Decee Cornish
Raised in Houston's Fifth Ward, Decee attended Prairie View University, then joined the military and served around the world. He traveled and lived among peoples of five continents experiencing their culture, learning their history, and hearing their stories. Decee began his storytelling career at a nonprofit youth facility for disadvantaged and at-risk children. He uses his stories to teach, motivate, inspire, and often just to entertain. Decee continues to bring smiles and laughter to troubled youth through the 'I Have a Dream' Foundation. Decee received numerous storytelling awards, including the prestigious John Henry Faulk Award for outstanding contributions to the art of storytelling. Decee's programs include plenty of audience participation, drumming, and music, providing fun for all. Texas, Civil War, multicultural, United States, and world histories are some of the many curriculum-related programs available. He performs ghost stories, myths, tall tales, multicultural folktales, or just fun stories for entertainment. For over 20 years, Decee has provided storytelling in schools, libraries, local and national festivals, corporate, and special events. He has been a featured storyteller at festivals where he entertained audiences big and small, from ages eight to eighty. Photo by Paul Porter.
contact
Carole Weitzel
118 Beach Mountain Cove
Georgetown, TX 78633
phone 512-914-2596
phone#2 682-347-7107
e-mail carole@authorsandmore.com
public performance/concert $550 - $1,500
school performance $800 - $2,000
workshop fees $500 - $1,500
travel/per diem/lodging $150 - $1,000
website http://www.deceecornish.com
Elizabeth Ellis
Elizabeth Ellis' work has been described as 'invariably moving and amusing.' A repertoire of more than four hundred stories makes it possible for Elizabeth to create programs tailored to fit the needs of the presenter and the age and interest of her listeners. Tales of Texas, Appalachian, and heroic American women are much requested, but stories of Elizabeth's own life are arguably her best. Adult concerts include How Women Won the Vote and Tougher than Woodpecker Lips (challenges). Children's concerts include There's Always a Troublemaker and A Trip Around the World in Folktales. Raised in the Appalachian Mountains in a family of storytellers, Elizabeth has shared her tales with over a million children and countless adults in her forty-one-year career. A perennial favorite at schools and libraries across Texas and at the National Storytelling Festival, she is a recipient of the John Henry Faulk Award and the National Storytelling Network's Lifetime Achievement Award. Elizabeth can awaken the storyteller and story collector in anyone. Workshops about collecting family stories are a specialty. Photo by Paul Porter.
contact
Elizabeth Ellis
6218 Wofford Avenue
Dallas, TX 75227
phone 214-282-7701
phone#2 214-381-4676
e-mail storyellis9@gmail.com
public performance/concert $150 - $1,000
school performance $350 - $900
workshop fees $150 - $900
travel/per diem/lodging $0 - $1,500
website http://elizabethellis.com
Donna Ingham
Tale teller and author Donna Ingham takes the ancient art of storytelling and gives it a Texas twist in her finely crafted stories from history, folklore, and her personal experiences. A recipient of the Tejas Storytelling Association’s John Henry Faulk Award and a National Storytelling Network ORACLE Award, she is also a champion liar, having been named the Biggest Liar in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Denton, and, yes, the whole state of Texas. A college English professor in her former life, she is an award-winning writer and producer of spoken word CDs, with six books and five CDs to her credit. Her stories reflect her native roots in the Lone Star State, and she chooses appropriate stories for all ages and stages. She continues to offer her popular 'Tall Tales and True' programs adaptable for all ages, with some stories complemented by guitar, ukulele, or washboard accompaniment. Representative stories allow for multicultural elements and geographic scope. In addition to programs and performances for schools, libraries, conferences, and festivals, she also offers keynotes, luncheon and after-dinner speaking, author visits, workshops, and residencies. Photo by C. Y. Ingham.
contact
Donna Ingham
1025 Coventry Road
Spicewood, TX 78669
phone 512-656-8186
phone#2 830-693-1641
e-mail tell.write@gmail.com
public performance/concert $350 - $1,500
school performance $450 - $1,000
workshop fees $450 - $1,000
travel/per diem/lodging $50 - $1,000
website https://www.donnaingham.com
Oba William King
A new resident to Dallas-Fort Worth, Oba William King is an interactive storyteller, author, drummer, and award-winning performer. He is a nationally touring educational entertainer and workshop presenter. Oba's 'Storytelling Time' school and library programs are engaging activities for all ages and cultures in venues large or small. He presents 'Spinning A Yarn' for seasoned adults and his 'Family Literacy Night' activities have thrilled audiences all across these great United States. His most significant storytelling experience was achieved during his sojourn to Benin, west Africa as part of a team of missionaries assigned to develop water wells in three small villages around the city of Cotonou. Oba's rhythmic drumming and traditional American folk tales were orally translated into the regional languages during his presentations. A favorite presenter at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough, TN, the National Association of Black Storytellers Annual Festival and Conference, and the Chicago History Museum's King Day Celebration, he also presented Family Night at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Oba William King is a Traditional Folk Arts Fellowship recipient from the Illinois Arts Council sharing the art of storytelling, poetry, and spoken word for all ages and all cultures. Additional programs can be created to fit your needs. Photo by Chicago Association of Black Storytellers.
contact
Oba William King
7313 Colonial Dr
Forest Hill, TX 76140
phone 817-405-9492
phone#2 773-288-0800
e-mail oba.owk@gmail.com
public performance/concert $465 - $2,000
school performance $300 - $950
workshop fees $275 - $1,150
travel/per diem/lodging $225 - $1,175
website https://www.obawilliamking.com
Sue Kuentz
Thank goodness storytelling found Sue Kuentz early in her career because she has a lot to say! Sue excites and connects to family and adult audiences by taking them on journeys through her multicultural folktales, fairy tales, urban legends, and personal stories from around the world. Using words, music, puppetry, and even string figures, she engages active participation among listeners, mesmerizing even the most reluctant of kids. Sue's storytelling passion and energy originated from her 32 years as an elementary teacher and librarian in San Antonio. She has performed at multiple schools, libraries, festivals, and conferences throughout Texas such as the Grand Kids Fest in Galveston, the George West Storyfest, the Texas Library Association, ESC 20 Library Resource Roundup, and the Texas Storytelling Festival. Performances include but are not limited to: Multicultural Tales from Around the World, Stories for the 8 Habits of Happy Kids, Storytelling and Writing for 3rd-7th graders, Stringing You Along: String Figures in Stories, Tales to Chill Your Bones, and Urban Legends for Tweens. Sue devours the brain research on storytelling and shares her knowledge in workshops such as Telling Your School’s Story and We’re Hot-wired to Tell Stories in school districts throughout Texas. Photo by Chuck Kuentz.
contact
Sue Kuentz
151 Saur Road
Bulverde, TX 78163
phone 210-326-7877
phone#2
e-mail sue.kuentz@gmail.com
public performance/concert $250 - $2,000
school performance $200 - $2,000
workshop fees $500 - $2,000
travel/per diem/lodging $100 - $2,000
website http://www.door2lore.com
Kim Lehman
Kim Lehman is a storyteller, musician, workshop presenter, honey bee educator, and author. For over 30 years, she has performed at hundreds of festivals, schools, libraries, and museums, including being a featured teller at the Texas Storytelling Festival. Each entertaining and educational program includes a variety of stories and songs that can be tailored to each audience and venue. Kim is a well-known educator best known for her dynamic, practical workshops featuring easy-to-implement activities for librarians, teachers, and parents. She has presented over 160 workshops throughout Texas. Some popular topics include using music, storytelling, puppets, art, science, and literature with children. The Story and Song programs combine songs, stories, props, poetry, puppets, and participation for preschool, elementary ages, and families. Possible themes include folktales around the world, pioneers, fairy tales, space, and more. All Together Now is an inter-generational program, bringing together children and senior citizens. Science programs range from Aerodynamics to The Buzz About Bees, a program about honey bees with participation, music, props, and optional hands-on activities. Known as the Bee Lady, Kim is the author of Beekeeper’s Lab: 52 Family-Friendly Activities and Experiments Exploring the Life of the Hive. Photo by Mark Wieland.
contact
Kim Lehman
PO Box 117
Smithville, TX 78957
phone 512-627-0113
phone#2
e-mail kim.lehman@sbcglobal.net
public performance/concert $300 - $1,000
school performance $250 - $1,500
workshop fees $250 - $2,000
travel/per diem/lodging $0 - $1,000
website https://www.kimlehman.com
Lucas Miller, the Singing Zoologist
Want to get your students excited about science? STEM and the arts go hand-in-hand in multimedia presentations by author, YouTuber, and 'singing zoologist,' Lucas Miller! Pre-K to 5th graders will laugh, sing and learn about wetlands, ocelots, monarch butterflies, metamorphosis, and much more through Lucas' creative blend of smart songwriting, hilarious puppetry, and dazzling animations. Perfect for elementary schools, libraries, and family concerts: kids love Miller's zany, unbridled enthusiasm, and adults love his focus on accurate, curriculum-related science. Each 45-55 minute presentation features several songs and stories that address a major science theme such as life cycles, adaptations, Texas ecosystems, and ocean ecology. Creative animations, videos, and images accompany the music and lessons to deepen understanding and keep the audience focused. Lucas earned a degree in zoology and has been touring Texas and the nation since 1994. He knows his biology and how to introduce kids to science in a way that leaves them excited and motivated. Look him up on YouTube to sample his work and then visit www.singingzoologist.com for all the details on bringing him to your school, library, theater, or other venues. Photo by Thomas Slanker.
contact
Lucas Miller
12805 Winding Creek Rd.
Austin, TX 78736
phone 512-567-2626
phone#2
e-mail jlucasmiller@gmail.com
public performance/concert $1,000 - $4,500
school performance $750 - $3,000
workshop fees $500 - $2,500
travel/per diem/lodging $25 - $1,500
website https://www.singingzoologist.com
Mrs. Dipsworth
Mrs. Dipsworth is a fairy godmother-style character with a larger-than-life presence and highly interactive presentation. She reads stories chosen by the teacher, librarian, or host that align with their current theme or curriculum. Songs and dances that complement the story are added to enhance the overall experience, and the delivery is comparable to that which every spunky grandmother would give. Children ages 0 through 11 have been entertained by Mrs. Dipsworth’s storytime since 2011. School districts such as Fort Worth ISD, Irving ISD, Aledo ISD, Dallas ISD, Keller ISD, and more have created extended curriculum including regular visits from Mrs. Dipsworth. Dallas-FortW orth native Sheran Goodspeed Keyton beautifully transforms from her regular live performance persona to become this fun and engaging character. Sheran Goodspeed Keyton has been acting and singing professionally for more than 30 years. She has performed in many venues all over the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and has toured nationally and internationally. During the past 15 years, Sheran Goodspeed Keyton has partnered with many arts organizations in the area to produce original works. She has formed a relationship as an artist with Big Thought and has performed in the Dallas ISD for the past 14 years. Photo by Freddie Watkins, Forever Photography Studios.
contact
Sheran Keyton
PO Box 15963
Fort Worth, TX 76119
phone 817-313-3052
phone#2
e-mail mrsdipsworth@yahoo.com
public performance/concert $1,000 - $1,500
school performance $500 - $750
workshop fees $500 - $1,000
travel/per diem/lodging $100 - $500
website https://www.mrsdipsworth.com/
Bernadette Nason
Multiple award-winning English storyteller/actress/writer Bernadette Nason has studied all over the world, including Guildford Acting School. She's the author of Tea in Tripoli: A Memoir, and appears in movies like Miss Congeniality and regional theatrical productions. She's performed on four continents, and been 'The Biggest Liar in Texas.' Believing the power and influence of live storytelling can change the world, Nason produces captivating programs of multicultural stories, mixing traditional telling with creative drama. Her acclaimed programs include ethnic world tales, holiday themes, and personal family yarns. With shows suitable for all ages, she presents in schools, libraries, festivals, conferences, theaters, retirement communities, and more. Working closely with educators, Bernadette offers uplifting, interactive stories with content supporting character development and academic testing requirements. Need a specific program? Nason can tailor accordingly. With over 30 years' experience, she has hundreds of stories available (regularly preparing fresh ones) but programs are compiled seasonally for ease of selection and booking. Always available: collections for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Black History Month, Valentine's Day, Legends of Texas Flowers, St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo. New: 'Summertime Scorchers' and 'Tails and Tales.' Photo by Huck Huckaby.
contact
Bernadette Nason
2900 West Anderson Lane, C200/302
Austin, TX 78757
phone 512-633-1803
phone#2
e-mail bmnason@gmail.com
public performance/concert $350 - $2,000
school performance $350 - $2,000
workshop fees $450 - $2,000
travel/per diem/lodging $0 - $2,000
website http://www.bernadettenason.com
Toni Simmons
Toni Simmons is an award-winning, dynamic storyteller and author who brings new life to her stories with orchestrated songs, rhythms, chants and audience participation. Toni is a former librarian and drama teacher who has presented her multicultural tales throughout the US. She has captivated audiences at many festivals including her performance at the National Storytelling Festival Exchange Place. Internationally, she has performed in schools in South Africa, in Germany, and in Mexico. She was designated as an NEA American Masterpiece artist. Her interactive sessions also use creative drama with a variety of age-appropriate folklore. The audience is taken on an imaginary story trip to different continents all the while helping to tell the stories. Her programs are designed to motivate, inspire, and educate while being entertaining. Some popular programs include Exploring Our Cultures and Black History Month. She performs at schools, libraries, churches, festivals, and museums. She conducts workshops for storytellers, teachers, and students on using drama in stories and beginning techniques. Photo by Duane Reed.
contact
Toni Simmons
5306 Perrington Heights Lane
Houston, TX 77056
phone 972-765-4741
phone#2
e-mail toni@tonisimmons.com
public performance/concert $350 - $1,000
school performance $350 - $1,200
workshop fees $500 - $1,200
travel/per diem/lodging $0 - $500
website https://www.tonisimmons.com
Tim Tingle, Choctaw Storyteller and Author
A lifelong Texan and member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Tim Tingle is known for selecting tales that perfectly fit his audience. As the author of twenty books and a touring storyteller for two decades, Tingle has hundreds of stories in his repertory. For K-2nd graders, his stories are fun and audience-participating, such as How Rabbit Lost His Tail, because he won’t stop talking! A favorite for 2nd and 3rd graders is Backyard Bigfoot, a hilarious story about Bigfoot, as seen through a hole in the fence! For older school audiences, How I Became A Ghost is told in the voice of a ten-year-old boy struggling to survive the Trail of Tears. Crossing Bok Chitto is a powerful story of the friendship between Choctaws and enslaved peoples before the Civil War, and Tingle plays the drum and sings Choctaw songs throughout the performance. He has performed across the US, and at schools and theaters in Canada, Germany, and Ireland. Whether storytelling and playing his native flute and drum, or delivering keynote addresses and teaching writing workshops, Tim Tingle strives to entertain and inform, and will gladly develop programs to fit presenters' needs. For more performance details: www.timtingle.com Photo by Robbie Trujillo.
contact
Tim Tingle
4417 Morningside Way
Canyon Lake, TX 78133
phone 830-832-4288
phone#2
e-mail timtingle@hotmail.com
public performance/concert $150 - $950
school performance $250 - $1,250
workshop fees $250 - $750
travel/per diem/lodging $0 - $1,500
website http://www.timtingle.com
Tiny Tails to You, LLC
Tiny Tails to You provides amazing storytelling shows that bring the animal world to life for audiences of all ages. Their educational programs capture the wonder and joy of animals through silly songs, fun facts, stories, and animal movement and feeding demonstrations. The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills-aligned curriculum is perfect for children of all ages. Their Potter-themed 'Magical Creatures' programs and 'hoppy' hours are perfect for teens and adults, and the Tiny Tails storytelling pet therapy programs with reminiscing are great activities for seniors. Tiny Tails to You has provided monthly indoor storytelling shows at BookPeople in Austin since 2010. They have provided annual programs for many Austin Public Libraries, the Georgetown Public Library, San Marcos Public Library, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, University of Texas Fine Arts Program, ZACH Theatre, Texas Lutheran University and at schools, preschools, assisted living facilities, universities and businesses all over Texas. Photo by Tiny Tails to You.
contact
Chelsea Phillips
Austin, TX
phone 512-423-5577
phone#2
e-mail info@tinytailstoyou.com
public performance/concert $300 - $2,500
school performance $300 - $2,000
workshop fees $300 - $2,500
travel/per diem/lodging $40 - $250
website https://www.tinytailstoyou.com
Sue Young
Bilingual storyteller Sue Young has delighted audiences at museums, festivals, schools, and libraries around Texas and the US since 1994. An accomplished singer and songwriter, she received a 2013 Texas Music Awards nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year. Her CD, The Legend of the Quetzal, received a 2007 Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award and she wrote the 2009 and 2011 Texas Summer Reading Club theme songs. Her interactive programs include Cantos Y Cuentos: Tales & Tunes of Latin America, a fun trip around Latin America through legends, folktales, traditional and original songs; ¡Viva México! Celebrate Mexico through songs and stories; Texican Tales and Tunes, cowboy songs, Mexican cantos, and stories showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of Texas. Sue offers an annual summer reading program tailored to the collaborative theme (and writes a song to go with the theme). Staff development sessions and workshops for adults, teens, and children are available, including Create Your Own Song, a songwriting workshop for 3rd graders through adults. Photo by Brenda Ladd.
contact
Sue Young
PO Box 5786
Austin, TX 78763
phone 512-914-9553
phone#2
e-mail sueyoungmusic@gmail.com
public performance/concert $250 - $1,200
school performance $250 - $1,200
workshop fees $250 - $1,000
travel/per diem/lodging $25 - $200
website https://www.sueyoungmusic.com