THEATER


photo of Enchanted Circle Theater
  ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read.

Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream.

Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly

Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.

Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage)


STORYTELLING


photo of Sara DeBeer
   SARA DEBEER
1378 Boulevard
West Hartford, CT 06119
(860) 561-5905
E Mail: sdebeer@comcast.net

Since 1978, Sara deBeer has delighted audiences of all ages with her repertoire of international folktales. An experienced classroom teacher with degrees from Yale and Bank Street, Sara frequently designs programs which tie in with on-going classroom studies of science and social studies. When working with individual classes, Sara often combines performing with writing or storytelling exercises which permit students to explore the events and characters of the stories they just heard. (Sara is a fellow of the 2005 Connecticut Writing Project, Storrs, CT.) Sara also offers workshops for teachers and assembly programs for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Program Titles: Tales of Deep-Rooted Magic; Folktales from the Many Cultures of Africa; Tales of Women Wise and Wondrous; Jewish Tales for Young and Old; Legends of King Arthur; Hand- Collected Irish Yarns

Fee: $250-$500


photo of Abigail
  ABIGAIL   "IFATOLA"   JEFFERSON
P.O. Box 176
Peacedale, RI 02883
(401) 932-6565 or (401) 783-4982
EMail: abijef@cox.net
Website: www.abigailjefferson.com

Abigail "Ifatola" Jefferson, storyteller, dancer and arts educator, performs and conducts workshops nationally. Through a unique blend of story, dance, song, and rhythm, Abigail brings to life traditional stories from around the globe. Her performance presentations are highly interactive, educational and fun-filled. Audiences of all ages have described her performances and workshops as inspiring, informative, and energizing.

Abigail has conducted workshops and performed in schools, churches, prisons, shelters, theatres, festivals and libraries. She is a graduate of Howard University with a B.F.A. in theatre, and holds a M.Ed. from Lesley University. Currently, Abigail is an adjunct professor for Lesley University's Creative Arts and Learning Program, and the co-director of Celebration of Culture, a program designed to increase students' and educators' appreciation of diversity. She has traveled to Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, and Cuba to study cultural traditions.

Program Title: Dance, Drum, Story or Celebration of Culture

Audience Limit: 200

Fee: $500 plus travel

Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts, Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils.


photo of Mark Shepard
   MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory
589 Chapel Street, #3
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 495-8808
E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com
Website: http://www.drumstory.org

Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills.

Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape

Audience Limit: 350/assembly

Fees: Negotiable

Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts


PUPPETRY

photo of Crabgrass Puppet Theatre
   CRABGRASS   PUPPET   THEATRE
Encore Performing Arts, Inc
Roberta Wolinsky
PO Box 630
Melville, NY 11747
(800) 669-9850
Fax: (631) 423-1795
Email: puppets@encoreperforming.com
Website: http://www.crabgrasspuppets.com/

Crabgrass Puppet Theatre presents quality puppet theatre featuring a variety of intricate and unusual puppets, colorful scenery, music, and expert manipulation. Programs available include:

"Anansi, Spiderman of Africa" is a side-splitting selection of famous folktales from Africa starring Anansi the spider, whose appetite always overrules his intellect. The show is a dynamic blend of traditional African design, infectious music and fabulous puppetry.

“The Bremen Town Musicians” is an enchanting Brothers Grimm folktale. Thrown off their farms because they are too old to work, a donkey, a cat and a rooster form a singing group and set off for the big city to make it in show biz. Along the way they meet a nasty bunch of robbers, and it’s up to the animals to get rid of them. In doing so, they discover that everyone has a special talent and that only by working together can they achieve their dreams.

"Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol" is a lighthearted adaptation of Dickens' holiday classic, starring Mr. Punch as Scrooge.

"The Last Dragon on Earth" is a modern fairytale about learning to live together in peace. It tells the story of a Princess that does not need to be rescued from a misunderstood dragon who happens to be the very last one on earth.

Program Titles: Anansi, Spiderman of Africa; The Bremen Town Musicians; Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol; The Last Dragon on Earth

Special Requirements: 9 ft. ceiling clearance

Fee: $875-1000 for 1; $1150-1300 for 2 back-to-back

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, VT Council on the Arts


FOLK TALES, AFRICAN-AMERICAN


STORYTELLING

photo of Mary Jo Maichack
  MARY   JO   MAICHACK   MINSTREL/STORYTELLER
Maichack Arts
93 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-3667
Fax (413) 538-6023
E Mail: EmJay7@aol.com
Website: www.maryjomaichack.com/

Mary Jo is a seasoned, national award-winning, dynamic storyteller, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and just plain entertaining performer who presents interactive variety shows for children and families. Participate in world folktales, sing, dance, laugh, listen to the fiddle, act in costumed story theater - all in one show! Since 1989, Mary Jo has performed more than 3,000 shows in libraries and schools, on PBS, featured at regional festivals: Three Apples Storytelling Festival (twice); CT Storytelling Festival; LAUGHS Fest (Virginia), Sharing the Fire conference workshop presenter, League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling, (L.A.N.E.S.) M.I.T., Boston, 2002-2005; Mark Twain Festival, Hartford, Conn.; Celebration Barn Theater, South Paris, Maine, 1992 and 1994; Norman Rockwell Museum since 1998, Schoodic Arts Festival, Northeast Harbor, Maine; and from San Francisco’s Chinatown to Scuola Gozzi in Venice, Italy. “A Great performer,” says Peg O’Sullivan, Director of the CT Storytelling Fest. Her multilingual show, “Everybody Says Hello” was nominated for a Mass. Cultural Council Gold Project Award for innovation and community building. Her audio tape, "Books Are Celebrations: Stories, Songs & Fiddling to Energize Young Readers" won a 1999 NAPPA Gold Award. New CDs include “Howlarious Halloween: Ghost Stories, Songs & Jokes from the Crypt,” and “Missing the Muffin Man,” a short story of historical fiction set in Dickens’s London.

"A consummate artist, at ease with audiences of all ages and sizes." Northampton Center for the Arts

Program Titles: Books Are Celebrations—the funniest reading show ever; Everybody Says Hello—Multilingual Fun in Story & Song; The People Could Fly/African-American Folktales and Music; Clever Maidens: Women's History in Folklore and Myth; Greek Myths—ALIVE!, Native American Tales; Skunk Grease & Turpentine (Hilarious Tall Tales & Tunes of American Pioneers); The Minstrel's Revels: A Medieval Romp; Or Would You Rather Be A Fish? Folklore & Songs of the Sea); Howlarious Halloween/Ghost Stories & Songs; Sun, Moon, Stars!; All Together Now/Stories & Songs to Celebrate Diversity; Round the World in Tales & Tunes multicultural show; The Lake of the Croaking Frogs and Other Tales & Tunes of Nature; Preschoolers’ Palooza!; Stinkbug Bugaloo: Stories & Songs of Insects; Meowls & Growls: Animal Tales; After-school programs incorporating performance with teaching kids storytelling skills; Workshops, in-service programs and residencies in storytelling for adults and children; “Oh, Behave! Family Audience Management Essentials for Event Hosts.”

Audience Limit: prefer audiences of 200 and under but will discuss any

Fee: $395 + travel (depends on distance)and up; strong block booking discounts

Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other


photo of Sumner McClain
   SUMNER   McCLAIN
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(617) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

A respected and sought-after storyteller, Sumner's message is Yes! You can be anything you want to be. Appreciating differences and self-esteem are two topics close to his heart and ones that are frequently requested. In addition, he has in his repertoire many stories from folk literature as well as the African-American experience. His original story about Martin Luther King, Jr., "Daddy King" is heavily booked each year. Workshops for students and teachers are also available.

Audience Limit: 25/workshop; 200/assembly

Fee: Begin at $400 for the first performance, $250 for each thereafter same day/same location.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)



FOLK TALES, CARIBBEAN


photo of Mark Shepard
   MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory
589 Chapel Street, #3
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 495-8808
E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com
Website: http://www.drumstory.org

Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills.

Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape

Audience Limit: 350/assembly

Fees: Negotiable

Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts



FOLK TALES, CHINESE


THEATER || PUPPETRY


THEATER


photo of Enchanted Circle Theater
  ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read.

Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream.

Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly

Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.

Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage)


PUPPETRY


photo of Galapagos Puppet Theater
   GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER
Margaret Moody
78 Varnum Street
Arlington, MA 02174
(781) 643-1228
Email: mmne@galapagospuppets.com
Website: www.galapagospuppets.com/index.htm

Galapagos performs folk and history tales of Chinese, Jewish and Scandinavian cultures with expressive hand puppets. Using traditional Chinese puppets and choreography we present three episodes of the Chinese epic Journey to the West. "The Golem" and "Trolls in the Kitchen" offer entertaining introductions to Jewish and Scandinavian folktales. In "Esther's Story," a life-sized puppet shares the Holocaust diaries of the teenaged Esther Cohn. Galapagos has toured the East Coast since 1987, and has extensive experience in schools, libraries and museums.

Program Titles: Fire Cloud Cave; The Banana Princess; Monkey Wreaks Havoc; Esther's Story; Trolls in the Kitchen; The Golem

Audience Limit: 275/assembly; 125 small group

Fee: Most shows: $500 single performance; $800 two performances on same day
Shows by solo puppeteer for audiences of no more than 125; $200

Special Requirements: "Esther's Story" needs a room that can be darkened


photo of You and Me Puppets
   YOU   and   ME   PUPPETS
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Judith O'Hare developed the You and Me Puppets in 1977 to provide a way for children to be expressive through the art of puppetry. Her style of participatory puppetry is unique and her work in puppetry in education has been recognized by the Puppeteers of America through a leadership award in 1994, and most recently she has been named a national education consultant. She oversees a yearly "Puppets: Education Magic" teacher training project, speaks at educational conferences and provides on-site teacher training for schools. She also works in partnership with teachers to develop classroom puppet plays from conception to performance. Student workshops are also available in a variety of subject matter.

Program Titles: Memories of a Chinese Grandmother (Grades K - 8); The Selfish Giant (Grades K - 6); Jessica's Friends (preK - 4); Hansel and Gretel (K - 6), Tales from Greek Mythology (Grades 5-8; Petite Puppet Plays (preK-4)

Audience Limit: 25/workshop/class; 200/assembly

Fee: Start at $350, reduction for same performance/same day/same location.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)

Special Requirements: assistance for loading and unloading, electricity, space approx. 15X20


INUIT (ESKIMO) TALES


photo of Betty Lehrman
   BETTY   LEHRMAN
88 Flanagan Drive
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 877-9738
E Mail: betty@bettylehrman.com
Website: www.bettylehrman.com

Betty Lehrman enchants audiences with programs of original stories, history, folktales, picture books and songs. Since 1978, Betty has appeared in schools, libraries, museums, festivals, and concert halls across the US, Australia, and Thailand. Broadcasts include National Public Radio, WGBH-FM, WCVB-TV and many others. She has won Parents' Choice and American Library Association awards, and is a published author. Currently she is works part-time as the drama director of the Benjamin Franklin Charter School in Franklin, MA. Her most-requested program, a dramatic presentation of the life of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, comprises a full hour of stories, music and games featuring costumed participation from selected students.

Program Titles: Laura Ingalls Wilder's 'Little House' Stories (K-6); The Blue Shawl (historical drama with musician, grades 4-12); Picture Book Tales (K-2), and many others

Audience Limit: 250/assembly

Fee: $500 for 45 minute show; $650 for two in one day. $550 for "The Blue Shawl". Block bookings and workshops negotiable

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council and local cultural councils


photo of Mark Shepard
   MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory
589 Chapel Street, #3
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 495-8808
E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com
Website: http://www.drumstory.org

Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills.

Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape

Audience Limit: 350/assembly

Fees: Negotiable

Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts



FOLK TALES, IRISH


STORYTELLING || PUPPETRY


STORYTELLING

photo of Sara DeBeer
   SARA DEBEER
1378 Boulevard
West Hartford, CT 06119
(860) 561-5905
E Mail: sdebeer@comcast.net

Since 1978, Sara deBeer has delighted audiences of all ages with her repertoire of international folktales. An experienced classroom teacher with degrees from Yale and Bank Street, Sara frequently designs programs which tie in with on-going classroom studies of science and social studies. When working with individual classes, Sara often combines performing with writing or storytelling exercises which permit students to explore the events and characters of the stories they just heard. (Sara is a fellow of the 2005 Connecticut Writing Project, Storrs, CT.) Sara also offers workshops for teachers and assembly programs for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Program Titles: Tales of Deep-Rooted Magic; Folktales from the Many Cultures of Africa; Tales of Women Wise and Wondrous; Jewish Tales for Young and Old; Legends of King Arthur; Hand- Collected Irish Yarns

Fee: $250-$500


photo of Betty Lehrman
   BETTY   LEHRMAN
88 Flanagan Drive
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 877-9738
E Mail: betty@bettylehrman.com
Website: www.bettylehrman.com

Betty Lehrman enchants audiences with programs of original stories, history, folktales, picture books and songs. Since 1978, Betty has appeared in schools, libraries, museums, festivals, and concert halls across the US, Australia, and Thailand. Broadcasts include National Public Radio, WGBH-FM, WCVB-TV and many others. She has won Parents' Choice and American Library Association awards, and is a published author. Currently she is works part-time as the drama director of the Benjamin Franklin Charter School in Franklin, MA. Her most-requested program, a dramatic presentation of the life of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, comprises a full hour of stories, music and games featuring costumed participation from selected students.

Program Titles: Laura Ingalls Wilder's 'Little House' Stories (K-6); The Blue Shawl (historical drama with musician, grades 4-12); Picture Book Tales (K-2), and many others

Audience Limit: 250/assembly

Fee: $500 for 45 minute show; $650 for two in one day. $550 for "The Blue Shawl". Block bookings and workshops negotiable

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council and local cultural councils


photo of Thomas O'Carroll
   THOMAS   O'CARROLL'S   IRISH   PROGRAMS    FOR   HIGH   SCHOOLS
Thomas O'Carroll
51 Olive Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
Phone and Fax: (978) 462-9954
E mail: tom ocarroll
Website: www.tomocarroll.com

Irish-born Tom O'Carroll is a historian, folklorist, singer and instrumentalist. Tom has been singing the songs and playing the tunes of Ireland for over 30 years. He enlivens all his programs with his trademark humor and incredible stock of stories and anecdotes. Tom taught school in Dublin before emigrating to the U.S. He also offers teacher training workshops and school residency programs.

Program Titles: The Irish Famine: Anatomy of a Disaster; From Tribe to Nation: A Musical Journey through the History of Ireland; Irish Travellers: Our Domestic Nomads; Songs and Stories from Dublin; The Irish Diaspora; Irish Songs and Poetry

Audience Suitability: High School

Special Requirements: Electrical outlet

Fees: $400+

Possible Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council


photo of Steve Schuch
  STEVE SCHUCH
Night Heron Music
267 Center Road
Hillsboro, NH 03244
(800) 785-9678
E Mail: info@nightheron.com
Website: http://www.NightHeron.com

Join award-winning musician, author, and storyteller STEVE SCHUCH on a voyage of discovery. Striking pieces for violin and whales... magical tales of from around the world... lively singing, fun with languages, and the science of sound... all are part of Steve’s wide-ranging repertoire. Music and story selections are grade level appropriate, exemplifying arts education at its best. All programs include a free set of Books, CD’s and Educator Prep Materials. Steve offers encouragement for young writers and musicians as well. Honors include Artist Fellowships, composer awards and five fiddling championships. Steve’s musical story, A Symphony of Whales, received five national book awards, and his children’s recording, Trees of Life, a Parents’ Choice Gold Award. Schools often include an Author Book/CD Signing with a portion of the proceeds going back to the school. Details at: www.NightHeron.com.

"Warmth and storytelling magic." –Los Angeles Times

"Exceptionally fine... Schuch brings as much skill and intelligence to folk music as he does to classical." –The Boston Globe

Sample Program: A Symphony of Whales
Learn about whales, their songs and their encounters with humans. Listen to a true tale of arctic rescue and hear Steve’s unforgettable“Whale Trilogy” –– a solo violin piece played with these mysterious songs of the deep. Weaving together science and performance, this program includes material from Steve’s travels, CD’s and award-winning book, A Symphony of Whales. “Riveting indeed.” –Smithsonian

Program Titles: A Symphony of Whales; The Author’s Story; Songs & Tales Around the World; Music & Tales of Ireland; Songs & Tales of the Earth; Life in a Third World Village (music & slide program); Roots of Rhythm & Harmony; Fiddler on the Loose; Imagination & the Art of Storytelling; The Writer's Workshop; Parent/Educator Workshops; Family Concerts; Artist Residencies.

Audience Limit: 250/assembly; 30/workshop; call to discuss Family Concerts and Artist Residencies

Fee: Contact artist for details.

Funding Sources: Title II Grants, New England Foundation for the Arts, New Hampshire Arts Council, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)


PUPPETRY


photo of You and Me Puppets
   YOU   and   ME   PUPPETS
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Judith O'Hare developed the You and Me Puppets in 1977 to provide a way for children to be expressive through the art of puppetry. Her style of participatory puppetry is unique and her work in puppetry in education has been recognized by the Puppeteers of America through a leadership award in 1994, and most recently she has been named a national education consultant. She oversees a yearly "Puppets: Education Magic" teacher training project, speaks at educational conferences and provides on-site teacher training for schools. She also works in partnership with teachers to develop classroom puppet plays from conception to performance. Student workshops are also available in a variety of subject matter.

Program Titles: Memories of a Chinese Grandmother (Grades K - 8); The Selfish Giant (Grades K - 6); Jessica's Friends (preK - 4); Hansel and Gretel (K - 6), Tales from Greek Mythology (Grades 5-8; Petite Puppet Plays (preK-4)

Audience Limit: 25/workshop/class; 200/assembly

Fee: Start at $350, reduction for same performance/same day/same location.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)

Special Requirements: assistance for loading and unloading, electricity, space approx. 15X20


FOLK TALES, JAPANESE


STORYTELLING


photo of Betty Lehrman
   BETTY   LEHRMAN
88 Flanagan Drive
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 877-9738
E Mail: betty@bettylehrman.com
Website: www.bettylehrman.com

Betty Lehrman enchants audiences with programs of original stories, history, folktales, picture books and songs. Since 1978, Betty has appeared in schools, libraries, museums, festivals, and concert halls across the US, Australia, and Thailand. Broadcasts include National Public Radio, WGBH-FM, WCVB-TV and many others. She has won Parents' Choice and American Library Association awards, and is a published author. Currently she is works part-time as the drama director of the Benjamin Franklin Charter School in Franklin, MA. Her most-requested program, a dramatic presentation of the life of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, comprises a full hour of stories, music and games featuring costumed participation from selected students.

Program Titles: Laura Ingalls Wilder's 'Little House' Stories (K-6); The Blue Shawl (historical drama with musician, grades 4-12); Picture Book Tales (K-2), and many others

Audience Limit: 250/assembly

Fee: $500 for 45 minute show; $650 for two in one day. $550 for "The Blue Shawl". Block bookings and workshops negotiable

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council and local cultural councils


THEATER


photo of Enchanted Circle Theater
  ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read.

Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream.

Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly

Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.

Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage)


FOLK TALES, JEWISH


STORYTELLING


photo of Jackson Gillman
   JACKSON   GILLMAN -   "Stand-Up   Chameleon"
PO Box 41
Onset, MA 02558
(508) 295-0886
E-Mail: jacksong@jacksongillman.com
Web site: www.jacksongillman.com

Sparkling with energy, wit and whimsy, the "Stand-Up Chameleon" magically transforms into a wide array of colorful characters. Through his many talents as songsmith, comic, mime and storyteller, Jackson engages and delights audiences of all ages with his highly visual and interactive performances. Many different shows to choose from including several educational nature programs. Has been a featured performer at festivals across the country. For 6-12 grades, his two substance abuse awareness presentations have been used annually by schools for their prevention programming. 28 years experience, easy-going and flexible, references galore.

Program Titles: Nature in Action, Story & Song; Riot in the Garden; BUGS!; Applemania; Autumn Wonders; Halloween Silly Willies; Winter Revels; Spring into Action; On a Wing and a Song; The Man Who Planted Hope; Kipling: "Just So"; Levity in Motion; Harlequin and the Gift of Many Colors (with ASL); The Dancing Man (with ASL); Holiday Revels (with ASL); Hard Knocks - substance abuse program (grade 6 and up)

Fee: starts at $375 + travel

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts


photo of Betty Lehrman
   BETTY   LEHRMAN
88 Flanagan Drive
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 877-9738
E Mail: betty@bettylehrman.com
Website: www.bettylehrman.com

Betty Lehrman enchants audiences with programs of original stories, history, folktales, picture books and songs. Since 1978, Betty has appeared in schools, libraries, museums, festivals, and concert halls across the US, Australia, and Thailand. Broadcasts include National Public Radio, WGBH-FM, WCVB-TV and many others. She has won Parents' Choice and American Library Association awards, and is a published author. Currently she is works part-time as the drama director of the Benjamin Franklin Charter School in Franklin, MA. Her most-requested program, a dramatic presentation of the life of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, comprises a full hour of stories, music and games featuring costumed participation from selected students.

Program Titles: Laura Ingalls Wilder's 'Little House' Stories (K-6); The Blue Shawl (historical drama with musician, grades 4-12); Picture Book Tales (K-2), and many others

Audience Limit: 250/assembly

Fee: $500 for 45 minute show; $650 for two in one day. $550 for "The Blue Shawl". Block bookings and workshops negotiable

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council and local cultural councils


PUPPETRY


photo of Galapagos Puppet Theater
   GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER
Margaret Moody
78 Varnum Street
Arlington, MA 02174
(781) 643-1228
Email: mmne@galapagospuppets.com
Website: www.galapagospuppets.com/index.htm

Galapagos performs folk and history tales of Chinese, Jewish and Scandinavian cultures with expressive hand puppets. Using traditional Chinese puppets and choreography we present three episodes of the Chinese epic Journey to the West. "The Golem" and "Trolls in the Kitchen" offer entertaining introductions to Jewish and Scandinavian folktales. In "Esther's Story," a life-sized puppet shares the Holocaust diaries of the teenaged Esther Cohn. Galapagos has toured the East Coast since 1987, and has extensive experience in schools, libraries and museums.

Program Titles: Fire Cloud Cave; The Banana Princess; Monkey Wreaks Havoc; Esther's Story; Trolls in the Kitchen; The Golem

Audience Limit: 275/assembly; 125 small group

Fee: Most shows: $500 single performance; $800 two performances on same day
Shows by solo puppeteer for audiences of no more than 125; $200

Special Requirements: "Esther's Story" needs a room that can be darkened



FOLK TALES, LATIN AMERICAN

THEATER || PUPPETRY

THEATER


photo of Enchanted Circle Theater
  ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read.

Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream.

Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly

Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.

Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage)


photo of Gould & Stearns
   GOULD and STEARNS
Bonnie Stearns, Managing Director
44 Hillcrest Terrace
Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802) 254-8355 Fax: same
email: stearns@sover.net
Web: www.sover.net/~stearns

OR

Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Peter Gould and Stephen Stearns are madcap performers and master teachers who have been offering school programs and residencies for over 20 years. Their performances are clever, often zany, and always heart-warming. In their work as workshop and discussion leaders, often in conjunction with a performance, they give students a can-do message about managing problems and opportunities with the help of humor.

Programs include:

Secrets: Peter and Stephen use stories of their own growing up to look, with humor, at real kid issues - peer pressure, self esteem, and choice-making. (grades 4-6, 7-8)

Fee Fie Fo Fun! involves the audience in re-creating the familiar story of Jack and the Beanstalk with Peter and Stephen - and gives insight into the art forms of mime, theatre and comedy. This new look at an old favorite is a perfect way to introduce young students to storytelling as a living art form. (grades preK-5)

A Peasant of El Salvador - about which teachers have said - "The best social studies lesson my students will have all year... The most moving, meaningful play I have ever seen... Taught more about Latin American culture in one hour than I do in three years teaching." (grades 9-12)

Simple Gifts - a special holiday program for December - highlights stories from a variety of cultures and traditions, and reminds us that the simple gifts of ourselves are the best sources of warmth and comfort we can offer one another.

Laughing Matters teaches students basic illusions and mime techniques and creative use of language while it takes them on a journey of the imagination - from a whaling ship of the 1800s to the vaudeville stage, and into the future! (grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12).

Program Titles: Secrets, Fee Fie Fo Fun!, A Peasant of El Salvador, Simple Gifts, Laughing Matters

Audience limit: 24/class, usually 300-350 /assembly, up to 650 or more in suitable auditorium.

Fee: $500-$800/performance

Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts



PUPPETRY

photo of Michael Graham's Spring Valley Puppet Theater
   MICHAEL   GRAHAM'S   SPRING   VALLEY   PUPPETS
26 Howard Ave.
New Haven, CT 06519-2809
(203) 777-4601
E Mail: svpuppet@aol.com
Website: www.springvalleypuppets.com

Michael Graham, Director of the Spring Valley Puppet Theater, has been performing professionally since 1966 for schools and libraries throughout New England. His theatrical productions are drawn from fairy tales, folktales and fables, and feature beautifully crafted hand and rod puppets. A bilingual (English/Spanish) program is also available. Most programs are followed by a question and answer period.
Jack and the Beanstalk received the 1994 UNIMA "Citation of Excellence" in the Art of Puppetry.

Program Titles: Jack and the Beanstalk; The Three Wishes; The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing; Puss in Boots; The Lazy Fox/El Zorro Perezoso (bilingual available); A Christmas (Holiday) Fantasy (all music, non-verbal program. (In the works - Aladdin)

Audience Limit: 350/Assembly

Fee: Jack and the Beanstalk (35-40 min.) $345 for first show, $280 for second show same school
The Three Wishes" & The Wolk in Sheep's Clothing, (30-35 min.) $335 for first show, $270 for second show same school
The Lazy Fox & The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (30-35 min.) $335 for first show, $270 for second show same school
A Christmas Fantasy & The Three Wishes (25-30 min.) $335 for first show, $270 for second show same school
The Lazy Fox & The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (30-35 min.) $335 for first show, $270 for second show same school
Puss in Boots (40-45 min.) $335 for first show, $290 for second show same school

Special Requirements: an indoor area 12' wide X 6' deep, near electricity, with a 10' ceiling height; a room that can be darkened or dimmed is preferable. 2 hrs. set-up


FOLK TALES, NATIVE AMERICAN


STORYTELLING || PUPPETRY || THEATER


STORYTELLING


  ROSA BOVA
231 Massachusetts Ave, Apt. 208
Arlington, MA 02174
(781) 646-8876

"Rosa's vivid imagination, creative imagery and sense of humor capture the minds and hearts of children and adults," says elementary school teacher, June Roche, Hardy School, Arlington.

"As inaugural children's performer at Huntington Theatre Open House Storyteller Rosa Bova captivated ages 5 to 75. Thanks to the success of her performance we have established storytelling as an integral part of Open House at the Theatre," says Deborah J. Gillis, Huntington Theatre.

Other Clients include: Lincoln Center NY Storytelling Festival, Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Bookcellar Cafe, State of Maine Writers Conference, Schools, Libraries.

Program Titles: Amelia Earhart First Lady of the Air; Betsy Ross, Girl of Olde Philadelphia; Come and Hear About Paul Revere; Glauscabi and The Wind Eagle (Native American); The Romance of Italy (Folklore, Legends, Personal); Paul Bunyan and Other Tall Tales; A Whale of a Tale (Nature); Fluttery, Buttery Butterflies (Nature); Turkeys, Indians and Popcorn (Fall/Thanksgiving); Childhood stories, and more.

Fee: $300-$350

Special Requirements: Small table, chair; microphone/VCR as needed


  MICHAEL CADUTO
PO Box 1052
Norwich, VT 05055
(802) 649-1815
Website: www.p-e-a-c-e.net
Email: michaelcaduto@p-e-a-c-e.net

Using traditional storytelling techniques, song, dance, guitar, Native instruments, discussion and activities, Michael Caduto immerses his audiences in programs about World cultures and Earth Stewardship. Performances are available based on Native cultures and the environment from throughout North America and beyond.

Michael's natural history and environmental programs include slides, folklore, guitar and song, field trips and, in some cases, live animals. These programs help children understand, appreciate and care for Earth --- the plants, animals and cultures with whom we share this planet.

Michael is the author of the award-winning Earth Tales From Around the World and In the Beginning: The Story of Genesis and Earth Activities for Children (A new color picture book for 2004), and co-author of the best-seller, Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children.

Program Titles: Keepers of the Earth; Earth Tales from Around the World; The Rainbow Garden (Celebrating Cultural Diversity); Native American Thanksgivings; Keepers of the Animals; Keepers of the Night; Flying Turtles and Talking Bears; Nature in Native American Myths; Italian Tales of Wisdom; Earth Gardens and the Seeds of Life; The Loon's Necklace; The Children Who Plant Trees; Tales from the Deep: Legends of the Living Waters; and Touching the Sky Dome:Tales of the Sun, Stars and Moon

Audience Limit: 50/class; 250+/assembly

Fee: $225-350 for each performance/workshop, plus .30/mile. Residencies are $600/day.

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Vermont Arts Council, New Hampshire Council on the Arts.

Special Requirements: Michael works in all kinds of environments, from classrooms and school libraries to assemblies and outdoor festivals. When indoors, a quiet space that can be darkened enhances the performance.


photo of Sara DeBeer
   SARA DEBEER
1378 Boulevard
West Hartford, CT 06119
(860) 561-5905
E Mail: sdebeer@comcast.net

Since 1978, Sara deBeer has delighted audiences of all ages with her repertoire of international folktales. An experienced classroom teacher with degrees from Yale and Bank Street, Sara frequently designs programs which tie in with on-going classroom studies of science and social studies. When working with individual classes, Sara often combines performing with writing or storytelling exercises which permit students to explore the events and characters of the stories they just heard. (Sara is a fellow of the 2005 Connecticut Writing Project, Storrs, CT.) Sara also offers workshops for teachers and assembly programs for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Program Titles: Tales of Deep-Rooted Magic; Folktales from the Many Cultures of Africa; Tales of Women Wise and Wondrous; Jewish Tales for Young and Old; Legends of King Arthur; Hand- Collected Irish Yarns

Fee: $250-$500


photo of Angela Cay Klinger
  ANGELA   CAY   KLINGLER   - THE STORYTELLER
PO Box 530
Salem, NH 03079
(603) 898-0537
E Mail: AKFairTale@aol.com
Website: Members.aol.com/AKFairTale

“Alternately wise and funny, silly and poignant,” (Yukon News) Angela bridges time, culture and curriculum with her retellings of traditional world folktales, fables, fairytales, myths and legends.

“Very knowledgeable in curriculum” and with a “style and language for each maturity level,” (Teacher’s Center, CA/Gilmanton, NH) “Angela truly incorporates storytelling into the classroom” and “sparks students’ interests.” (Pond & Peak Reading Council/Parkside Middle School, NH).

Nationally recognized and telling professionally since 1989, presentations include the New England Conference on Storytelling for Children, Massachusetts Title I, Nature in Legend & Story and National Storytelling Conferences, Sharing the Fire and Higgins Armory Museum Faire.

Program Titles: World Folktales, Fables, Myths & Legends; Geomythology: Story, Stone, Water, Fire; The Middle Ages: Bold Knights & Ladies Faire; Literacy: Fairy, Beasts & Lore; visit website for additional curricular specific programming available.

Audience Grade Level Suitability: K - 8

Audience Size:

Special Requirements: Distraction-free room/space large enough to accomodate audience. If telling outside, electricity for portable sound system.

Fee: $400 for a half day of one to three sessions or evening PTA/PTO Book Fair or Family Night performances, $800 for a full day-up to six sessions. Depending on travel distance, an additional $50 - $200 travel fee may apply. Residencies, Teacher’s Inservices and Conferences vary and are negotiable.


photo of Mary Jo Maichack
  MARY   JO   MAICHACK   MINSTREL/STORYTELLER
Maichack Arts
93 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-3667
Fax (413) 538-6023
E Mail: EmJay7@aol.com
Website: www.maryjomaichack.com/

Mary Jo is a seasoned, national award-winning, dynamic storyteller, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and just plain entertaining performer who presents interactive variety shows for children and families. Participate in world folktales, sing, dance, laugh, listen to the fiddle, act in costumed story theater - all in one show! Since 1989, Mary Jo has performed more than 3,000 shows in libraries and schools, on PBS, featured at regional festivals: Three Apples Storytelling Festival (twice); CT Storytelling Festival; LAUGHS Fest (Virginia), Sharing the Fire conference workshop presenter, League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling, (L.A.N.E.S.) M.I.T., Boston, 2002-2005; Mark Twain Festival, Hartford, Conn.; Celebration Barn Theater, South Paris, Maine, 1992 and 1994; Norman Rockwell Museum since 1998, Schoodic Arts Festival, Northeast Harbor, Maine; and from San Francisco’s Chinatown to Scuola Gozzi in Venice, Italy. “A Great performer,” says Peg O’Sullivan, Director of the CT Storytelling Fest. Her multilingual show, “Everybody Says Hello” was nominated for a Mass. Cultural Council Gold Project Award for innovation and community building. Her audio tape, "Books Are Celebrations: Stories, Songs & Fiddling to Energize Young Readers" won a 1999 NAPPA Gold Award. New CDs include “Howlarious Halloween: Ghost Stories, Songs & Jokes from the Crypt,” and “Missing the Muffin Man,” a short story of historical fiction set in Dickens’s London.

"A consummate artist, at ease with audiences of all ages and sizes." Northampton Center for the Arts

Program Titles: Books Are Celebrations—the funniest reading show ever; Everybody Says Hello—Multilingual Fun in Story & Song; The People Could Fly/African-American Folktales and Music; Clever Maidens: Women's History in Folklore and Myth; Greek Myths—ALIVE!, Native American Tales; Skunk Grease & Turpentine (Hilarious Tall Tales & Tunes of American Pioneers); The Minstrel's Revels: A Medieval Romp; Or Would You Rather Be A Fish? Folklore & Songs of the Sea); Howlarious Halloween/Ghost Stories & Songs; Sun, Moon, Stars!; All Together Now/Stories & Songs to Celebrate Diversity; Round the World in Tales & Tunes multicultural show; The Lake of the Croaking Frogs and Other Tales & Tunes of Nature; Preschoolers’ Palooza!; Stinkbug Bugaloo: Stories & Songs of Insects; Meowls & Growls: Animal Tales; After-school programs incorporating performance with teaching kids storytelling skills; Workshops, in-service programs and residencies in storytelling for adults and children; “Oh, Behave! Family Audience Management Essentials for Event Hosts.”

Audience Limit: prefer audiences of 200 and under but will discuss any

Fee: $395 + travel (depends on distance)and up; strong block booking discounts

Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other


photo of Medicine Story
   MEDICINE   STORY
Mettanokit Outreach
173 Merriam Hill Road
Greenville, NH 03048
(603) 878-3201
E Mail: medicinestory@yahoo.com

NATIVE AMERICAN STORYTELLER, Medicine Story is a lecturer, workshop presenter, and author (Return to Creation, Children of the Morning Light, The Circle Way, and Ending Violent Crime). He tells stories of his Wampanoag and other Native peoples, and lectures and teaches about Native American society past and present, non-violence, spiritual ecology, communication and conflict resolution, community building through the way of the circle, and about the six successful prison programs that he currently directs.


photo of Tim Van Egmond
  TIM VAN EGMOND
Folksinger & Storyteller
118 E. Chestnut Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351-9541
(413) 367-9304
E-mail: timve@rcn.com
Website: www.timvanegmond.com

Tim Van Egmond waves together tales, tunes, and songs -- from the rib- tickling to the spine-tingling to the heart-warming. Music flows in and around his stories through his singing and playing on a wide variety of traditional instruments (including limberjack, hammered and mountain dulcimer, mouth bow, guitar, conga drum, and pennywhistle). His dynamic style incorporates dramatic movement, voice, and facial expression to make stories come alive. His gift of encouraging participation makes for high-spirited and engaging programs. Each program is tailored to meet special needs and interests of sponsors and participants.

Teacher and Student Workshops also available.

Program Titles: Building Bridges - A Celebration of Multicultural Diversity and Understanding; Hearing Nature's Voice; You're (Not) So Different From Me - Disability Awareness; Sun and Moon and Stars; The Story Bag; Sing, Jump, Say, Clap! - Language and Literacy Readiness Activities for Early Childhood; Young Fogies & Old Whippersnappers - intergenerational programs with students and seniors.

Audience Limit: 50/class; 200/assembly (Extra charges for classes over 50 or assemblies over 200)

Fee: 1 show- $350 + travel; 2 shows - $525; 3rd and 4th show, $175 each; Block-booking discount available.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners Program



PUPPETRY


photo of The Gerwick Puppets
   GERWICK   PUPPETS
Lenny Gerwick and Deborah Costine
6 Wood Street
Southborough, MA 01772
(508) 481-6260
E Mail: info@gerwickpuppets.com
Website: gerwickpuppets.com

"Classic Quality Puppetry at its Best," The Gerwick Puppets are one of New England's longest running puppet troupes. Founded in 1974 by artist/educators Deborah Costine and Len Gerwick, this company performs in elementary schools around New England and regularly at such venues as Boston's First Night, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, The Mark Twain Museum in Hartford CT and The Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline MA. Eight Productions are available and performed "live" with elaborate theater lighting and artist-painted scenery and high quality sound. Most include some interaction with the audience.

Their DVD "The World of The Gerwick Puppets" documents much of what this company does as well as showing puppet making methods and how children can create their own puppet shows!

Curriculum materials are available for each production.

Productions:
Adventures From Thornton W. Burgess: This much-loved production is adapted from stories by Massachusetts author Thornton Burgess. Children learn about New England animals including skunks, opossums, and woodchucks and their habits and habitats.

Inside the Haunted House: In this original story written by the puppeteers, a boy and girl decide to explore an old mansion that is said to be haunted! Many funny and slightly scary surprises await them in this very exciting production.

Pilgrim Adventure to America: This is an elaborate telling of the Pilgrim story through the eyes of the Brewster family. For maximum dramatic effect, this productions uses masks as well as hand puppets, a miniature Mayflower, a map of Cape Cod, and many interesting visual and audio effects.

Midwinter Magic: This elaborate, winter fantasy takes place as puppet children "Mary Lou" and "Bruce" fall asleep on the longest night of the year. They are guided through a dream of enchanting music and puppets by "Katrinka" the midwinter sprite! Classical music enhances the experience!

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp: This ancient story from "The Arabian Nights" shows the struggle between good and evil. The evil magician, the ominous secret cave, the magic flying carpet and the all-powerful genie of the magic lamp are part of this enchanting classic story!

Rip Van Winkle: This early work of American literature by Washington Irving tells the story of the happy-go-lucky man who slept through the Revolutionary War. The show closely follows the original story and includes historical concepts and ideas from the late 1700's. (appropriate for grades 3 and up)

Aesop’s Fables: In this solo production, puppeteer, Len Gerwick, uses a different performing style, he is visible to the audience. The show's focus is on the morals of the fables: appreciating what you have, learning from the mistakes of others, and falling victim to one's own weaknesses.

The Case of the Missing Woodpile: In this musical mystery performed solo by Len Gerwick, Mary Lou and Bruce are on summer vacation, planting a garden and building a tree house. Suddenly the wood for the tree house disappears and the audience gets to help solve the mystery! Original jazz score written by musician Jonathan Klein.

Other Activities:

Puppets in the Language Arts Curriculum: Students can each make a puppet for use in a puppet show that they write and produce themselves. Instruction is available for how to create a script based on a story they have read, how to practice effective puppet movement and dialogue. This is a very valuable educational project! Creating a script through the Gerwick Puppets’ unique process helps children understand the structure of stories. Custom designed programs are available.

The Gerwick Puppets are available as Artists-in-Residence and are approved by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and are on the New England States Touring roster.

Their DVD "The World of The Gerwick Puppets" by Two Bob's Productions, documents much of what this company does as well as showing puppet making methods and how children can create their own puppet shows!

Program Titles: Adventures from Thornton W. Burgess; Inside the Haunted House; Midwinter Magic; Aladdin and the Magic Lamp; Aesop's Fables; Rip Van Winkle; Pilgrim Adventure to America; The Case of the Missing Woodpile Tales; Mid Winter Magic; The Puppets Teach Fire Safety

Audience Limit: 250

Fee: 1 performance $700, 2 performances $1,000 plus travel fee; Residency days are $300/day/artist

Special Requirements: The puppet theater requires a space of 15 ft. width, 10 ft. depth and 8 ft. height. A darkened room is best.


THEATER


photo of The Mystic Paper Beasts
  MYSTIC PAPER BEASTS
Marya Ursin
8 Hancox Street
Stonington, CT 06378
(860) 535-3346
Email: mybeasts@aol.com
Website: www.mysticpaperbeasts.org

The Mystic Paper Beasts have gained international renown for their whimsical performance style and for their amazing hand made masks. Performances of new and old myths include dance, mime, narrative, and feature 25 - 30 masks in each show. Appropriate for family audiences, and for pre-K - 6, depending on the show. Shows run 45 minutes and can be followed by a Q & A time.

Repertoire includes: Art Fool (about making art, antic and amusing); Myth Spritz (Greek Myths); Magic Soles (Fairy stories about shoes); Sky Tails (Native American Stories), Asian Mystery Tales (two Japanese and one Chinese story). Plays may be commissioned.

Workshops:
Myth in mask (using the Beasts' masks): using the body and the mask in creating short tales. (15-20 students)
Mask making (requires art supplies and quite a bit of time): 3 hours with paint drying time separate. (Small groups are best)

Program Titles: Myth Spritz; Art Fool; Asian Mystery Tales; Sky Tails.

Audience Limit: 30/class; 500/assembly

Fee: $600 for single performance; $900 for two in same location. Workshops: "Myth in the mask: $100 per instructor per hour; "Mask making": $120 per hour per instructor, most materials supplied. All fees negotiable.

Special Requirements: One hour set up time for programs. If the distance is great, the Beasts ask to be housed locally.

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism



FOLK TALES, RUSSIAN


THEATER


photo of Enchanted Circle Theater
  ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com

Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes: Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8), Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging young people to read.

Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream.

Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly

Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.

Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage)


STORYTELLING


photo of Betty Lehrman
   BETTY   LEHRMAN
88 Flanagan Drive
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 877-9738
E Mail: betty@bettylehrman.com
Website: www.bettylehrman.com

Betty Lehrman enchants audiences with programs of original stories, history, folktales, picture books and songs. Since 1978, Betty has appeared in schools, libraries, museums, festivals, and concert halls across the US, Australia, and Thailand. Broadcasts include National Public Radio, WGBH-FM, WCVB-TV and many others. She has won Parents' Choice and American Library Association awards, and is a published author. Currently she is works part-time as the drama director of the Benjamin Franklin Charter School in Franklin, MA. Her most-requested program, a dramatic presentation of the life of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, comprises a full hour of stories, music and games featuring costumed participation from selected students.

Program Titles: Laura Ingalls Wilder's 'Little House' Stories (K-6); The Blue Shawl (historical drama with musician, grades 4-12); Picture Book Tales (K-2), and many others

Audience Limit: 250/assembly

Fee: $500 for 45 minute show; $650 for two in one day. $550 for "The Blue Shawl". Block bookings and workshops negotiable

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council and local cultural councils



FOLK TALES, SCOTTISH



FOLK TALES, SWEDISH


PUPPETRY


photo of Galapagos Puppet Theater
   GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER
Margaret Moody
78 Varnum Street
Arlington, MA 02174
(781) 643-1228
Email: mmne@galapagospuppets.com
Website: www.galapagospuppets.com/index.htm

Galapagos performs folk and history tales of Chinese, Jewish and Scandinavian cultures with expressive hand puppets. Using traditional Chinese puppets and choreography we present three episodes of the Chinese epic Journey to the West. "The Golem" and "Trolls in the Kitchen" offer entertaining introductions to Jewish and Scandinavian folktales. In "Esther's Story," a life-sized puppet shares the Holocaust diaries of the teenaged Esther Cohn. Galapagos has toured the East Coast since 1987, and has extensive experience in schools, libraries and museums.

Program Titles: Fire Cloud Cave; The Banana Princess; Monkey Wreaks Havoc; Esther's Story; Trolls in the Kitchen; The Golem

Audience Limit: 275/assembly; 125 small group

Fee: Most shows: $500 single performance; $800 two performances on same day
Shows by solo puppeteer for audiences of no more than 125; $200

Special Requirements: "Esther's Story" needs a room that can be darkened


FOLK TALES, TALL TALES


STORYTELLING


   MARK   BINDER
Pembroke Villa
PO Box 2462
Providence, RI 02906
(401) 272-8707
Email: mark@markbinder.com
Website: www.markbinder.com

Mark Binder is the author of the Everything Bedtime Story Book, and has had hundreds of short stories published in newspapers and magazines like The Family, Hadassah, and Cricket. He is a professional storyteller and recording artist, with five storytelling CDs, including the award-winning Classic Stories for Boys and Girls. Mark graduated from the Trinity Rep Theater Conservatory, earned a BA from Columbia University, an MA from Rhode Island College, and has taught as an adjunct professor at the Rhode Island School of Design. He is a Rhode Island Artist Educator, and on the New England Foundation for the Arts Touring Roster. He is a founder of the American Story Theater and has served on the board of the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling. His programs have received grant funding from the United States Department of Education, the Rhode Island Department of Education, the City of Providence, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, National Storytelling Network, and the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts.

Program Title: Tales for Peace, Eureka! Science and Math Stories; Tall Tales and Whoppers; The Instant Short Story; Silly Stories; Tales of Chelm; Holiday Stories and Songs; Spooky Stories; Tales from the Outdoors; Telling and Reading Stories with Children...

Audience Limit: 250/assembly

Fee: $750 half day, $1000 full day

Possible Funding Sources: RI State Council on the Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)


  ROSA BOVA
231 Massachusetts Ave, Apt. 208
Arlington, MA 02174
(781) 646-8876

"Rosa's vivid imagination, creative imagery and sense of humor capture the minds and hearts of children and adults," says elementary school teacher, June Roche, Hardy School, Arlington.

"As inaugural children's performer at Huntington Theatre Open House Storyteller Rosa Bova captivated ages 5 to 75. Thanks to the success of her performance we have established storytelling as an integral part of Open House at the Theatre," says Deborah J. Gillis, Huntington Theatre.

Other Clients include: Lincoln Center NY Storytelling Festival, Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Bookcellar Cafe, State of Maine Writers Conference, Schools, Libraries.

Program Titles: Amelia Earhart First Lady of the Air; Betsy Ross, Girl of Olde Philadelphia; Come and Hear About Paul Revere; Glauscabi and The Wind Eagle (Native American); The Romance of Italy (Folklore, Legends, Personal); Paul Bunyan and Other Tall Tales; A Whale of a Tale (Nature); Fluttery, Buttery Butterflies (Nature); Turkeys, Indians and Popcorn (Fall/Thanksgiving); Childhood stories, and more.

Fee: $300-$350

Special Requirements: Small table, chair; microphone/VCR as needed


photo of Jim Douglas
   JIM   DOUGLAS
53 Whittemore Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
(508) 347-2065
E-Mail: jim.douglas@nichols.edu

Jim Douglas sings history alive! Students love his "In Tune With the Times" programs because they are lively and entertaining. They enjoy hearing and singing great songs, seeing new and interesting folk instruments, and learning about other people and times. Teachers love the programs because they reinforce many classroom lessons. Enrichment providers love the programs because they bring to life a special part of our musical and cultural heritage in a way that is authentic, meaningful, and memorable.

During two decades as a full-time school performer, Jim has shared his love and extensive research of the past and its music with audiences of all ages in well over a thousand schools. Mr. Douglas has a Master's Degree in History (University of Connecticut), has published four books, and released seven recordings of New England songs and stories. His book, Songs of New England: A Sourcebook for Teachers, is being used extensively throughout the region, and his most recent book, Music in Every Classroom : A Resource Guide for Integrating Music Across the Curriculum, Grades K-8 (Libraries Unlimited), is helping teachers across the country enrich their classes. Jim's latest recording, Under A Spell, earned the prestigious American Library Association Notable Award.

Jim's work has been supported by such organizations as the National Foundation for the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Young Audiences of Maryland and Connecticut, Connecticut Humanities Council, Old Sturbridge Village, Mystic Seaport, and Plimoth Plantation.

Program Titles: Yankee Doodle and His Cousin (colonial songs); A Peddler's Pack (songs of old New England); (Your State) Songster; Thar She Blows! (songs the whalemen sang); A House Divided (songs of the Civil War); The American Saga (American folk songs); From Farm to Factory; Across the Western Ocean (Irish immigration); Freedom Is A Constant Struggle (the Constitution); Thereby Hangs A Tale (tall tales from New England)

Audience Limit: 40/class; 200/assembly

Fee: $350 - 1 assembly; $250 for each assembly after; $400/day of classes (up to 4/day)

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council


photo of Mary Jo Maichack
  MARY   JO   MAICHACK   MINSTREL/STORYTELLER
Maichack Arts
93 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-3667
Fax (413) 538-6023
E Mail: EmJay7@aol.com
Website: www.maryjomaichack.com/

Mary Jo is a seasoned, national award-winning, dynamic storyteller, singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and just plain entertaining performer who presents interactive variety shows for children and families. Participate in world folktales, sing, dance, laugh, listen to the fiddle, act in costumed story theater - all in one show! Since 1989, Mary Jo has performed more than 3,000 shows in libraries and schools, on PBS, featured at regional festivals: Three Apples Storytelling Festival (twice); CT Storytelling Festival; LAUGHS Fest (Virginia), Sharing the Fire conference workshop presenter, League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling, (L.A.N.E.S.) M.I.T., Boston, 2002-2005; Mark Twain Festival, Hartford, Conn.; Celebration Barn Theater, South Paris, Maine, 1992 and 1994; Norman Rockwell Museum since 1998, Schoodic Arts Festival, Northeast Harbor, Maine; and from San Francisco’s Chinatown to Scuola Gozzi in Venice, Italy. “A Great performer,” says Peg O’Sullivan, Director of the CT Storytelling Fest. Her multilingual show, “Everybody Says Hello” was nominated for a Mass. Cultural Council Gold Project Award for innovation and community building. Her audio tape, "Books Are Celebrations: Stories, Songs & Fiddling to Energize Young Readers" won a 1999 NAPPA Gold Award. New CDs include “Howlarious Halloween: Ghost Stories, Songs & Jokes from the Crypt,” and “Missing the Muffin Man,” a short story of historical fiction set in Dickens’s London.

"A consummate artist, at ease with audiences of all ages and sizes." Northampton Center for the Arts

Program Titles: Books Are Celebrations—the funniest reading show ever; Everybody Says Hello—Multilingual Fun in Story & Song; The People Could Fly/African-American Folktales and Music; Clever Maidens: Women's History in Folklore and Myth; Greek Myths—ALIVE!, Native American Tales; Skunk Grease & Turpentine (Hilarious Tall Tales & Tunes of American Pioneers); The Minstrel's Revels: A Medieval Romp; Or Would You Rather Be A Fish? Folklore & Songs of the Sea); Howlarious Halloween/Ghost Stories & Songs; Sun, Moon, Stars!; All Together Now/Stories & Songs to Celebrate Diversity; Round the World in Tales & Tunes multicultural show; The Lake of the Croaking Frogs and Other Tales & Tunes of Nature; Preschoolers’ Palooza!; Stinkbug Bugaloo: Stories & Songs of Insects; Meowls & Growls: Animal Tales; After-school programs incorporating performance with teaching kids storytelling skills; Workshops, in-service programs and residencies in storytelling for adults and children; “Oh, Behave! Family Audience Management Essentials for Event Hosts.”

Audience Limit: prefer audiences of 200 and under but will discuss any

Fee: $395 + travel (depends on distance)and up; strong block booking discounts

Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other


FOLK TALES, TRICKSTER TALES



STORYTELLING


photo of Karen Chace
   KAREN   CHACE
97 Chipaway Road
East Freetown, MA 02717
(508) 763-8565
E Mail: storybug@aol.com
Website: www.storybug.net

Since 2000 Karen has presented her enthusiastic, interactive, and participatory programs at libraries, conferences and schools around the country. She is also the founder and director of a student storytelling program and since 2002 she has mentored over 85 student storytellers. She is a contributing author to the National Storytelling Network's recent publications, A Beginner’s Guide to Storytelling and Telling Stories to Children and writes a regular column for Storytelling Magazine. Her conference presentations include the National Storytelling Conference, Youth, Educators and Storytelling (YES), Sharing the Fire, and the Northland’s Storytelling Network.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature, she combines her passion for literacy and storytelling in delightful programs of stories from around the world. Karen believes that storytelling inspires students, offering them opportunities to succeed in ways they never imagined!

“Karen catches the children and never lets them go.” Karen Allen, New Bedford Whaling Museum, MA

Program Titles: Jaws, Claws and Paws: Animal Stories From Around the World; Tales With Scales: Fish Stories From Around the World; The Trickster Tour; The Treasure Chest; Book A Trip Around the World; Winter Wonderland; Spooktacular Stories; The Spirit of the Season; Pathways to Peace

Workshop/Residencies: Storytelling With Ease; Story by Story – Building a School Storytelling Club; S.T.A.R. (Stories Teach and Reach); Researching Stories on the Internet

Audience Limit: 25/class; 200/assembly

Fee: $250 plus travel; Block Booking rates available. Residencies, Teacher's In-services and Conferences vary and are negotiable

Possible Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council


photo of Tim Van Egmond
  TIM VAN EGMOND
Folksinger & Storyteller
118 E. Chestnut Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351-9541
(413) 367-9304
E-mail: timve@rcn.com
Website: www.timvanegmond.com

Tim Van Egmond waves together tales, tunes, and songs -- from the rib- tickling to the spine-tingling to the heart-warming. Music flows in and around his stories through his singing and playing on a wide variety of traditional instruments (including limberjack, hammered and mountain dulcimer, mouth bow, guitar, conga drum, and pennywhistle). His dynamic style incorporates dramatic movement, voice, and facial expression to make stories come alive. His gift of encouraging participation makes for high-spirited and engaging programs. Each program is tailored to meet special needs and interests of sponsors and participants.

Teacher and Student Workshops also available.

Program Titles: Building Bridges - A Celebration of Multicultural Diversity and Understanding; Hearing Nature's Voice; You're (Not) So Different From Me - Disability Awareness; Sun and Moon and Stars; The Story Bag; Sing, Jump, Say, Clap! - Language and Literacy Readiness Activities for Early Childhood; Young Fogies & Old Whippersnappers - intergenerational programs with students and seniors.

Audience Limit: 50/class; 200/assembly (Extra charges for classes over 50 or assemblies over 200)

Fee: 1 show- $350 + travel; 2 shows - $525; 3rd and 4th show, $175 each; Block-booking discount available.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners Program


photo of Mark Shepard
   MARK   SHEPARD  -  DrumSongStory
589 Chapel Street, #3
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 495-8808
E-Mail: mark@markshepard.com
Website: http://www.drumstory.org

Mark Shepard is a multi-disciplinary performing and teaching artist who uses drums, songs and stories to interactively engage, entertain and educate audiences of all ages in performances, workshops and staff development programs. He is on the roster of the CT Commission on ther Arts as a performer as well as a "Master Teaching Artist". He has released 12 CDs of original songs and stories. In addition to his music and storytelling, he is a board certified master practitioner and trainer of NLP and speaks nationally on learning and communication skills.

Program Titles: DrumSongStory; Breathing Underwater; Funky Monkey! Pumpkin Pie!; Birds; Beyond the Borders; Trickster Tales; Beneath the Northern Star, Mysts & Magick; The Drum of the Elephant King; The Talking Drum; Captured By the Iroquois; Abi Yo Yo; Brothers of the Drum; Shifting Shape

Audience Limit: 350/assembly

Fees: Negotiable

Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts


PUPPETRY


photo of The Gerwick Puppets
   GERWICK   PUPPETS
Lenny Gerwick and Deborah Costine
6 Wood Street
Southborough, MA 01772
(508) 481-6260
E Mail: info@gerwickpuppets.com
Website: gerwickpuppets.com

"Classic Quality Puppetry at its Best," The Gerwick Puppets are one of New England's longest running puppet troupes. Founded in 1974 by artist/educators Deborah Costine and Len Gerwick, this company performs in elementary schools around New England and regularly at such venues as Boston's First Night, the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, The Mark Twain Museum in Hartford CT and The Puppet Showplace Theater in Brookline MA. Eight Productions are available and performed "live" with elaborate theater lighting and artist-painted scenery and high quality sound. Most include some interaction with the audience.

Their DVD "The World of The Gerwick Puppets" documents much of what this company does as well as showing puppet making methods and how children can create their own puppet shows!

Curriculum materials are available for each production.

Productions:
Adventures From Thornton W. Burgess: This much-loved production is adapted from stories by Massachusetts author Thornton Burgess. Children learn about New England animals including skunks, opossums, and woodchucks and their habits and habitats.

Inside the Haunted House: In this original story written by the puppeteers, a boy and girl decide to explore an old mansion that is said to be haunted! Many funny and slightly scary surprises await them in this very exciting production.

Pilgrim Adventure to America: This is an elaborate telling of the Pilgrim story through the eyes of the Brewster family. For maximum dramatic effect, this productions uses masks as well as hand puppets, a miniature Mayflower, a map of Cape Cod, and many interesting visual and audio effects.

Midwinter Magic: This elaborate, winter fantasy takes place as puppet children "Mary Lou" and "Bruce" fall asleep on the longest night of the year. They are guided through a dream of enchanting music and puppets by "Katrinka" the midwinter sprite! Classical music enhances the experience!

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp: This ancient story from "The Arabian Nights" shows the struggle between good and evil. The evil magician, the ominous secret cave, the magic flying carpet and the all-powerful genie of the magic lamp are part of this enchanting classic story!

Rip Van Winkle: This early work of American literature by Washington Irving tells the story of the happy-go-lucky man who slept through the Revolutionary War. The show closely follows the original story and includes historical concepts and ideas from the late 1700's. (appropriate for grades 3 and up)

Aesop’s Fables: In this solo production, puppeteer, Len Gerwick, uses a different performing style, he is visible to the audience. The show's focus is on the morals of the fables: appreciating what you have, learning from the mistakes of others, and falling victim to one's own weaknesses.

The Case of the Missing Woodpile: In this musical mystery performed solo by Len Gerwick, Mary Lou and Bruce are on summer vacation, planting a garden and building a tree house. Suddenly the wood for the tree house disappears and the audience gets to help solve the mystery! Original jazz score written by musician Jonathan Klein.

Other Activities:

Puppets in the Language Arts Curriculum: Students can each make a puppet for use in a puppet show that they write and produce themselves. Instruction is available for how to create a script based on a story they have read, how to practice effective puppet movement and dialogue. This is a very valuable educational project! Creating a script through the Gerwick Puppets’ unique process helps children understand the structure of stories. Custom designed programs are available.

The Gerwick Puppets are available as Artists-in-Residence and are approved by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and are on the New England States Touring roster.

Their DVD "The World of The Gerwick Puppets" by Two Bob's Productions, documents much of what this company does as well as showing puppet making methods and how children can create their own puppet shows!

Program Titles: Adventures from Thornton W. Burgess; Inside the Haunted House; Midwinter Magic; Aladdin and the Magic Lamp; Aesop's Fables; Rip Van Winkle; Pilgrim Adventure to America; The Case of the Missing Woodpile Tales; Mid Winter Magic; The Puppets Teach Fire Safety

Audience Limit: 250

Fee: 1 performance $700, 2 performances $1,000 plus travel fee; Residency days are $300/day/artist

Special Requirements: The puppet theater requires a space of 15 ft. width, 10 ft. depth and 8 ft. height. A darkened room is best.


photo of Sparky's Puppets
  SPARKY'S  PUPPETS
Sparky Davis
28 Ferncrest Ave.
Cranston, RI 02905-3511
(401) 467-0159
E-Mail: Popcorn700@aol.com
Website: www.sparkyspuppets.com

Enjoy the lively antics of these colorful hand puppets as they perform adaptations of favorite children's books! Each show includes several stories full of action, humor and plenty of audience participation. Choose from dozens of tales to create a program for any season or occasion!

Sparky's Puppets have performed in schools, libraries and festivals throughout New England for over 25 years. A recent sponsor wrote, "Awesome! I was entranced through your whole show! Your folktales were very imaginative and they made the children think about natural happenings. They were positively, 100% engaged throughout the program! Keep up the great work!" Debbie Miceli, Grade 3 Teacher, West Vine St. School, Pawcatuck, CT. (Grades K - 4)

Program Titles: Aesop's Fables; Tales of Sea and Shore; The Book Detective; Stories from Snowy Lands; Hats Off to Reading; How Does Your Garden Grow?; Halloween Spells; A Golden Christmas; Trickster Tales; and more

Audience Limit: 35/class; 200/assembly

Fee: $275 + .40/mile round trip

Special Requirement: electricity


FOLK TALES, "WHY" STORIES


STORYTELLING


photo of Jackson Gillman
   JACKSON   GILLMAN -   "Stand-Up   Chameleon"
PO Box 41
Onset, MA 02558
(508) 295-0886
E-Mail: jacksong@jacksongillman.com
Web site: www.jacksongillman.com

Sparkling with energy, wit and whimsy, the "Stand-Up Chameleon" magically transforms into a wide array of colorful characters. Through his many talents as songsmith, comic, mime and storyteller, Jackson engages and delights audiences of all ages with his highly visual and interactive performances. Many different shows to choose from including several educational nature programs. Has been a featured performer at festivals across the country. For 6-12 grades, his two substance abuse awareness presentations have been used annually by schools for their prevention programming. 28 years experience, easy-going and flexible, references galore.

Program Titles: Nature in Action, Story & Song; Riot in the Garden; BUGS!; Applemania; Autumn Wonders; Halloween Silly Willies; Winter Revels; Spring into Action; On a Wing and a Song; The Man Who Planted Hope; Kipling: "Just So"; Levity in Motion; Harlequin and the Gift of Many Colors (with ASL); The Dancing Man (with ASL); Holiday Revels (with ASL); Hard Knocks - substance abuse program (grade 6 and up)

Fee: starts at $375 + travel

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts


photo of Tim Van Egmond
  TIM VAN EGMOND
Folksinger & Storyteller
118 E. Chestnut Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351-9541
(413) 367-9304
E-mail: timve@rcn.com
Website: www.timvanegmond.com

Tim Van Egmond waves together tales, tunes, and songs -- from the rib- tickling to the spine-tingling to the heart-warming. Music flows in and around his stories through his singing and playing on a wide variety of traditional instruments (including limberjack, hammered and mountain dulcimer, mouth bow, guitar, conga drum, and pennywhistle). His dynamic style incorporates dramatic movement, voice, and facial expression to make stories come alive. His gift of encouraging participation makes for high-spirited and engaging programs. Each program is tailored to meet special needs and interests of sponsors and participants.

Teacher and Student Workshops also available.

Program Titles: Building Bridges - A Celebration of Multicultural Diversity and Understanding; Hearing Nature's Voice; You're (Not) So Different From Me - Disability Awareness; Sun and Moon and Stars; The Story Bag; Sing, Jump, Say, Clap! - Language and Literacy Readiness Activities for Early Childhood; Young Fogies & Old Whippersnappers - intergenerational programs with students and seniors.

Audience Limit: 50/class; 200/assembly (Extra charges for classes over 50 or assemblies over 200)

Fee: 1 show- $350 + travel; 2 shows - $525; 3rd and 4th show, $175 each; Block-booking discount available.

Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners Program



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