NEW ENGLAND
SCHOOL PERFORMING
ARTIST DIRECTORY
LANGUAGE ARTS


BILINGUAL EDUCATION


MUSIC || PUPPETRY || STORYTELLING || THEATER


MUSIC


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 Roger Tinknell
   ROGER  TINCKNELL
78 Pratt Corner Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
(413) 259-1146
E-Mail: roger@rogertincknell.com
Website: www.rogertincknell.com

Two-time Parents’ Choice Award-winning recording artist, Roger Tincknell offers participatory, curriculum-based music assemblies and workshops. As a former classroom teacher and music specialist, Roger provides enriching multi-cultural, historical, and environmental programs. His repertoire includes international folk-songs sung in a variety of languages as well as songs and dances from Native, African, European and Asian- American traditions. He plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, ukulele, Irish bozouki, Incan charango, Russian balalaika, Puerto Rican cuatro, harmonica, Native American flutes, African drums and Latin percussion. His programs include: Across the Americas, a musical journey from Canada to South America; Earth Rhythms, an environmental program, Children's Songs and Singing Games, a participatory multicultural program for younger grades. Roger also offers songwriting workshops and hands-on programs for special needs and very young children. Comprehensive study guides are provided.

Program Titles: Across the Americas (can be tailored to include: Colonial America to the Revolution, Immigration and Industrial America; From Slavery to Civil Rights; Cowboys, Yodeling and Western Expansion; Latin American Songs, Dances and Instruments; Songs of the Sea.); Earth Rhythms (Celebrates and teaches environmental awareness); Children's Songs and Singing Games; Holidays from Around the World (Winter Solstice Celebration, Martin Luther King Jr., St. Patrick's Day, Halloween and others); Under One Sky: A Multicultural Musical Journey around the World

Audience Limit: 40/class; 400/assembly

Fee: $350-$400 (plus travel) sliding scale for one show with additional programs on same day 1/2 price.

Funding Source: MCC, Local Cultural Councils and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Very Special Arts, BOCES (NY), SCLC (CT)

Special Requirements: table and access to electricity


photo of Troubadour
   TROUBADOUR
Victor Cockburn or Judith Steinbergh
126 Payson Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467-3272
(617) 327-8965
Fax: (617) 327-7473
E Mail: Info@Troubadour.org
Website: www.Troubadour.org

Presenting original and traditional material, Troubadour artists expose students and teachers to a wide range of lively and inspiring poetry and folksongs from diverse cultures. With poems and songs about issues close to their lives and classroom curriculum, the audience is exposed to works from a diverse collection of writers both adult and children. Troubadour recordings and material have received awards such as Entertainer of the Year from the Boston Parents Paper, as well as Parents Choice Silver and Gold, and Early Childhood Awards.

Troubadour artists have 30 years of experience teaching and developing curriculum. Programs directly relate to MA Curriculum Frameworks Guidelines. Curriculum support materials are available. In the classroom, through a combination of multi-visit, writing workshops for students, professional development workshops for teachers, and providing curriculum resources, Troubadour’s Artist Educators emphasize the use of literary arts in the writing process. We provide continued support for teachers and students by establishing personal and professional long-term relationships with schools. In this way, we can better effect a successful and lasting, systemic change in education, while encouraging a love of literature, writing, and music.

Fee: $400.00, $1,000.00

Possible Funding: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local cultural councils, Very Special Arts MA, Troubadour Educational Outreach Grant.


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.springvalley.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 school assembly programs can be followed by a curtain down question and answer period.
Public performances are followed by a demonstration of some of the puppets.
Curriculum materials available for each program.

Jack and the Beanstalk
Can beans make wishes come true? They can and do in "Jack and the Beanstalk," the award-winning puppet production of Michael Graham's Spring Valley Puppet Theater. This popular classic features beautifully crafted hand and rod puppets, colorful scenic design, special effects and an original script in which Jack, with the help of a clever Chicken, saves the day! The Spring Valley Puppet Theater production of "Jack and the Beanstalk" holds many surprises in this new approach to this old favorite. Jack and the Beanstalk received the 1994 UNIMA "Citation of Excellence" in the Art of Puppetry.

The Three Wishes
What would you do if a magical Elf gave YOU three wishes? That's just what happens to Henry and Gretchen in this puppet production of “The Three Wishes.” This folktale favorite is flavored with a dash of dialogue, a generous helping of humor and the twists of plot for which the Spring Valley Puppet Theater is known. This folktale favorite is flavored with a dash of dialogue, a generous helping of humor and the twists of plot for which the Spring Valley Puppet Theater is known.

The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
A hungry Wolf tries to outwit the savvy Shepherd and make a meal of the helpless, little Lamb.
Helpless? Maybe not! Adapted from the Aesop Fable, this popular story is enlivened with a colorful Mexican setting, a humorous communication gap and a surprise ending!

The Lazy Fox (El Zorro Perezoso)
Can a very lazy Fox trick an Armadillo? Perhaps, But in this production of the Argentine folktale, the Armadillo has a few tricks up HIS sleeve! This program features enchanting hand puppet animals and a large rod puppet Sun. This production is also available in a bilingual version: "El Zorro Perezoso."

A Holiday Fantasy
Enchanted toys, fairy magic and a clever mouse are just some of the surprises in "A Holiday Fantasy," an original puppet production by Michael Graham's Spring Valley Puppet Theater. The story unfolds to the music of Massenet, Glazunov, Lecocq and others!

Puss in Boots
A walking, talking cat? Impossible! Unless he's wearing the magic boots! This classic fairy tale features beautifully crafted hand puppets, a life-sized Ogre and clever scenic design. In an original adaptation, Puss (in boots) rushes headlong into a series of misadventures, only to discover he is happiest being himself! The Spring Valley Puppet Theater production of “Puss in Boots” mixes merriment and message in a new approach to this feline favorite.

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

Audience Limit: 350/Assembly (Floor seating) 250 Theater seating)

Fee: Libraries: $335 to $355. Reduction for additional shows available. Travel fee: 25 cents per mile, round trip/

Special Requirements: An indoor area 12' to 20' wide X 6' deep, near electricity, with a 10' ceiling height (a 8' 11" ceiling height can be accomodated, sometimes lower); A darkened or dimmed room is preferable. Set up - 2 hours. Take down - 1 hour, 15 minutes. (A difficult load in or load out extends those times.)


STORYTELLING


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

With a face and voice that launched a thousand characters, Leeny Del Seamonds, Master Story Performer™, is a multi award-winning, internationally acclaimed master performer of Hispanic/Latino, original and multicultural stories spiced with exquisite mime, a cornucopia of voices, and love of people. With a twinkle in her eye and fire in her heart, Leeny breathes life into her stories, as she masterfully and effortlessly springs from one story character to another. A dedicated Teaching Artist, Leeny encourages listeners to feel positive about themselves and rejoice in human and cultural diversity, inviting them to share in her Latin/Cuban-American sense of humor and love of performing.

Leeny Del Seamonds has over 30 years of stage, film and directing experience in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Leeny graduated magna cum laude from Rowan University and holds a BA in Speech & Theatre/Performing Arts (with a minor in Stage Directing). In New York City, she was trained by and has performed with The Richard Morse Mime Theatre, The Herbert Bergdorf Studio, The Purple Craft Theatre and The Mercer Ballet Company.

Since moving to New England in 1978, Leeny has worked as an actor, director, coach, teacher, and Master Story Performer™. Although she loves all aspects of theatre, Leeny's happiest when performing a tale, for she is best able to utilize mime, acting, singing, writing and teaching talents. From 1991 to present, Leeny has devoted all of her passion and energies to full-time, professional story performing.

Awarded the title 2002 National Storyteller of the Year®, Leeny is on the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Creative Schools Program roster, the MA Touring Program, the New England Foundation for the Arts roster, Young Audiences of Massachusetts artist roster, BOCES NY arts-in-education roster, the Connecticut Storytelling Center’s School Programs roster, is a member of the National Storytelling Network and is a past Board Member of the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling (LANES) and is a frequent contributor to their Museletter. Leeny has also been published in Storytelling Magazine; Tale Trader; Ahhhh! A Tribute to Brother Blue; Holy Headshots!; Hearsay and on the web site of Parents' Choice Foundation.

Leeny is a regular presenter at the Sharing the Fire Northeast Storytelling Conference, and in March 1996, was their featured Opening Keynote performer. Leeny is a former Board Member of Three Apples Storytelling Festival, a Charter Member of The Sky's The Unlimited, Ltd., a Boston theatrical production company, and a member of Theatre Unlimited Stage Company. She holds memberships with the International Order of E.A.R.S., Inc.; Boston Cultural Network; Massachusetts Alliance for Arts Education; Massachusetts Business Association; Connecticut Storytelling Center; and Folk Arts Network. She has taught numerous courses in acting, improvisation, storytelling, voice, mime and movement in community theatres, community centers, national conferences, festivals, schools, universities, and privately. Additionally, Leeny has performed and presented workshops/residencies in hundreds of school systems and libraries internationally. Leeny is a Department of Education Professional Development Provider for New Jersey and Massachusetts.

Leeny was Keynote and workshop presenter for “¡Hola! Heading Out to Latin America” at Foxcroft School in Virginia, at the 7th Annual Conference on Storytelling for Children, Keene State, NH, and at the 2004 Conference for the Massachusetts Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. She has performed and presented at National Storytelling Conferences in Philadelphia, Kansas City, Providence, Denver, Bellingham, Pittsburgh, Gatlinburg and L.A. In 2002, Leeny was one of seven national tellers in the NSN Conference General Session "Bienvenidos a la Fiesta: The Latino Experience."

Leeny has twice been headliner at the National Storytelling Festival and Teller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center, both in Jonesborough, TN, as well as headliner at "Gimistory," The Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival, BWI; Mesa Storytelling Festival, AZ; Mariposa Storytelling Festival, CA; Weber State U. Festival, UT; St. Louis Festival, MO; Open Hand Theatre, NY; Patchwork Tales Festival, SC; Riverway Storytelling Festival, NY; Multi-Cultural Storytelling Festival in OR; NC Storyfest (twice); Nebraska Storytelling Festival (twice); Kansas City Storytelling Celebration; Virginia Storytelling Alliance Gathering, VA; Tcha Tee Man Wi Storytelling Festival, OR; Three Apples Storytelling Festival, MA (three times); Prairie Center for the Arts Storytelling Festival, IL; and Smoky Hill River Festival in Kansas (twice). She has been featured at dozens of national festivals including Clearwater Great Hudson River Revival, NY; Connecticut Storytelling Festival; Granite State Storytelling Festival, NH; and Corn Island Storytelling Festival, KY. In September 2006, Leeny was a featured delegate and master teller in China as part of the Nu Wa Storytelling and Cultural Exchange tour.

Leeny Del Seamonds has been a featured performer at eight First Night Boston and five First Night Worcester celebrations; and in September 2004 was headliner at the Baltimore Book Festival (sponsored by Parents' Choice Foundation) and the City of Jacksonville's "Celebration of Women." Leeny stars in the international Television and DVD series Ribert & Robert's WonderWorld, a multi award-winning children's program, whose most recent award is the 2006 iParenting Media Award Winner. In the series, Leeny plays ‘Leeny the Story Performer’ and writes and performs her own segments. Her highly acclaimed recording, "¡Ay Caramba! ¡Ay Ay Ay! Cuentos y Canciónes (Latino Stories & Songs)," takes listeners on a journey through Leeny's rich Latino heritage and won a 2003 Parents' Choice Silver Award. Leeny's musical CD, "CelloTales: The Melding of Music, Myth & Memories," created and performed with cellist Gideon Freudmann, won a 2004 Parents' Choice Gold Award and a 2005 Storytelling World Winner Award. Both CD's received favorable endorsements from Booklist and School Library Journal. September 2009 marks the release of two new recordings created, produced and performed by Leeny Del Seamonds geared for seasoned listeners. “It Takes Two to Tango – Ties that Bind Us” is an alluring, witty and insightful look at the triumphs and tribulations of relationships and “Shadows in the Woods – Spine-Tingling Tales” is a compilation of Leeny’s original scary stories guaranteed to shiver and chill all who lend an ear. Her renowned CDs are also featured on www.Tales2Go.com.

Leeny’s celebrated repertoire of nineteen story programs and eight sought-after workshops reflects her desire to embrace life to its fullest. With passion, fire and wit, Leeny’s one-woman performances and renowned workshops headline festivals, concerts and events worldwide. For additional information and schedule of Leeny’s upcoming performances, visit www.LeenyDelSeamonds.com (or call the office at 978-692-3961).

Audience Limit: 200/school performance; 25/ school workshop

Fee: $500/one school daytime performance; $775/two; $925/three. $125/school workshop. For all other performances/workshops, call for quote.

Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Connecticut Storytelling Center School Programs




THEATER


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
E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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



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