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.
TESTIMONIALS
Having a listing in the Wisconsin Storytellers Directory is a fantastic way for librarians, schools, festival organizers to find me and learn a bit about my unique way of weaving stories into the world. Tracy Chipman
Our Storytelling Directory worked again. An operations manager Googled storytelling, found me there. Truth be told, all of my new events in 2022, for libraries, senior centers and senior groups contacted me after finding me in the directory. The most recent one was from a daycare center event planner who talked about how much she enjoyed storytellers coming to her school when she was in elementary school. Paul Akert
Storyteller – Toymaker
3394 W Sycamore St. Unit 3, Franklin WI
Phone: 414.559.2948
Email: akertpaul@gmail.com / Website: paulakert.com
*Bristol Renaissance Faire: on cast as Storyteller Toy-Maker character 2014 – 2023.
*BAPA (Bristol Academy for the Performing Arts): Paul taught a storytelling workshop to cast members.
*Gathering of Rogues & Ruffians cast for annual faire which is a fundraiser for bringing theater arts to rural youth in Wisconsin.
*Alumni: Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School Midland Michigan 2013 – 2022.
*Father Christmas stories at Discovery World for December 2022.
*Storytelling/toy-making at a church “Winter Camp”.
*Paul provided an 8-session story workshop for 3rd grade students.
Retired Registered Nurse: As a School Nurse Paul worked with pre-school through high school students and families for Special Education and 504 accommodations. Public Health Nurse: Paul worked children and families in a variety of settings. He has also worked as a Behavioral Health Nurse and group facilitator. PowerPoint Programs, 45-minute blend of history and storytelling.
Current options: 1. John Muir’s World; 2. Grace O’Malley, Queen Elizabeth I, and Thomas Jefferson: Pirate Stories From Around the World; 3. Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman) history and stories.
Memberships: Organic Arts, Ltd.: http://www.performingartsmilwaukee.com/; Kenosha Story Circle, MRAG (Midwest Renaissance Actors Guild); Grobschmidt Nature Preserve Park board; Briscoe Family YMCA
Storytelling NaturalistMadison, WI
Phone: 314-973-6599 Email: CoralTells@gmail.com
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.
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.
Native Story, Song and Spirit
Neenah, WI
(920) 915-4154;
Debra Morningstar — a professional Oneida storyteller —
update pending
BoomARTS! Come. Full. Spiral.
415 S. Olde Oneida Street #112
Appleton, WI 54911
920-251-8341
boomstacy1@gmail.com
https://www.fullspirals.com/
With a BS degree in art education from UM Mankato, and 11 years in broadcasting—as a professional disc jockey, voice talent and copywriter—Stacy has been professionally involved in education and communication for over 25 years. Born a storyteller, Stacy’s popular podcast “Full Spirals” brings together two of her passions: using her voice as a vehicle for change and promoting the arts as tools for healing.
And as an artist, and a woman in long term recovery from chemical dependency and childhood trauma, Stacy tells true, inspiring (and even FUNNY)stories of hope and healing through the arts.
Stories 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.
Global Communication
INTERACTIVE * INTERNATIONAL * ENTERTAINING
Kenosha, WI 53143
(262) 748-3884
globaltellers@gmail.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. Lucy Beck Award Winner 2019.
Tales 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.
WendtWorks: Stories n Flight!
Columbus, WI 53925
608-333-7008 muchadoaboutstory@gmail.com
Website: karenwendt.com
Lucy Beck Award winner 2018
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KarenandBradStoriesNFlight/videos
Karen Wendt shares original stories, fables, folktales, and fun stories that connect with her desire to engage and interact with story listeners. She loves telling stories that sparkle “love of nature and being outdoors.” 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 believes that children learn more when they are having fun and she wants them to be engaged in learning about story and nature through words, experiences, and play. Parents and teachers love to see children engaged, using their imagination to tell stories. 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.
For references or information about themes, visit karenwendt.com.
