"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

YOU   and   ME   PUPPETS Judith O'Hare (781) 944-0965 E Mail: jaohare@gmail.com Website: www.youandmepuppets.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

MICHAEL   ZERPHY Ellen Weiner, Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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, $800 for a double; reductions for block booking. Funding Sources: Vermont Cultural Council, New Hampshire Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.(New York)

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 It Ate My Sister. 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 hits, A Holiday Present!, It was a Dark and Stormy Night... and 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)

JUDITH BLACK Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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 $500 for the first performance, $300 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), New Hampshire Humanities Council

STORYTELLING   FOR    CHILDREN   -   KATE   CARNEY 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 Need a riveting, versatile entertainer who can delight all ages and whet their curiosity? Need an artist-in-residence who can work effectively with children and teachers? Storyteller Kate Carney can meet these needs and more. Since 1989, Kate has been telling stories to audiences young and old, at schools and libraries throughout New England, drawing on her broad repertoire of international folktales, myths and living history stories. Her presentations are highly interactive, educational and fun-filled. An eclectic teacher/performer, with 25 years of teaching experience, Kate tells stories and gives workshops for all levels. Her programs tie in with on-going classroom studies -- from nature and the environment to living history to disability awareness. Audiences describe her performances and workshops as inspiring, informative, and energizing, eg: "Kate has a wonderful way of engaging children of all ages -- she understands what interests and amuses them. I am impressed with how she creates a warm, friendly atmosphere in which shy children feel comfortable. She is a fine actor and a warm, pleasant person with many talents to share.” Ed G., Director, Old Schwamb Mill, Arlington, MA Kate’s storytelling captivates students’ attention, helps them process ideas, follow narrative, develop sequential thinking and improve their memory. They grow personally involved in the subject -- values such as character development and conflict resolution sink in. Her engaging style encourages students to honor themselves, their community and their physical environment. Her message is Yes! If you keep at it, you can be anything you want to be. She also focuses on appreciating differences and developing self-esteem. By integrating arts into the curriculum, she motivates students to want to read. The result? Inquiring and creative minds, students who find reading exciting and accessible. In her Residencies and Workshops for Children, Kate humorously and interactively pulls drama and skills from her receptive listeners as they begin to create stories. They start by re-enacting the events and characters they’ve just heard about. They go on to learn how to select a story, sequence its beginning, middle and end -- and present it in a final Story Festival. In her Teachers’ in-service trainings Kate is committed to helping teachers reach their curricular goals. Her work is based on the progressive educational tradition – she gives exercises which stimulate question-asking, encourage the ‘whole child’ and provide ‘real-world’ experiences for children. Kate is a multi-faceted Performer, Educator, Coach and Speaker. She is a member of the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling, has written articles for the LANES Museletter and is a regular presenter at the Sharing the Fire North East Regional Storytelling Conference. She is available for touring performances, Workshops and Residencies, Teacher in-Service Trainings and Coaching. Study Guides are available for these 45-minute programs. Visuals enhance the programs and help kids to see what life was like ‘back then’. Interactive Living History Stories (Grades 2-4) Kate's creative approach to teaching history and language arts weaves storytelling, song and dramatization into learning. Playing an historical woman, she tells stories, leads kids in period songs and invites them to act out events from that part of America’s history. Inquiring, creative minds and responsible citizenship develop as she and the group focus on culture, science, art, fashion and our diverse culture. Kate is happy to plan ahead with teachers, and to adjust the program for that group’s goals. Students may want to bring questions to ask Kate's character (History, Reading for 2-5) The American Revolution: What was it like to be a kid in colonial days? Kate introduces children to the riddles, tales, songs and games of children in Pre-Revolutionary Boston. The Frontier: Using simple objects, students re-enact events in stories they’ve just heard about the Oregon Trail and the Frontier. The Lowell Mills: After stories of how the mill workers lived, students imaginatively step into their shoes to learn how to spend their money wisely. Immigration: After hearing immigrants’ stories, youngsters take a mock exam like the ones immigrants had to take to enter this country. Helen Keller's World: What would it be like to be deaf, blind and mute? Kids explore the roles of the disabled and their guides, to find out how it would feel to experience that world. The Girl Scouts: Juliette Low’s childhood led her to found the Girl Scouts. Children hear about what the early Scouts did and try out some of their activities. Story Programs for younger kids- tailored to your needs Greek Myths/Aesop's Fables: Kids hear and act out Aesop's fables, and/or talk over the misadventures of some Greek heroes, gods, and goddesses. (K-6) Mother Nature's Myths: Tales of Nature’s quirks; activities to honor her. (K-4) Multicultural Tales: folk stories, songs and games to help kids understand other cultures. (K-4). Audience Limits: Prefer groups of 60 or fewer. Fees: $280 plus mileage for groups up to 60. Larger groups - Negotiable. Discounts available for Residencies, Day-long Workshops, Co-sponsorship and Block Bookings. Funding Sources: New England States Touring (NEST) program of the New England Foundation for the Arts

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 200 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 and offers a free bi-monthly storytelling/education newsletter at http://storybugnewsletter.blogspot.com. 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 Residencies Story by Story - Building A Student Storytelling Troupe An experienced educator, Karen combines her teaching skills with her vast knowledge of storytelling to create a School Storytelling Club. During school hours or after school, Karen will work with your students on the dynamics of storytelling. From the page to the stage, students will learn the anatomy of a story, research skills, story selection, and story presentation. The residency culminates in a student Story Festival. In addition, Karen can tailor the residency to include individual student coaching. 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; Dragon Tales 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

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

DIANE  EDGECOMB PO Box 300016 Boston, MA 02130 (617) 522-4335 E Mail: dedge@livingmyth.com Website: www.livingmyth.com For over twenty years, Diane has been bringing top quality storytelling assemblies to schools and educational institutions. Her gifts as a storyteller, educator and communicator make her as appreciated by teachers as she is by students with many repeat engagements requested. The effortless way Diane's programs bring educational information into an entertaining format inspire the most reluctant learners to open up their imaginations. From Nature and Science programming to performances representing unusual cultures, including Native American Nature Myths and the Kurds of the Middle East, each performance is the result of careful and thorough research. Visit her website or look below through the Seasonal, Cultural, and Nature offerings for programs like Insect Comedy, Digging Dinosaurs, Tales for the Earth, Welcome in the Spring, Rainforest Legends and more to bring an entertaining assembly to your school with Diane Edgecomb one of New England’s favorite storytellers. Different material and stories are told depending on whether the assembly is for K-2 or 3-6th grade. Each performance comes with an extensive curriculum package, which includes both science-based and language-based activities. Dear Diane: I was just putting away my files for this year's enrichment programs at Steward School and I wanted to mention that you had an overwhelmingly positive response from the teachers here. Their comments included, "She kept 5 classes mesmerized!" "She was masterful at knowing when the students needed a motor break" and "She really engaged them with her stories!" One teacher suggested that you give workshops to teachers on how to tell a story! Should you ever need a reference, please don't hesitate to have someone contact me. We hope to have you back to Steward again in the future!" Julie Sullivan, Enrichment Chair, Topsfield Elementary Schools, MA "I would like to thank you for your terrific performance this afternoon. The students were completely captivated and thoroughly enjoyed your lively delivery, great expressions, interactive style and story content. Several of the teachers stopped me during the day to add their complements and enthusiasm about your program." Ellen Kassaraba, Wellington School PTO, Belmont, MA Program Titles: For complete program descriptions, see http://www.livingmyth.com Celebrate the Season Tall Fall Tales: brings alive the autumn world of nature with original stories and songs sure to delight. Perfect for just starting out the school year. This performance centers on the star in the apple, fall colors and a young girl who just cannot sit still in class! Once Upon a Wintertime: Warm your hearts and your imaginations with this performance of tales from long ago. These stories of wintertime magic and fun are drawn from many cultures ranging from the lyrical Grimms’ tale of Snow White and Rose Red to tales of folksy New England escapades. Welcome in the Spring: Welcome in the spring with talking earthworms, nesting birds and kite flying adventures. The perfect accompaniment to this joyful season. Summer Escapades: celebrates family fun with participatory stories chosen from Diane's best-loved family tales. Including a favorite story about a monkey who takes a wild ride on the back of a shark! Once Upon a Halloween: This fun-filled Halloween event has a huge cauldron bubbling over with fog for the last dramatic story. All tales are appropriate for family audiences ages four to forever and contain a well-rounded blend of suspense and humor. Explore Cultural Riches Native American Nature Tales explores tribal myths and legends of the animals and birds of North America. Ranging from the humorous to the heart-felt, these stories celebrate native culture and its strong links to the natural world. Diane was given permission to tell these tales by many prominent Native authors. European Tales of Enchantment: Enter the world of fairy tales where magic is only a moment away, and lessons about how to live are expressed through vivid symbols. Classic fairytales as well as unusual versions of familiar stories. Fit for a King’s Ear: Diane Edgecomb accompanied by Margot Chamberlain on Celtic harp. This Medieval program is filled with tales of unusual princesses and Arthurian Knights. A Fire in My Heart: Kurdish Folktales: Based on Diane's new book of Kurdish folktales, this program introduces students and families to this pivotal Middle Eastern culture. A map, anecdotes of her collecting experience and traditional dress and dance round out our exploration of this little known culture. Irish Shenanigans: There is plenty of laughter and delight in this animated retelling of Ireland's best-loved gems. This performance is also available with Margot Chamberlain accompanying the program on Celtic harp. Enter Nature’s Realm Digging Dinosaurs: These popular dinosaur adventures complement their scientific facts with a happy dose of humor. Based on current scientific discoveries, this piece educates as it entertains. Rainforest Legends: From the banks of the Amazon River to the heart of the West African jungle, Rainforest Legends brings to life favorite folktales and songs about the animals and plants of these lands. Tales for the Earth: A Celebration of Nature and all the simple things we can do to help. What shines through the entire presentation is a love and respect for our place in nature; with many ideas communicated about how we can create a difference. Insect Comedy: Insect Comedy takes a delightful look at our Six-legged friends. Diane's hilarious interpretations of Mr. Mosquito, Mr. Gnat, Old King Lampyradie Beetle keep us laughing as we take a closer look at the world of insects. Night Lights: In Night Lights, unusual star myths take us on a multi-cultural voyage across the heavens. Listen in wonder as tales from Greece, Estonia, Native America, Kurdistan and Korea celebrate the magic of the night sky. Audience Limit: Suggested maximum 250 Fee (including travel): $525 first show, $300 per additional show. Additional block booking rates available. Workshops $65 each when booked with a companion performance. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, Local Massachusetts Cultural Councils

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. 30+ years experience, easy-going and flexible, references galore. Program Titles: Nature in Action, Story and Song - an educational romp on the wild and crazy side of natural science; Riot in the Garden - fun-filled farm science, awarded Most Educational at the MOFGA Common Ground Fair; BUGS! - doodlebugs, spiders, ants and other crawlies are featured in this low-life revue; Once Upon a Tide - fun and fishy repertoire from the sandy beach to the briny deep; On a Wing and a Song - a birds-eye view of the cycle of seasons; Moon Crazy - captivating songs and stories to take you far away and pilot you happily home; Autumn Wonders - a rich tapestry of the colors, sounds and smells in a heartwarming, story and song-filled celebration of the season; Halloween Silly Willies - songs and stories to tickle your funny-bone without scaring your pants off; Winter Wonders (or Holiday Huzzah for Christmas and/or Chanukah) - heartwarming celebrations of the seasons, holidays and the human spirit; Spring Into Action and Song - celebrates spring and in all of its song-filled wonder; The Man Who Planted Hope - an inspiring account of reforestation in Provence, adapted from the story by Jean Giono; The Magic of Rudyard Kipling: Just So - the classic Just So Stories brought to life; Levity in Motion - mime and stories for the family, airborne exploits and other childhood flights of fancy; A Family Cabaret - an intergenerational look at daily rituals, wake-up to bedtime, from all perspectives; The Dancing Man (with ASL) - lively, interactive songs and stories to move and groove with; Harlequin and the Gift of Many Colors - stories of friendship performed with sign language; Swamp Cake and Cattails - assembly program about anti-bullying and social acceptance, fancifully disguised as a prehistoric comedy with dinosaurs and dragons; Hard Knocks - an intense one-man drama dealing with substance abuse within a family; The Perfect High - a lighter-side look at the prevention of substance abuse; Fee: starts at $375 + travel Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts

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.

Jennings and Ponder - World Tales and Celtic Music Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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: $750 for one performance; $1,350 for a double, same day, same place. Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Vermont Arts Council, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)

ANGELA   CAY   KLINGLER   - THE STORYTELLER PO Box 530 Salem, NH 03079 (603) 898-0537 E Mail: TheStoryteller@AngelaKlingler.com Website: www.AngelaKlingler.com “I've worked with hundreds of artists. It is rare to find one who is as skilled at her craft and also as professional. I would recommend Angela without reservation.” (Jeannie Connoly, Arts Enrichment Coordinator, Con Val School District, NH)) “Angela's artist-in-residency filled our school with a new sense of adventure and wonder about the world.” (Denise Buckman, Grantham Village School, NH). Nationally recognized and telling professionally since 1989, from museums and arts festivals to educators' conferences, schools and libraries in NH, MA, ME, VT, NY, TX and CA, NAPPA award winning storyteller and education consultant Angela Klingler's animated retellings of traditional world folktales, fable, myths and legends bridges time, culture and curriculum K-8. (NOTE: An operating room R.N. before beginning her "second career," Angela's programming fosters an increased narrative understanding: engagement, attention, processing, sequencing, memory; the value of and personal investment in curriculum by students and fostering conflict resolution and character development through storytelling.) Program Titles: World Folktales, Fables, Fairytales, Myth, Legend and Geomythology; Story, Stone, Water, Fire; Fairy, Beasts & Lore; Tricksters, Tall Tales, Traditions, Legends & Lore; The Middle Ages; Colonial America; The Moon & Stars; Stories Around the Camp Fire; Bold Girls, Wise Women. (NOTE: Developing custom designed interdisciplinary and curriculum specific programming since 1989, visit website for sample programming for: Science, Geomythology; Environment, History; Literacy; Seasonal & Storycraft sessions available.) Audience Grade Level Suitability: K - 8 Audience Size: No limit, however, a distraction-free room/space large enough to accommodate audience is required. Special Requirements: 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, $600 for a full day-up to six sessions; $800 for full day with post performance Teacher Inservice. Additional travel fee calculated at federal rate may apply. Residencies, Teacher’s Inservices and Conferences vary and are negotiable. Block scheduling available. Funding Sources: New England States Touring (NEST) program of the New England Foundation for the Arts

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/ Winner of two national awards (NAPPA Gold & Honors) for her CDs of storytelling & music, veteran singer and storyteller Mary Jo Maichack has "got it down to a science," says Pat Pierce of Newington's Lucy Robbins-Welles Library. Mary Jo offers a huge variety of themes for your library, school (prek-8), museum, festival or other venue, from summer reading club shows to school residencies and professional development workshops for teachers and parents in using storytelling as oral literacy skill-building. Fun. Fun. Fun. Aligned with learning standards. Easy, fun and businesslike in making arrangements. Free posters and press releases save you time. Performer, creative teaching artist, cabaret singer and dynamic teller of folktales, Mary Jo's shows work because they are unusually interactive. In family and children's programs, your audiences sing, (MJ plays guitar) chant, play instruments, make sound effects, dance, act in costumes and have a ball. Vastly experienced (22 years) in any age-group or mix of ages. Using multicultural folktales at the heart of each program, Mary Jo weaves in music, dance & audience play. Please visit Web site for show descriptions from summer reading to preschools to Halloween and beyond. Winner, Julie Andrews Artist-in-Residence Award, Mass. Cultural Council Stars residency, NEFA touring artist can help fund your program. B.A. cum laude, English lit., Middlebury College. Extensive foreign language study. "Clever and engaging," says School Library Journal, "A perfect choice for the literacy path," says L.A. Parent Magazine As a cabaret singer interpreting the Great American Songbook, Mary Jo brings top notch professional pianists to accompany her and wow your audience--background or shows. Performed at Pittsfield Mass.'s Colonial Theatre, Cranwell Resort, Berkshire Forum. 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 and up Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other

SUMNER   McCLAIN Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (617) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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: $500 for the first performance, $300 for each thereafter same day/same location. Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S. (New York)

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

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)

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

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 Blog: timvanegmond.blogspot.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. Residencies in Massachusetts for special needs classes and inclusion that adapt music and storytelling to build academic, developmental, and social skills can be arranged through VSA Arts of Massachusetts. 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- $400 + travel; 2 shows - $600; 3rd and 4th show, $175 each; Block-booking discount available. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners Program. For schools in New England states outside of Massachusetts that include a public performance, the New England States Touring Program (NEST)

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.

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

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 $750, 2 performances $1,100 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.

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/ Winner of two national awards (NAPPA Gold & Honors) for her CDs of storytelling & music, veteran singer and storyteller Mary Jo Maichack has "got it down to a science," says Pat Pierce of Newington's Lucy Robbins-Welles Library. Mary Jo offers a huge variety of themes for your library, school (prek-8), museum, festival or other venue, from summer reading club shows to school residencies and professional development workshops for teachers and parents in using storytelling as oral literacy skill-building. Fun. Fun. Fun. Aligned with learning standards. Easy, fun and businesslike in making arrangements. Free posters and press releases save you time. Performer, creative teaching artist, cabaret singer and dynamic teller of folktales, Mary Jo's shows work because they are unusually interactive. In family and children's programs, your audiences sing, (MJ plays guitar) chant, play instruments, make sound effects, dance, act in costumes and have a ball. Vastly experienced (22 years) in any age-group or mix of ages. Using multicultural folktales at the heart of each program, Mary Jo weaves in music, dance & audience play. Please visit Web site for show descriptions from summer reading to preschools to Halloween and beyond. Winner, Julie Andrews Artist-in-Residence Award, Mass. Cultural Council Stars residency, NEFA touring artist can help fund your program. B.A. cum laude, English lit., Middlebury College. Extensive foreign language study. "Clever and engaging," says School Library Journal, "A perfect choice for the literacy path," says L.A. Parent Magazine As a cabaret singer interpreting the Great American Songbook, Mary Jo brings top notch professional pianists to accompany her and wow your audience--background or shows. Performed at Pittsfield Mass.'s Colonial Theatre, Cranwell Resort, Berkshire Forum. 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 and up Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other

FOLK TALES, AFRICAN

ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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)

SARA DEBEER 51 Randal Ave. West Hartford, CT 06110 (860) 561-5905 E Mail: sdebeer@comcast.net Website: http://sdebeer.home.comcast.net/~sdebeer/ Need a riveting entertainer who can delight audiences of all ages? Need an artist-in-residence who can partner effectively with your school's staff? Need a versatile, experienced performer? Storyteller Sara deBeer can meet all these needs and more! Since 1978, Sara deBeer has told stories to young and old, drawing from her broad repertoire of international folktales. She can frequently be found presenting assembly programs to elementary, middle, and high school students. An experienced classroom teacher with degrees from Yale and Bank Street, Sara designs programs which tie in with on-going classroom studies. A fellow of the Connecticut Writing Project, Storrs, CT, 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 also offers workshops for teachers. Another specialty of Sara's are programs for senior citizens: holiday/seasonal themes or “Tales of Wit and Wisdom,” which celebrates the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of everyday life. 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

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.

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

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. "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. “Haiku Hiphop and Hotdogs”: Puppets Do Poetry Imagine a symphony composed entirely by goldfish! Thrill to the adventures of “Fearless Flying Hotdogs!” Dance with the “Funky Snowman!” This exciting new fusion of poetry and puppetry includes Jack Prelutsky’s “The Goblin” (these goblins just want to have fun!) as well as poems by Nikki Giovanni, David McCord, Calef Brown and others. Remember to “Keep a Poem in Your Pocket,” and – above all – “Do Not Approach an Emu!” “Jabberwocky” One of the best-known poems in children’s literature springs to life with wit and whimsy, stunning puppets, and fantastical scenery. Explore the magical world of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass, where you’ll meet wondrous creatures like the mimsy borogrove and the frumious bandersnatch. This fabulous and funny adventure is a true celebration of the imagination! “The Day It Snowed Tortillas” Creative thinking is the key ingredient that helps a poor couple outwit a gang of bullies in this delightful folktale from Mexico about luck, love and lunch. A woodcutter and his wife have the chance to become rich. All they have to do is make it snow – in July – in Mexico! Perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month and Cinco de Mayo! Program Titles: Anansi, Spiderman of Africa; The Bremen Town Musicians; Mr. Punch's Christmas Carol; The Last Dragon on Earth; Haiku Hiphop and Hotdogs; Jabberwocky; The Day It Snowed Tortillas 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

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/ Winner of two national awards (NAPPA Gold & Honors) for her CDs of storytelling & music, veteran singer and storyteller Mary Jo Maichack has "got it down to a science," says Pat Pierce of Newington's Lucy Robbins-Welles Library. Mary Jo offers a huge variety of themes for your library, school (prek-8), museum, festival or other venue, from summer reading club shows to school residencies and professional development workshops for teachers and parents in using storytelling as oral literacy skill-building. Fun. Fun. Fun. Aligned with learning standards. Easy, fun and businesslike in making arrangements. Free posters and press releases save you time. Performer, creative teaching artist, cabaret singer and dynamic teller of folktales, Mary Jo's shows work because they are unusually interactive. In family and children's programs, your audiences sing, (MJ plays guitar) chant, play instruments, make sound effects, dance, act in costumes and have a ball. Vastly experienced (22 years) in any age-group or mix of ages. Using multicultural folktales at the heart of each program, Mary Jo weaves in music, dance & audience play. Please visit Web site for show descriptions from summer reading to preschools to Halloween and beyond. Winner, Julie Andrews Artist-in-Residence Award, Mass. Cultural Council Stars residency, NEFA touring artist can help fund your program. B.A. cum laude, English lit., Middlebury College. Extensive foreign language study. "Clever and engaging," says School Library Journal, "A perfect choice for the literacy path," says L.A. Parent Magazine As a cabaret singer interpreting the Great American Songbook, Mary Jo brings top notch professional pianists to accompany her and wow your audience--background or shows. Performed at Pittsfield Mass.'s Colonial Theatre, Cranwell Resort, Berkshire Forum. 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 and up Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other

SUMNER   McCLAIN Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (617) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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: $500 for the first performance, $300 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

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

ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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)

GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER Margaret Moody 78 Varnum Street Arlington, MA 02174 (781) 643-1228 Email: galapagospuppets.com Galapagos performs folk, history and gentle fantasy stories 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: For large groups: Fire Cloud Cave; The Banana Princess; Esther's Story; The Golwm. For smaller groups: Trolls in the Kitchen; Monkey Wreaks Havoc in Heaven; Badger Meets the Fairies; The Trolls and the Tree. Audience Limit: 275/assembly; 125 small group Fee: Most shows: $600 single performance; $900 two performances on same day Shows by solo puppeteer for audiences of no more than 125; $250 Special Requirements: "Esther's Story" needs a room that can be darkened

YOU   and   ME   PUPPETS Judith O'Hare (781) 944-0965 E Mail: jaohare@gmail.com Website: www.youandmepuppets.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

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

SARA DEBEER 51 Randal Ave. West Hartford, CT 06110 (860) 561-5905 E Mail: sdebeer@comcast.net Website: http://sdebeer.home.comcast.net/~sdebeer/ Need a riveting entertainer who can delight audiences of all ages? Need an artist-in-residence who can partner effectively with your school's staff? Need a versatile, experienced performer? Storyteller Sara deBeer can meet all these needs and more! Since 1978, Sara deBeer has told stories to young and old, drawing from her broad repertoire of international folktales. She can frequently be found presenting assembly programs to elementary, middle, and high school students. An experienced classroom teacher with degrees from Yale and Bank Street, Sara designs programs which tie in with on-going classroom studies. A fellow of the Connecticut Writing Project, Storrs, CT, 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 also offers workshops for teachers. Another specialty of Sara's are programs for senior citizens: holiday/seasonal themes or “Tales of Wit and Wisdom,” which celebrates the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of everyday life. 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

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)

YOU   and   ME   PUPPETS Judith O'Hare (781) 944-0965 E Mail: jaohare@gmail.com Website: www.youandmepuppets.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

ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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

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. 30+ years experience, easy-going and flexible, references galore. Program Titles: Nature in Action, Story and Song - an educational romp on the wild and crazy side of natural science; Riot in the Garden - fun-filled farm science, awarded Most Educational at the MOFGA Common Ground Fair; BUGS! - doodlebugs, spiders, ants and other crawlies are featured in this low-life revue; Once Upon a Tide - fun and fishy repertoire from the sandy beach to the briny deep; On a Wing and a Song - a birds-eye view of the cycle of seasons; Moon Crazy - captivating songs and stories to take you far away and pilot you happily home; Autumn Wonders - a rich tapestry of the colors, sounds and smells in a heartwarming, story and song-filled celebration of the season; Halloween Silly Willies - songs and stories to tickle your funny-bone without scaring your pants off; Winter Wonders (or Holiday Huzzah for Christmas and/or Chanukah) - heartwarming celebrations of the seasons, holidays and the human spirit; Spring Into Action and Song - celebrates spring and in all of its song-filled wonder; The Man Who Planted Hope - an inspiring account of reforestation in Provence, adapted from the story by Jean Giono; The Magic of Rudyard Kipling: Just So - the classic Just So Stories brought to life; Levity in Motion - mime and stories for the family, airborne exploits and other childhood flights of fancy; A Family Cabaret - an intergenerational look at daily rituals, wake-up to bedtime, from all perspectives; The Dancing Man (with ASL) - lively, interactive songs and stories to move and groove with; Harlequin and the Gift of Many Colors - stories of friendship performed with sign language; Swamp Cake and Cattails - assembly program about anti-bullying and social acceptance, fancifully disguised as a prehistoric comedy with dinosaurs and dragons; Hard Knocks - an intense one-man drama dealing with substance abuse within a family; The Perfect High - a lighter-side look at the prevention of substance abuse; Fee: starts at $375 + travel Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts

GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER Margaret Moody 78 Varnum Street Arlington, MA 02174 (781) 643-1228 Email: galapagospuppets.com Galapagos performs folk, history and gentle fantasy stories 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: For large groups: Fire Cloud Cave; The Banana Princess; Esther's Story; The Golwm. For smaller groups: Trolls in the Kitchen; Monkey Wreaks Havoc in Heaven; Badger Meets the Fairies; The Trolls and the Tree. Audience Limit: 275/assembly; 125 small group Fee: Most shows: $600 single performance; $900 two performances on same day Shows by solo puppeteer for audiences of no more than 125; $250 Special Requirements: "Esther's Story" needs a room that can be darkened

ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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)

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

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.)

FOLK TALES, NATIVE AMERICAN

SARA DEBEER 51 Randal Ave. West Hartford, CT 06110 (860) 561-5905 E Mail: sdebeer@comcast.net Website: http://sdebeer.home.comcast.net/~sdebeer/ Need a riveting entertainer who can delight audiences of all ages? Need an artist-in-residence who can partner effectively with your school's staff? Need a versatile, experienced performer? Storyteller Sara deBeer can meet all these needs and more! Since 1978, Sara deBeer has told stories to young and old, drawing from her broad repertoire of international folktales. She can frequently be found presenting assembly programs to elementary, middle, and high school students. An experienced classroom teacher with degrees from Yale and Bank Street, Sara designs programs which tie in with on-going classroom studies. A fellow of the Connecticut Writing Project, Storrs, CT, 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 also offers workshops for teachers. Another specialty of Sara's are programs for senior citizens: holiday/seasonal themes or “Tales of Wit and Wisdom,” which celebrates the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of everyday life. 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

ANGELA   CAY   KLINGLER   - THE STORYTELLER PO Box 530 Salem, NH 03079 (603) 898-0537 E Mail: TheStoryteller@AngelaKlingler.com Website: www.AngelaKlingler.com “I've worked with hundreds of artists. It is rare to find one who is as skilled at her craft and also as professional. I would recommend Angela without reservation.” (Jeannie Connoly, Arts Enrichment Coordinator, Con Val School District, NH)) “Angela's artist-in-residency filled our school with a new sense of adventure and wonder about the world.” (Denise Buckman, Grantham Village School, NH). Nationally recognized and telling professionally since 1989, from museums and arts festivals to educators' conferences, schools and libraries in NH, MA, ME, VT, NY, TX and CA, NAPPA award winning storyteller and education consultant Angela Klingler's animated retellings of traditional world folktales, fable, myths and legends bridges time, culture and curriculum K-8. (NOTE: An operating room R.N. before beginning her "second career," Angela's programming fosters an increased narrative understanding: engagement, attention, processing, sequencing, memory; the value of and personal investment in curriculum by students and fostering conflict resolution and character development through storytelling.) Program Titles: World Folktales, Fables, Fairytales, Myth, Legend and Geomythology; Story, Stone, Water, Fire; Fairy, Beasts & Lore; Tricksters, Tall Tales, Traditions, Legends & Lore; The Middle Ages; Colonial America; The Moon & Stars; Stories Around the Camp Fire; Bold Girls, Wise Women. (NOTE: Developing custom designed interdisciplinary and curriculum specific programming since 1989, visit website for sample programming for: Science, Geomythology; Environment, History; Literacy; Seasonal & Storycraft sessions available.) Audience Grade Level Suitability: K - 8 Audience Size: No limit, however, a distraction-free room/space large enough to accommodate audience is required. Special Requirements: 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, $600 for a full day-up to six sessions; $800 for full day with post performance Teacher Inservice. Additional travel fee calculated at federal rate may apply. Residencies, Teacher’s Inservices and Conferences vary and are negotiable. Block scheduling available. Funding Sources: New England States Touring (NEST) program of the New England Foundation for the Arts

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/ Winner of two national awards (NAPPA Gold & Honors) for her CDs of storytelling & music, veteran singer and storyteller Mary Jo Maichack has "got it down to a science," says Pat Pierce of Newington's Lucy Robbins-Welles Library. Mary Jo offers a huge variety of themes for your library, school (prek-8), museum, festival or other venue, from summer reading club shows to school residencies and professional development workshops for teachers and parents in using storytelling as oral literacy skill-building. Fun. Fun. Fun. Aligned with learning standards. Easy, fun and businesslike in making arrangements. Free posters and press releases save you time. Performer, creative teaching artist, cabaret singer and dynamic teller of folktales, Mary Jo's shows work because they are unusually interactive. In family and children's programs, your audiences sing, (MJ plays guitar) chant, play instruments, make sound effects, dance, act in costumes and have a ball. Vastly experienced (22 years) in any age-group or mix of ages. Using multicultural folktales at the heart of each program, Mary Jo weaves in music, dance & audience play. Please visit Web site for show descriptions from summer reading to preschools to Halloween and beyond. Winner, Julie Andrews Artist-in-Residence Award, Mass. Cultural Council Stars residency, NEFA touring artist can help fund your program. B.A. cum laude, English lit., Middlebury College. Extensive foreign language study. "Clever and engaging," says School Library Journal, "A perfect choice for the literacy path," says L.A. Parent Magazine As a cabaret singer interpreting the Great American Songbook, Mary Jo brings top notch professional pianists to accompany her and wow your audience--background or shows. Performed at Pittsfield Mass.'s Colonial Theatre, Cranwell Resort, Berkshire Forum. 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 and up Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other

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 Blog: timvanegmond.blogspot.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. Residencies in Massachusetts for special needs classes and inclusion that adapt music and storytelling to build academic, developmental, and social skills can be arranged through VSA Arts of Massachusetts. 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- $400 + travel; 2 shows - $600; 3rd and 4th show, $175 each; Block-booking discount available. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners Program. For schools in New England states outside of Massachusetts that include a public performance, the New England States Touring Program (NEST)

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 $750, 2 performances $1,100 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.

NAN   RUMPF Storytelling Arts 847 Washington Street Wellesley, MA 02482 (781) 237-6318 E Mail: nanrumpf@gmail.com Website: www.nanrumpf.com Storytelling Arts: After listening to an international folk tale, children work together in their classroom to develop a variety of artistic creations for dramatic storytelling--puppets, masks, and scenery--representing the characters in the chosen folk tale. Nan Rumpf provides all art materials and tools. Children then experiment with expressive movement, gesture, puppet manipulation, positioning, timing, taking turns, and listening for cues. They work together to present their dramatic interpretation of the tale accompanied by sound effects and live music for an audience of parents and schoolmates. (For Grades K-2.) There are several workshop stories to choose from. The international folk tales are from Africa, Japan, China, Mexico and Finland. There is also a Native American tale from the Seneca people. Program Title: Storytelling Arts Fee: Two day workshops: $350/class; $550/two classes on same project Special Requirements: Need gym or auditorium or large room for rehearsal of folktale THEATER   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   ENCHANTED CIRCLE THEATER Ellen Weiner Professional Artists Management 2411 Bay Road Sharon, MA 02067 (781) 784-6394 E Mail: elweiner@comcast.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, SCOTTISH --> FOLK TALES, SWEDISH PUPPETRY    GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER Margaret Moody 78 Varnum Street Arlington, MA 02174 (781) 643-1228 Email: galapagospuppets.com Galapagos performs folk, history and gentle fantasy stories 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: For large groups: Fire Cloud Cave; The Banana Princess; Esther's Story; The Golwm. For smaller groups: Trolls in the Kitchen; Monkey Wreaks Havoc in Heaven; Badger Meets the Fairies; The Trolls and the Tree. Audience Limit: 275/assembly; 125 small group Fee: Most shows: $600 single performance; $900 two performances on same day Shows by solo puppeteer for audiences of no more than 125; $250 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)    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   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/ Winner of two national awards (NAPPA Gold & Honors) for her CDs of storytelling & music, veteran singer and storyteller Mary Jo Maichack has "got it down to a science," says Pat Pierce of Newington's Lucy Robbins-Welles Library. Mary Jo offers a huge variety of themes for your library, school (prek-8), museum, festival or other venue, from summer reading club shows to school residencies and professional development workshops for teachers and parents in using storytelling as oral literacy skill-building. Fun. Fun. Fun. Aligned with learning standards. Easy, fun and businesslike in making arrangements. Free posters and press releases save you time. Performer, creative teaching artist, cabaret singer and dynamic teller of folktales, Mary Jo's shows work because they are unusually interactive. In family and children's programs, your audiences sing, (MJ plays guitar) chant, play instruments, make sound effects, dance, act in costumes and have a ball. Vastly experienced (22 years) in any age-group or mix of ages. Using multicultural folktales at the heart of each program, Mary Jo weaves in music, dance & audience play. Please visit Web site for show descriptions from summer reading to preschools to Halloween and beyond. Winner, Julie Andrews Artist-in-Residence Award, Mass. Cultural Council Stars residency, NEFA touring artist can help fund your program. B.A. cum laude, English lit., Middlebury College. Extensive foreign language study. "Clever and engaging," says School Library Journal, "A perfect choice for the literacy path," says L.A. Parent Magazine As a cabaret singer interpreting the Great American Songbook, Mary Jo brings top notch professional pianists to accompany her and wow your audience--background or shows. Performed at Pittsfield Mass.'s Colonial Theatre, Cranwell Resort, Berkshire Forum. 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 and up Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other FOLK TALES, TRICKSTER TALES STORYTELLING Since 2000 Karen Chace 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 200 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 and offers a free bi-monthly storytelling/education newsletter at http://storybugnewsletter.blogspot.com. 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 Residencies Story by Story - Building A Student Storytelling Troupe An experienced educator, Karen combines her teaching skills with her vast knowledge of storytelling to create a School Storytelling Club. During school hours or after school, Karen will work with your students on the dynamics of storytelling. From the page to the stage, students will learn the anatomy of a story, research skills, story selection, and story presentation. The residency culminates in a student Story Festival. In addition, Karen can tailor the residency to include individual student coaching. 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; Dragon Tales 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

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 Blog: timvanegmond.blogspot.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. Residencies in Massachusetts for special needs classes and inclusion that adapt music and storytelling to build academic, developmental, and social skills can be arranged through VSA Arts of Massachusetts. 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- $400 + travel; 2 shows - $600; 3rd and 4th show, $175 each; Block-booking discount available. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners Program. For schools in New England states outside of Massachusetts that include a public performance, the New England States Touring Program (NEST)

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

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 $750, 2 performances $1,100 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.

FOLK TALES, "WHY" STORIES

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. 30+ years experience, easy-going and flexible, references galore. Program Titles: Nature in Action, Story and Song - an educational romp on the wild and crazy side of natural science; Riot in the Garden - fun-filled farm science, awarded Most Educational at the MOFGA Common Ground Fair; BUGS! - doodlebugs, spiders, ants and other crawlies are featured in this low-life revue; Once Upon a Tide - fun and fishy repertoire from the sandy beach to the briny deep; On a Wing and a Song - a birds-eye view of the cycle of seasons; Moon Crazy - captivating songs and stories to take you far away and pilot you happily home; Autumn Wonders - a rich tapestry of the colors, sounds and smells in a heartwarming, story and song-filled celebration of the season; Halloween Silly Willies - songs and stories to tickle your funny-bone without scaring your pants off; Winter Wonders (or Holiday Huzzah for Christmas and/or Chanukah) - heartwarming celebrations of the seasons, holidays and the human spirit; Spring Into Action and Song - celebrates spring and in all of its song-filled wonder; The Man Who Planted Hope - an inspiring account of reforestation in Provence, adapted from the story by Jean Giono; The Magic of Rudyard Kipling: Just So - the classic Just So Stories brought to life; Levity in Motion - mime and stories for the family, airborne exploits and other childhood flights of fancy; A Family Cabaret - an intergenerational look at daily rituals, wake-up to bedtime, from all perspectives; The Dancing Man (with ASL) - lively, interactive songs and stories to move and groove with; Harlequin and the Gift of Many Colors - stories of friendship performed with sign language; Swamp Cake and Cattails - assembly program about anti-bullying and social acceptance, fancifully disguised as a prehistoric comedy with dinosaurs and dragons; Hard Knocks - an intense one-man drama dealing with substance abuse within a family; The Perfect High - a lighter-side look at the prevention of substance abuse; Fee: starts at $375 + travel Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts

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 Blog: timvanegmond.blogspot.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. Residencies in Massachusetts for special needs classes and inclusion that adapt music and storytelling to build academic, developmental, and social skills can be arranged through VSA Arts of Massachusetts. 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- $400 + travel; 2 shows - $600; 3rd and 4th show, $175 each; Block-booking discount available. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partners Program. For schools in New England states outside of Massachusetts that include a public performance, the New England States Touring Program (NEST)