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Creatures of Our Mind's Eye: Creating Kindness and Concern
Program Categories
Authors and Illustrators, Storytellers
Audience Age
GRADES: Pre-K-2, 3-5 or AGES: 4-8
The storyteller uses stories to teach kindness and concern. Some stories are told with mime or puppets, and often with folk percussion sound effects she brings in her suitcase.
Many of the stories involve animals who have a problem about getting along, creating community, desiring something, or finding a use for their talent (strength area). When there is a multiaged audience, some of the stories involve people solving problems and figuring out solutions.
Some participants may be asked to help with the sound effects. All participate with short songs, chants, or by contributing ideas in what Gail calls "Organic Storytelling."
$150.
I ordinarily receive $200 for a performance. However if there is a workshop afterward with a group (where I help them tell stories for 20-30 minutes using instruments and/or puppets) Then the cost is $200 for the Library. I often negotiate with a Library if they cannot afford my costs. Then can pay my travel, for instance, which might come out of a different budget. If you really want a storytelling program with puppets, mime and soud effects, we can work out the costs.
Group Size
25-150
Program Length
45-55 min.
I will need a table for my puppets and musical instruments. I will need a ( space (3-4 ft.) between my table and where the audience sits on the floor or chairs. I often more around and sometimes have audience members come into that space to help.
Last Modified
06/28/2018
Performer’s Contact Information
Gail N. Herman, PhD, Storyteller and Teaching Artist
Gail N. Herman11 Russell Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
View All Programs Offered by Gail N. Herman, PhD, Storyteller and Teaching Artist
I have been a storyteller since 1979 when I worked with the Creative Arts in Education Program from the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. They sent me out to schools and Libraries to do workshops and performances. I also worked for Traveling Artists and Performance Company (TAPCO) in CT. For 24 years I also performed stories in Maryland and did 3-5 day residencies in schools using storytelling, mime, and creative writing. For 15 years I taught "Cultural History through Storytelling" to teachers through the Lesley University Creative Arts Graduate Program in 12 different states. I can help a grade or school develop a Storytelling Festival with students creating stories or retelling folk and tall stories. This is one of the best methods of teaching deep comprehension and organization of thoughts. We use visual story maps to construct structure of our writing and chunking of the story parts. I have a degree in theater as well as two degrees in education, so I also teach communication and speaking skills as well as writing skills. I hope I can come to your Library and either perform or work with you students (pre-k to age 12). I also can teach workshops to older students, which I also enjoy.