ENVIRONMENT (See Also ANIMALS,ECOLOGY, NATURE) MUSIC  ||  THEATER  ||  STORYTELLING  ||  PUPPETRY || DANCE MUSIC         TOM   CALLINAN   and   ANN   SHAPIRO c/o Crackerbarrel Entertainments 55 East Town Street Norwich, CT 06360-2345 Phone and Fax: (860) 889-6648 E-Mail: tom.c@crackerbarrel-ents.com Website: http://www.crackerbarrel-ents.com/tomann01.htm For over 30 years, the husband and wife team of Tom Callinan and Ann Shapiro has toured an assortment of informative and entertaining participatory programs throughout the Eastern Seaboard of the United States for audiences as diverse as nursery schools through nursing homes. Whether appearing as solo artists or as their duo, they blend their extensive repertoire of songs, which span many centuries, with an impressive array of instruments from the wind, string, and percussion families. As storytellers, they were among the Featured Tellers at the National Storytelling Festival (1999), and "Tellers-In-Residence" at the International Storytelling Center (2003). Their stories are told in-tandem or individually, embellished with humor, music, sound effects, and audience involvement. Each has been designated a Master Teaching Artist by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Tom, a former junior high school teacher with a B.S. in Secondary Education from Central Connecticut State University, and a M.A.L.S. from Wesleyan University, has written over 100 songs about Connecticut – more than anyone in history. Via legislation passed by the Connecticut General Assembly, and signed by then-Governor Lowell P. Weicker, Jr., Tom was designated Connecticut's first "Official State Troubadour" in 1991. His credits include: The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; "Good Morning America"; "Shining Time Station"; among many others. Honors include: composing songs included in Emmy Award-winning documentaries and co-writing songs on Parents Choice Gold Award recordings, among others. In addition to her work as a creative and performing artist, Ann also serves as the Executive Director of the Connecticut Storytelling Center, in-residence at Connecticut College. Ann is the recipient of a number of prestigious awards, including: The National Storytelling Network’s 2005 ORACLE Leadership and Service Award For The Northeastern United States; the 2008 Brother Blue and Ruth Hill Award from LANES (The League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling); and the 2009 Elizabeth L. Mahaffey Arts Administration Fellowship Recipient from the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Tom and Ann have produced over a dozen recordings on CD and cassette (see website: www.Crackerbarrel-Ents.com). A downloadable order form is available at www.crackerbarrel-ents.com/Catalog/Order%20Form.htm, and printed study-guides pertaining to their Arts-In-Education programs are available on request. Information about teacher-training, consulting services, and custom songwriting are available as well. Program Titles: Environmental Hootenanny; From Sea to Shining Sea; Brother Against Brother; Young America; Come On & Sing-Along; I'm Gonna Write a Song; Home Fires; Imagine Menagerie; Thumbs-Up for Connecticut; Sea Songs, Chanteys, and Nautical Lore; Irish and Irish-American Songs, Tunes, and Tales; Getting Along; Holiday Hodge-Podge, and more. Audience Limit: 30/class; 300/assembly Fees: Assembly- $500/solo [1st show. 2nd show @ $300]; $750/duo [1st show. 2nd show @ $450]; Classroom- $500 per day/4 classes-solo. Travel is included within Connecticut. Out of state: 55¢ per mile, round-trip from Norwich, CT. Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts, BOCES (New York). Special Requirements: Access to performance space 45 minutes before first show    TOM   CALLINAN   and   DON   SINETI c/o Crackerbarrel Entertainments 55 East Town Street Norwich, CT 06360-2345 Phone and Fax: (860) 889-6648 E-Mail: tom.c@crackerbarrel-ents.com Website: http://www.crackerbarrel-ents.com/don_and_tom.htm With banjo, concertina, guitar, spoons, bodhran, ocarina, penny whistles, bones, and limberjack, Tom and Don are masters of generating audience participation. Their infectious performing style blends sea songs and traditional folksongs with folk-revival and original compositions. Sea chanteys (work songs), done in powerful harmony, recall the days of wooden ships and iron men. Ballads and songs about the environment and the plight of the world's endangered whales bring out their more sensitive side. Effortlessly, the duo shifts gears from ballads, to toe-tapping instrumentals, to silly ditties. They are ideal for inter-generational/family audiences and fund-raisers. Their programs can be specific or eclectic in theme, depending on the needs of the sponsoring organization (school, library, museum, etc.). Some feature the implementation of "home-made" apparatus to simulate the experience of working on a ship for volunteers selected from the audience. Rhythm instruments are often distributed to volunteers selected from the audience to form a "foo-foo" band, reminiscent of those found in immigrant communities, or on ship-board in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th Centuries. Music, songs, Don's award-winning illustrations, slides, and an assortment of hands-on artifacts raise the lecture/demo format to a multi-media experience. Program Titles: Songs & Tales of Ships & Whales; Folksongs - Old & New; Songs For the Earth; Instruments & Instrumentals; Drawn By the Song of the Sea (Illustrations/Slides & Music). Audience Limit: 30/class; 300/assembly Fees: Assembly- $500/solo [1st show. 2nd show @ $300]; $750/duo [1st show. 2nd show @ $450]; Classroom- $500 per day/4 classes-solo. Travel is included within Connecticut. Out of state: 35¢ per mile, round-trip from Clinton, CT. Funding Sources: Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, New England Foundation for the Arts, BOCES (in New York) Special Requirements: Access to performance space 45 minites before first show    PAUL   KAPLAN 203 Heatherstone Road Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 253-9484 E Mail: phkaplan@yahoo.com Website: www.paulkaplanmusic.com Paul Kaplan believes that music is unique in its ability to cross the boundaries of time and place, opening minds and hearts along the way. His programs include "Songs Around the World," adaptable to include music from cultures of your choice, "American Folksong Singalong," "Songs of the Sea," "Immigration Songs," "Songs for the Earth," and three interactive seasonal shows for young people: "Fall Frolic," "Wonders of Winter," and "Sing for Spring." Also, with bagpiper Larry Cole, "Music of the Isles (England, Ireland and Scotland)," and "The World of Bagpipes." All shows feature many opportunities for audience participation. Program Title: Songs Around the World, Folk Singalong, Songs of the Sea, Songs for the Earth, Music of the Isles (England, Ireland and Scotland), Fall Frolic, Wonders of Winter, Sing for Spring Audience Size: 350 Fee: $300 for one show; $450 for two; travel negotiable Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council (event)   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   TAINO Encore Performing Arts, Inc Roberta Wolinsky PO Box 630 Melville, NY 11747 (800) 669-9850 Fax: (631) 423-1795 Email: taino@encoreperforming.com Website: http://encoreperforming.com/ta.htm After a five year journey through Central and South America and the Caribbean, Sana and Papo returned to their homes in New England and Puerto Rico and created TAINO (pronounced tah-ee-noe) and for the past 15 years have toured the Eastern Seaboard enchanting audiences with their unique brand of worldclass, Caribbean-flavored music, with storytelling relating their on-going adventures in both cultures. TAINO is available in the U.S.A. from mid-May through mid-December; during the remaining 5 months TAINO resides on their mountain farm in Puerto Rico, conducting inter-cultural exchange programs. TAINO has two recordings of Caribbean World music for all ages. Complimentary copies with all 2001 bookings. PROGRAMS: The Journey: TAINO retraces their journey through Latin America & the Caribbean through story & song. Authentic music with student participation. Bilingual adventure. Calypso Jam-O-Rama: The sparkle of the steel drum adds to TAINO's diverse ensemble of instruments. In a highly participatory performance, Sana & Papo explore Mento, Calypso, and Reggae roots in the Afro-Latin culture of the islands. Caribbean Holiday: A music journey of the Caribbean celebrating the joyful and festive holiday season in Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Trinidad, Guadalupe, and Jamaica. Discovering Columbus: Through story, song, theater, and audience pariticpation TAINO explores the world that Columbus encountered, and the transformation of that world with the meeting of the Native American, european, and African peoples. Rainforest: Travel along the equator visitng the endangered tropical forest regions through music & stories inspired by the sounds & flavors of South America, Africa, and Asia. Caribbean Carnaval: A new end of the school year show; a festive variety of Caribbean music featuring Sana's dazzling keyboard & emphasizing audinece and "on-stage" student participation. Wow! Gracias A La Vida: Thanksgiving Around the World: Masks, dance, and audience participation combine with songs, ethnic instruments, and stories to celebrate the harvest time in the British Isles, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Program Titles: Calypso Jam-O-Rama; The Journey; Rainforest; Caribbean Holiday; Discovering Columbus; Caribbean Carnaval; Gracias A La Vida: Thanksgiving Around the World Audience Limit: 300/assembly Fee: $800/single; $1,050 per double show in same location. Travel fees are variable. Block booking discounts. Residencies available. Funding Source: Vermont Arts Council Special Requirements: Tech Rider will be provided with contract    ROGER  TINCKNELL 78 Pratt Corner Road Shutesbury, MA 01072 (413) 259-1146 E-Mail: roger@rogertincknell.com Website: www.rogertincknell.com Two-time Parents’ Choice Award-winning recording artist, Roger Tincknell offers participatory, curriculum-based music assemblies and workshops. As a former classroom teacher and music specialist, Roger provides enriching multi-cultural, historical, and environmental programs. His repertoire includes international folk-songs sung in a variety of languages as well as songs and dances from Native, African, European and Asian- American traditions. He plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, piano, ukulele, Irish bozouki, Incan charango, Russian balalaika, Puerto Rican cuatro, harmonica, Native American flutes, African drums and Latin percussion. His programs include: Across the Americas, a musical journey from Canada to South America; Earth Rhythms, an environmental program, Children's Songs and Singing Games, a participatory multicultural program for younger grades. Roger also offers songwriting workshops and hands-on programs for special needs and very young children. Comprehensive study guides are provided. Program Titles: Across the Americas (can be tailored to include: Colonial America to the Revolution, Immigration and Industrial America; From Slavery to Civil Rights; Cowboys, Yodeling and Western Expansion; Latin American Songs, Dances and Instruments; Songs of the Sea.); Earth Rhythms (Celebrates and teaches environmental awareness); Children's Songs and Singing Games; Holidays from Around the World (Winter Solstice Celebration, Martin Luther King Jr., St. Patrick's Day, Halloween and others); Under One Sky: A Multicultural Musical Journey around the World Audience Limit: 40/class; 400/assembly Fee: $350-$400 (plus travel) sliding scale for one show with additional programs on same day 1/2 price. Funding Source: MCC, Local Cultural Councils and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Very Special Arts, BOCES (NY), SCLC (CT) Special Requirements: table and access to electricity   THEATER    RICK   ADAM Encore Performing Arts, Inc Roberta Wolinsky PO Box 630 Melville, NY 11747 (800) 669-9850 Fax: (631) 423-1795 Email: rickadam@encoreperforming.com Website: http://encoreperforming.com/ra.htm Rick Adam presents entertaining and effective performances dealing with social issues for all ages. "Sound Choices" (for grades K-6) With a unique combination of songs, circus arts and audience participation, this up-lifting, entertaining program teaches children how to build a foundation for healthy living. Grades K-3 focuses on developing healthy choices around food, exercise, emotions and having fun. Grades 4-6 expands on how to make positive choices, grow up substance-free and create a balanced lifestyle. “Be Cool, Be Safe” (for grades K-6) creates a fun jam of original music, mime, circus stuff, and audience participation that will help empower children to make positive choices regarding bullying, taming tempers, preventing abuse and violence, resisting peer pressure, and celebrating differences. It is an educational, enchanting, and highly entertaining performance designed to leave the audience with plenty of creative tools to build and maintain harmony in our world. "A Journey Through Addiction" (for grades 5-12) is a compelling theatrical production, using original music, drama, mime and vaudeville, to explore alcoholism, drug dependency, eating disorders, teen suicide, and self-destructive attitudes, encouraging students to make healthy choices and build self-esteem. "Resolving Rage" (for grades 6-12): This mesmerizing, autobiographical program teaches easy-to-remember tools to control tempers, address bullying, channel aggression, avoid conflicts, and simple tips on how to be smart and safe in cyber-space. Rick delivers his message using music, mime, storytelling, and a variety of stage skills to discover how to tap into student’s creative energy, appreciate differences, and instill a positive outlook on life. "Red's Recycle-O-Rama" (for grades K-6) uses audience participation, storytelling, magic, juggling, hand shadows, original songs, and Red's Original One-Man Junk Band to offer fun-loving tips on how and why to recycle, reuse, and reduce. “Shaking’ Up Shakespeare” (for grades 6-12) Equipped with an electric guitar and his arsenal of stage skills, Rick translates into modern times, the works and world of Shakespeare. Rick shares his personal story, of how at 18 he went from the streets to the stage. Students will get to examine ageless teen issues and discover that the “Old Bard” still rocks, raps, and rules! Program Titles: Sound Choices; A Journey Through Addiction; Be Cool, Be Safe; Resolving Rage; Red's Recycle-O-Rama; Shaking Up Shakespeare. Audience Limits: none Special Requirements: 90 minute set-up time; electricity; clear stage. Fee: $650-750 for 1 show; $950-1050 for 2 back-to-back; public performances may be higher Funding Sources: New England Touring Roster, New England Foundation for the Arts   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)    HENRY LAPPEN 120 Pulpit Hill Road, #31 Amherst, MA 01002 (413) 549-3722 E mail: wow@HenryLappen.com Website: www.henrylappen.com A Passion for Birds is a unique, interpretive program which helps students to understand and connect with birds and other wildlife. Using masks, comedy, and lots of audience participation, Henry Lappen explores how and why birds have adapted to their environment. He explains the science while demonstrating how the birds move and act. Participants get to don the masks and soar as Eagles, stalk as Herons, and swim as Puffins. Covers several state science curriculum standards. Henry the Juggler Henry the Juggler (AKA Henry Lappen) is wanted! He is wanted by audiences everywhere for his zany attempts to defy the laws of gravity. He juggles any number of balls, clubs, rings, members of the audience . . . He balances strange items on the tip of his nose. Everything is accomplished wordlessly as Henry uses body language and gesture to express himself. Caution: Henry is known to use innocent bystanders in his act. Henry the Juggler is a professional. He has been seen by tens of thousands up and down the East Coast - at theaters, schools, libraries and festivals. He has been performing for over twenty five years. He studied physical comedy at California's Dell'Arte School. He is an active member of the International Jugglers' Association. Program Title: A Passion for Birds; Henry the Juggler Audience Limit: A Passion for Birds: 250; Henry the Juggler: 500 Fee: $425 for 1 show, $650. for 2. Travel may be extra. Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, your local Massachusetts cultural council, and New England Foundation for the Arts.   PUPPETRY       BURT THE RACCOON - THE WORLD'S FUNNIEST PUPPET SHOW! John L. Tierney, Ed. D. 169 Browning Street Wakefield, RI 02879 (401) 789-1749 E Mail: Burttheraccoon@aol.com Website: www.Burttheraccoon.com John Tierney is a teacher and a professional puppeteer with a background in early childhood education. He has performed the Burt Show at schools, libraries and festivals since 1985. Exciting, entertaining and educational, this program explains many facts about raccoons as well as "demonstrating" a typical forest food chain. Ideal for children in preschool, kindergarten, first, second and third grade. Program Titles: Burt the Raccoon - The World's Funniest Puppet Show Audience Limit: 25 to 30 Fee: $165; $250 for 2 shows    DEBORAH   COSTINE,   PUPPETEER! 6 Wood Street Southborough, MA 01772 508-481-6837 E Mail: deborahcostine@verizon.net Longtime puppeteer Deborah Costine is the recipient of the 2009 "UNIMA Citation of Excellence" - the highest award for puppetry in the U. S. After many years with the well-known Gerwick Puppets she has also created "Small Shows for Small Groups of Small Children," for children ages 3 and up. Audience size is limited! The Twig Family in The Oak Tree This happy gentle, original story by Debbie is about a family of imaginary “twig” people who live in harmony with nature. There are Leaf and Fern and their daughter Mossy. Their Oak Tree home provides them with everything they need to be happy. What a surprise when they receive a visit from “cousin Lawn” who tells them they should leave their home! Audience size limited to 35 people! The Three Pigs and other Classics Using mesmerizing and unique Shadow Puppetry, Deborah presents “The Three Billy Goats Gruff”, “The Three Pigs”, “Stone Soup” and “The Shoemaker and The Elves”. The Woodland Cinderella This new version of Cinderella takes place in the land of the Woodland Fairies. There are many kinds of fairies: moss, fern, and rock fairies to name a few. The King of all Woodland fairies wants his son to marry a fairy princess, but can’t find one. So he hosts a great ball and invites every fairy maiden in the land. He is hoping that a princess will come! And there is a secret to identifying a true fairy princess. Special Requirements: Audience size is limited to 75 people, except “The Twig Family in the Oak Tree” must not exceed 35 people. The “Shadow Puppet” show needs a darkened room. Fees: $275 plus a travel fee. Additional performances are $150. Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts and N.E.S.T.    GALAPAGOS   PUPPET   THEATER Margaret Moody 78 Varnum Street Arlington, MA 02174 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   KLS  Magic  Castle  Puppet  Theater Andrea O'Regan 24 Pearl Street Extension Beverly, MA 01915 Toll Free: (866) 236-8208 E Mail: KLSPuppets@aol.com Website: klspuppets.homestead.com The KLS Magic Castle Puppet Theater has been performing in schools and libraries for more than 14 years. Providing science enrichment for the lower elementary grades, our puppet theater can be set up in your caf, auditorium, library or classroom. Included are topics from the Curriculum Frameworks. Shows are interactive and include music. Children receive opportunities for growth of imagination and creative expression. (Prior to working in puppetry Andrea O'Regan was an elementary science teacher, graduating from Northeastern University with Graduate level work in the Creative Arts Program at Lesley University.) Program Title: Oceans Away; Animals in Winter; The Pirate's Missing Pumpkin (Halloween); A Long Winter's Nap; Giorgio's Springtime Soup; Dinosaurs; The Rain Forest; The Amazing Life Cycle of the Butterfly. Animal Hibernation shows appropriate for each grade PreK through 3. Now offering Bullying Prevention Programs for K-4. Audience Grade Level Suitability: PreK - 4 Audience Size: 250/assembly Special Requirements: Electricity Fee: $250 and up.    DIANE  KORDAS  ROMPER  RHYTHM  AND  PUPPETS Diane Kordas P.O. Box 181 Chester, NH 03036 603-315-3083 Email: diane@romperrhythm.com Website: http://www.romperrhythm.com Diane Kordas brings stories to life with puppets and music, either with a staged puppet show production or with songs and short puppet skits. Lots of humor and audience participation are highlights of each program. Great for preschools and day care centers, schools, libraries, birthday parties, recreation centers and more. *NH Council on the Arts Touring Artist and New England Foundation for the Arts (link) *Winner of Children's Music Web award for her Dinosaur Stomp CD. Program Titles: Friendly Forest Folktales; Bremen Town Musicians; Pirates, Ahoy!; Elves and the Shoemaker with the Gingerbread Man; Sir George and the Dragon; Outerspace Adventures!. Shadow Puppet show: Chicken Little and other Tales. Residencies, workshops, Teacher Training workshops. See www.romperrhythm.com for new shows and updates Grade Level Suitability: pre-K - 3 for most programs, workshops and residencies for K-12 Audience Limits: 250 Special Requirements: I supply my own puppet stage, sound, lighting_and need a grounded 3 prong outlet to plug into. Fee: Starts at $300, discount for block bookings Funding Sources: New England Touring Roster, New England Foundation for the Arts; New Hampshire State Council for the Arts 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 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. 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)    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    DIANE   POSTOIAN 130 Wentworth Ave. Cranston, RI 02905 (401) 461-1322 E Mail: dianepostoian@verizon.net Website: www.dianepostoian.com Diane dramatizes contemporary books on a child's reading level, so she can say to her audience, "If you liked this story, you can read it." Her energetic, comical classroom workshops include many of the language arts standards. And her personal stories for adolescents put humor back into growing pains. Diane is determined to raise the standard of entertainment for young people. As former director of Looking Glass Theatre, Diane received grants nationwide for her innovative work in education and performance. In 2006, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from Rhode Island College. Program Titles: Storytheatre - one woman shows with multiple characters; Earth Stories (Grades K-2); Folk Tales with participation for 5 students (Grades 3 - 6). Workshops: Acting Naturally About Reading; Ask Olga! - stand up comedy and mental health awareness (Grades 5 - 12) Audience Limit: Shows: 150 students; Workshops - classroom size Special Requirements: open space Fee: $375 - $725 plus travel Possible Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, State Arts Councils, VSA Arts, Titles One and Four   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   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   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) Language Arts: Folk Tales, Trickster Tales, 'Why' Tales Science: Environment, Ecology, Seasons, Nature Social Studies: World Cultures, Holidays, Community Health: Disabilty Awareness RETURN TO SCIENCE GO TO HOME PAGE