Directory of Storytellers

“Due to COVID-19 there may be restrictions on listed events or storytellers availability. Check with specific contact person.”

These storytellers have chosen to advertise their talents on this website. Wisconsin Storytelling produces this directory as a resource for anyone seeking a storyteller. Each storyteller has his or her own unique style and each has a diverse repertoire which may include personal or original stories; myths and tall tales, multicultural folktales; literary tales; stories for young people and stories more appealing to adults. If you are trying to find a storyteller for an upcoming event, check this list! By offering this service, Wisconsin Storytelling and its affiliates do not imply or offer any specific recommendations and are not responsible for your interactions or experience with storytellers. Presenters are encouraged to contact storytellers and their references directly. Fees may vary widely.

If you are a storyteller who would like to be listed on this Directory, please fill out the information here.

Akert, Paul

Posted on by March 27, 2019

Storyteller – Toymaker
3394 W Sycamore St. Unit 3, Franklin WI
Phone: 414.559.2948 / 414.377.9209
Email: akertpaul@gmail.com / Website: paulakert.com

Member of Organic Arts, Ltd.: http://www.performingartsmilwaukee.com/
MAST (Milwaukee Area Storytellers)
Bristol Renaissance Faire: on cast as Storyteller Toy-Maker character 2014 – 2017
Alumni: Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School Midland Michigan 2013 – 2018
Storyteller: Tales of wonder for “Enchanted Evening” at Boerner Botanical Gardens. Story-time at Discovery World for 2017-18 season. Storytelling/toy-making at a church “Winter Camp”. Storyteller: “I Left My Heart on Broad Street” in Greendale. Taught storytelling to 2nd grade students at public school. Portrayed Alexander Mitchell at the 125th anniversary celebration of the Wisconsin Club. John Muir presentation and portrayal at Clement Manor Center for Enrichment.

Brunch with Santa: at country clubs in Wisconsin.
John Muir portrayal presentations: Journey with John Muir from Scotland to Wisconsin to California and around the world. Narrative and stories with PowerPoint slide images.
Corporate parties: For adults and children’s holiday events.
Seniors Citizens: visits to retirement homes and nursing homes.
Animal Shelter: Santa event to support a dog rescue shelter
“Hello Santa”: webcam chats with children in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Brazil.
Theater background: Ongoing with church and community. Participated in two Comedy Sportz workshops. Bristol Renaissance Faire Street Cast 2014-2016.
Registered Nurse: retired School Nurse who worked with pre-school through high school students and families for Special Education and 504 accommodations. Public Health Nurse working with families with high risk infants. Background as a Behavioral Health Nurse and group facilitator.
Sunday school teacher: religious education adviser and teacher.

Memberships: MAST (Milwaukee Area Story Tellers) MRAG Midwest Renaissance Actors Guild Princeton Club

Chipman, Tracy

Posted on by November 21, 2019
1320 Wilson St
Menomonie WI 54751
Phone:715-292-1513
tlchipman@gmail.com
www.listentoatale.com

I am a Wisconsin native who has roamed and roved far and wide and now resides here, once again in the land of red granite, dark wild woods and clear, near bottomless lakes. I stepped onto the path of storyteller 22 years under an Oregon hazelnut tree and have never looked back.  Deep listening, wild imagining and getting out of the way for the story to tell itself are the tools of my trade.

I believe that storytelling is co-creative and is set deep in our human bones. More than ever we need people who are mythically awake, listening and imagining us onwards! Storytelling performances, workshops, key note speaking, storytelling coaching and women’s retreats are a few ways I share my love of story and storytelling.

Conant Gilles, Coral

Posted on by November 21, 2019
Storytelling Naturalist
Madison, WI
Phone: 314-973-6599 Email: CoralTells@gmail.com
Website: coralconantgilles.com / facebook.com/CoralTells

Coral tells folklore, personal tales, and stories that build nature connection. She offers storytelling programs and hands-on nature activities for all ages, toddler to adult. Her storytelling programs are full of science and nature, fantasy, silliness, curiosity, and reflection.

Laugh, trot, sing, dance, and hunt along with Coral and the animals in her stories. There are versions for our youngest, wiggliest listeners, our oldest, most contemplative listeners and everyone in between. Dive in deeper with a hands-on nature activity that combines science, literacy, and creativity.

Coral’s favorite programs are seasonal; here are two examples:
Winter Wonderland storytelling program combined with Tracking Discovery and Exploration is a fabulous literacy activity that combines science, nature, creativity, and storytelling. The kids become storytellers as they tell the story they see in tracks and then make their own story using life size track replicas made from real tracks.

Summer in the Forest storytelling program combined with Pond Critter Discovery brings the pond to you (May – September)! Coral brings wild caught critters and discovery tools for kids to explore the unseen world of aquatic macroinvertebrates. From tiny scuds to bright green damselfly nymphs, kids and adults are captivated and surprised to discover a new ecosystem.

Ex Fabula

Posted on by March 27, 2019

206 E. Smith St. Milwaukee WI 53207
414-530-3503 / 414-306-1396
Ex Fabula is committed to strengthening community bonds through the art of storytelling. We celebrate the power of true and personal stories to connect individuals through universal experiences. Our vision is a radically inclusive community that honors the dignity of all people, so we leverage personal stories to help community members connect, advocate and heal. Visit our website for more information at exfabula.org.

Jean-Andrew

Posted on by January 28, 2019

StoryLore – For Imagination Cultivation
Milwaukee, WI
414-962-4425; jean-andrew@storylore.net
www.storylore.net

Jean-Andrew has been telling stories professionally since 1983. She presents lively storytelling programs that weave magic with words, images and memorable characterizations. She engages audiences of every age, often with participation, and imaginatively invites them into the tales. Drawing upon her years as an elementary school teacher and school librarian, as well as her long experience in the storytelling community as presenter and instructor, Jean-Andrew offers a wide repertoire of story selections that can be adapted to many settings and needs.

Ever a promoter of storytelling and encourager of budding tellers, she offers adult workshops and credited courses on various aspects of storytelling. Her school residences are a popular way to integrate spoken and written language.

Kann, Bob

Posted on by January 28, 2019

Storyteller/Juggler/Magician/Author
462  Marston Avenue, Madison, WI 53703
608 257-0958
www.bobkann.com
bobkann@charter.net

Bob Kann blends storytelling, magic, juggling, and audience participation to educate and entertain children.  He has presented more than two thousand school assembly and library programs throughout the United States since 1982.  He has a Ph.D. in Reading Education. Watch an excerpt of a live performance of Bob on his website. Bob’s latest biographies for children, “Frank Lloyd Wright and His New American Architecture” and “Cindy Bentley: Spirit of a Champion” were published in 2010 as part of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Badger Biography series.

Morningstar, Debra

Posted on by January 28, 2019

Debra MorningstarNative Story, Song and Spirit
Neenah, WI
(920) 915-4154; dawest@centurytel.net
www.debramorningstar.com

Debra Morningstar — a professional Oneida storyteller — has been telling Indian stories and legends for 22 years. She is an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. Debra regularly speaks to audiences across the country and Canada on American Indian Culture, history and spirituality. As an Oneida storyteller, she presents her lively storytelling programs, keynotes, residencies and Native healing workshops to hundreds of schools, universities, museums, festivals and conferences every year. She also offers outstanding one- and two-day Native Storyteller/Cultural Residencies, focusing on the Native American culture — including the dismantling of such dangerous Indian stereotypes as “Do you still kill people?” and “Do you still live in Tipis?”

Dressed in traditional Iroquois/Oneida regalia, Debra provides a substantial collection of artifacts, such as basketry, corn husk dolls, arrow heads, moccasins, and beadwork. Engaging her audiences with an interactive format, she uses a Native story basket, hand-drums, rattles and flute in all of her lively presentations! In culminating her program, Debra leads the children in a Native American Friendship Dance.

Ponzio, Rick

Posted on by January 28, 2019

STORY PERFORMER
Plymouth, WI
(262)909-1300
rponzio@wi.rr.com

Folk Tales from Around the World (K-2 and families)
Rick Ponzio enriches as well as entertains the audience, bringing the characters of this stories to life before their eyes. Travel around the world and enjoy a performance of fun folk tales, myths, and fables from diverse cultures and countries. This program contains some audience participation and can be reading or writing motivational. Rick can also improvise a story using audience suggestions to coincide with the theme of your event.

Legends from Around the World (Grades 2-5 and families)
Enjoy a performance of legends, tall tales, and stories of giants, monsters and trolls from cultures and countries from around the world. Characters, animals and monsters come alive through Rick Ponzio’s expert storytelling. This program contains some audience participation and can be reading or writing motivational. Rick can also improvise a story using audience suggestions to coincide with the theme of your event.

Prestidge, Kathy

Posted on by March 27, 2019

prestidgeStories and More by Kathy Prestidge
Appleton WI
920-284-5163; prestidge7@gmail.com
http://storiesandmore.my-free.website/

Performing traditional and modern folktales with a twist of humor, a tingle of fear, or a touch of wisdom for all ages.  Kathy has entertained school groups, library programs, and community events with her lively, often interactive performances.  She is also available for storytelling workshops for children or adults.  In addition to traditional sharing of tales, she also offers Storytelling Plus Maker Programs.  These include:  Origami Tales (plus paper folding activity), String Tales (plus string figure activity), Pancake Tales (plus creative pancake making), Pocket Tales (plus pocket creation and decoration), and Baking Tales (plus bread making).  Want something unique?  Just ask!

Recommendations: “Your presentation at the Niagra Library was awesome! You kept the audience enthralled with your various stories–liked the way you adapted the stories to the audience on hand. Excellent job!” Bruce Darne, Niagra Public Library, WI
“Our patrons and I enjoyed Kathy’s storytelling program at Shawano Library. Storytelling is an art and Kathy does it so well. I encourage you to have Kathy come and enrich the lives of your children.” Julie Dassler, Shawano, WI.

Sadarri & Company

Posted on by March 25, 2018

Global Communication
INTERACTIVE * INTERNATIONAL * ENTERTAINING
Kenosha, WI 53143
(262) 748-3884
globaltales@yahoo.com
www.globaltales.com

Sadarri & Company is the premier choice for multi-lingual storytelling in the Midwest. They tells stories in French, Spanish, Russian, Haitian Creole, Sign Language, and more! This vivacious family of teaching artists offers performances, workshops, and residencies worldwide for audiences of all ages. Specializing in multi-cultural literacy, their stories and songs have been showcased in numerous award-winning audio and video recordings. Their amazing work has also been featured in scores of books, magazines, and newspapers throughout the United States. This is Story-Play at its very best!  Once you’ve booked them, you’ll want to book them again! Visit their website for Storytelling and Creative Writing program descriptions. Note: Exact combination of troupe members varies with availability.

Slayton, Sara

Posted on by January 28, 2019

SlaytLine
La Crosse WI
608-797-2807; sara.slayton@gmail.com
www.slaytline.com

Sara Slayton is a master storyteller, an inspiring educator, and a seasoned presenter.  She delivers practical, interactive, and inspirational programs to a variety of audiences; teachers, students of all ages (PreK-senior citizens), storytelling groups, librarians, festivals, human service organizations, and community groups. Sara loves teaching the art of storytelling and has done so in the United States and abroad to people from all walks of life.  She believes in the power of the spoken word and is well known for her warm and knowledgeable approach.  She is available for storytelling performances, workshops, classes, in-service training, and key note addresses.

Sara is the co-founder of the Bluff Country Tale Spinners storytelling guild, the chair of the La Crosse Storytelling Festival,. and the Wisconsin State Liaison for the National Storytelling Network.  She is also one of the the Three Boomer Broads and co-authored and acted in two shows: “Remembering While We Still Can” and “What Our Mothers Never Told Us”

Visger, Terry

Posted on by January 28, 2019

Terry VisgerTales by Terry
La Crescent, MN
507-894-4715; talesbyterry@aol.com 

A natural storyteller, Terry told stories to students in her classroom for years. She now weaves stories for all ages. With her high-energy performances, Terry engages her listeners and takes them on a journey of the imagination.

Terry offers storytelling concerts for adults, families, children, and teachers at libraries, schools, conventions, club meetings, festivals, and corporations. She tells traditional folk and fairy tales, ghost stories, and tales from other lands.

Terry also offers tailor-made workshops for children and schools. Using her skills as a teacher for thirty-five years, Terry can weave a storytelling workshop around any of your curricular needs. She also conducts workshops for teachers on beginning storytelling and using stories across the curriculum. Terry works with companies and adults to bring the power and art of storytelling into the workplace.

Wendt, Karen

Posted on by August 14, 2019

WendtWorks: Stories n Flight!
Columbus, WI 53925
608-333-7008; muchadoaboutstory@gmail.com
Website: karenwendt.com
Lucy Beck Award winner 2018
Wisconsin Storytelling webmaster since November 2017

Karen Wendt shares original stories, fables, folktales, and fun stories that come from around the world. Karen mixes words with a sprinkle of puppets, a dash of sign language, a pinch of music, and ten pounds of wiggles to bake up a story of delight for children and grownups. Karen says, “I love seeing the kids telling stories so I often invite them to help. They become characters in the stories.”

Karen invites the audience to participate either by stepping up front or to join in from their seats to help tell the story. She believes that children learn more when they are having fun and wants them to be engaged in learning about story through play. Karen says, “I love seeing the kids telling stories so I often invite them up to help. They become characters in the stories.” Parents and teachers love to see children engaged in the creativity, using their imagination to tell stories and sing songs in front of an audience. Audience participation is highly encouraged so be ready to join in the fun!

Karen has a program “Homegrown Tales” that she shares at assisted living centers and nursing homes. The stories are about her growing up years, grandparents, what life was like for her mom and dad growing up, and tales of travels with her family. Stories may be adjusted depending on the venue.

For references or information about themes, contact Karen.

Wildflower, Kristia

Posted on by January 28, 2019

Kristia WildflowerEntertainment That Grows on You!
Plymouth , WI
(920) 207-8709; aboutwildflower@yahoo.com
www.aboutwildflower.com

Myths, legends, folk tales and fairie tales from Scandinavia to Asia are packed full of pumpkins, peppers, apples, oaks, willows, mulberries, shamrocks, roses, lilies, violets and many more. Since the beginning of time, people, plants, stories, songs, science, history, horticulture and humor have been inseparable, and so it is for Kristine Wildflower. For the past 15 years, Wildflower has shared her passion for telling tales of mysterious, magical and mythological places, plants and people.

Wildflower has been involved in the performing arts since 1970. She is a second generation photographer and a self-taught plantlorist. She has worked as a costume designer for 30 years, as well as acted and danced on stage. Kristine quickly captivates her audiences with her many personas — the original and imaginative characters she brings to life with colorful costumes. Choose from the likes of Pepper the Pirate, Cosmos the Little Green Alien, Witch Hazel, Cowslip the Clown, or Ivy the English Elf, any of whom could have stepped out of the pages of a book.

Kristine Wildflower is a storyteller and speaker, an entertainer and educator who is playful, animated, and dramatic. She can fill your classroom, meeting room or stage with her genuine energy and enthusiasm. With a large repertoire of characters and a plethora of programs, Wildflower’s clever improvisation keeps every performance fresh & fun!