ConnTell Directory R-W
 Joyce Marie Rayno
Myths - Mysteries - Miracles
273 Dublin Hill Road
Southbury, CT 06488
Phone: (203) 264-4447
Email: JoyceMarieRayno@aol.com
Joyce Marie loves stories – telling and listening! Storytelling is an ancient art – it is a sharing of the mind, the heart, and the spirit. She tells a variety of stories for ages 1 to 101. Her repertoire consists of literary tlaes, children’s classics, legends, religious, multicultural stories, folktales from around the world, poetry, stories about the American Indians and on and on!
She caters to children’s programs with participation, and props, and using the skills of repetition and counting for re-enforcement.
Joyce Marie has developed a program about the Civil War in memory of the 150th anniversary of its start.
The Americn Girl Dolls travel with Joyce Marie as she tells excerpts from their books.
Some of her costumed programs are about The Leatherman, Sadie the Scarecrow, Mother Goose, The Beautiful Witch of Woodbury, Sheherazade, she also portrays Mehitable Adams telling Connecticut Folktales, and Candace Roberts and Sylvia Lewis as she reads from their 19th century diaries.
“We so enjoyed your presentation last week at the Historical Society. You are just a natural at storytelling.” – Jackie Dupuis, Bristol, CT
“Thank you for such a lovely time when you came to tell stories. The children loved them! Please send the “Super Pcikle” photos. Your storytelling made all of our day brighter!” – Cristy Bredice, Teacher, Wolcott, CT
Fee: Negotiable
 Paul Recker
224 Mountain Road
Ellington, CT 06029-3704
Phone: (860) 614-9506
Email: precker@comcast.net
Paul Recker offers programs of folktales, legends and songs for preschool, K-5 and family audiences, and concerts for seniors. Paul has been performing full time, throughout New England, since 1986. He is an accomplished guitarist and an engaging storyteller whose easy and magnetic style draws the audience into the performance like kids into a candy store.
"Paul Recker [does] his thing, using just his guitar and a vibrant spirit to captivate his audience, children and adults alike." - Ndidi S. Emeagwali, The Herald, New Britain, CT.
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 Bob Reiser
222 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
phone: 413-527-1871
Email: bobtales@msn.com
Website: www.bobtales.com
Bob is an expansive storyteller, teacher and an award-winning author of books for children and adults. Whether he is spinning an original wonder-tale for children, bringing new life to an old folk tale or recounting stories of growing-up in Brooklyn, Bob brings warmth and wit to everything he tells. Jay O'Callahan says "Bob smiles with his whole body!"
From New York's Clearwater Hudson River Festival to Pittsburgh's Three River Festival to Vancouver's World Storytelling Day Bob brings his unique and joyous story telling around the world.
McFarland Press listed him among the "120 best contemporary English-speaking Storytellers." Dr. Morgan Hill (Brother Blue) calls him a "force of nature."
Through his school residencies in Story-making and Storytelling he has taught thousands of children throughout the northeast how to craft and tell their own tales.
Fees: Negotiable.
 Connie Rockman
79 Elmhurst Avenue
Stratford, CT 06614
Work/Home: (203) 381-9509
Email: connie.rock@snet.net
Connie tells traditional tales and literary stories that she has collected through thirty-five years of experience as a storyteller and a children's librarian. She urges audiences to become actively involved in the storytelling experience. Using an Appalachian dulcimer, she weaves songs and chants through story programs. Her workshops for teachers stress an interdiscipinary approach to storytelling to entice reluctant readers and challenge gifted students. She offers workshops on many aspects of literature for children and teenagers.
"Our students were mesmerized. Ms. Rockman's stories are meant to be enjoyed by all ages." - Anita Pfluger, formerly at Stratford High School.
Audience: Elementary school through adult
Fee: Negotiable
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 Karianna L. Rosenberg
93 Little City Rd.
Killingworth, CT 06419
Phone: (860) 345-2903
Email: kariannarosenberg@yahoo.com
Karianna Rosenberg is a storyteller, multicultural specialist, Spanish teacher, outdoor educator, dancer, actress, and mime artist. She has been a resident specialist, teacher, and performer in schools, childcare centers, and community art centers.
Currently she serves as resident storyteller, dancer and outdoor educator for Two Coyotes Wilderness School and is a member of the Connecticut Storytelling Center, League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling, and The Healing Story Alliance.
Offering programs in both Spanish and English, Karianna guides listeners deep into their imaginations through her poetic and vivid imagery of world folk tales, myths, heroine and hero journeys, trickster tales, and nature stories. She has a unique ability to engage all of the senses as she takes her listeners on magical journeys to better understand other cultures, the natural world, and themselves.
Karianna holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology with an emphasis in dance and Spanish, and a Masters of Arts in Teaching Spanish and English as second languages.
“Through Karianna, listeners are enveloped in a lush world of sights and sounds, excitingly anticipating what may happen next. Karianna’s animated storytelling holds the attention of young and old, leaving such a real impression that listeners can relive the story over and over again.” - Dan Mund, Co-teacher and Parent, Two Coyotes Wilderness School.
“Karianna has a spell-binding storytelling performance. She embodies each character with such fullness that the listener becomes pulled into the story and a part of the epic adventure.” - Justin Pegnataro, Executive Director, Two Coyotes Wilderness School
Fees: Negotiable
Carolyn Stearns – Storyteller & Announcer
"I make a simple story one you never forget"
440 Mansfield City Rd.
Storrs, CT 06268
Phone: 860-690-4292;
Fax: 860-423-6881
you-tube/ctstoryteller, Facebook, Twitter, Google+:
www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.blogspot.com
Website: www.carolynstearnsstoryteller.com
Storytelling:
Stories for all ages, filled with rich coloration brought by diverse experiences in agriculture, history, the equine world and music.
Cathie Hatrick-Anderson of Bobcat Farm said of a performance, "... I love the way she tells a story, she is able to take you right along with the main character from dark pathways on a windy night to the dusty streets of Tombstone. You can actually put yourself right in the story.
Story telling of this caliber has just about become a lost art. It’s not only refreshing to listen to these stories it takes the older folks back to the days when grandma and grandpa would spin yarns. I really can’t speak for the younger set, but it may be their first real experience to actually hear a story that’s not coming from a television or a computer. What a treat!"
Another voice, this one from a school program: "Carolyn, Thanks so much for another memorable afternoon at Wolf Rock. You really captivate the imaginations of the third graders and adults alike!" – Deb Csere, Vinton School
Workshops:
For storytellers, for students, seniors and communities.
Web Presence for beginners, Living and Telling the Civil War Experience, Public Speaking - the number one fear can be tamed!
Workshop particpant Christine Rothe said of the Web Presence Workshop: "Carolyn took us through the basic steps but gave us so much more in the process. She seemed to know what our fears and our questions were and answered them before we could even ask. She gave clear and insightful information and encouragement to try new things and why it is important to do so."
Story Event Production and Promotion:
Current producer of the A-MAZE-ING Story Slam, VoiceMail Storytelling Open Mic, Campus Slammer, and Tellabrations
Take Two Tandem Tellers –
Anne-Marie Forer and Cindy Killavey
 Anne-Marie Forer
160 Medford St.
Warwick, RI 02889
Phone: Anne-Marie (401) 739-4171;
Email: tunesntales@hotmail.com
Cindy Killavey
240 Bramans Lane
Portsmouth, RI 02871
Phone: (401) 847-5148
Email: storyteller@storyri.com
Website: www.tandemtellers.com
Twice the talent, double the fun! Tellers Anne Marie Forer and Cindy
Killavey combine their talents to present lively, interactive programs. Audiences throughout New England have enjoyed the music, merriment and madness when these two tellers take turns talking.
Anne Marie plays numerous instruments. Her experience as a school librarian plays a key role in developing Take Two’s Programming. Cindy is a professional actress, author and voice talent. She directs the staging of each story. Both women have a hand in "tweeking" each tale they tell or song they sing. From fun-filled concert performances to thematic classroom sessions these two deliver “edu-taining” performances.
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 Laconia (Lot) Therrio
PO Box 16903
Stamford, CT 06905
Work: (203) 358-3205
Fax: (203) 461-9641
Email: LotsCabin@aol.com
Lot, a therapist and former minister, enjoys telling stories from around the world. He tells stories from Japan, China, Europe, North America and the continent of Africa. Whether the story is a Native American folktale about the world's beginning, the fun of a little baby wide-mouth frog, or even a scary one, Lot invites the listener to discover the wonder in the tales he tells.
Lot Therrio and Jane Gangi are available to offer workshops together.
 Ellie Toy
1-3 Canterbury Court
Middletown, CT 06457
Phone: (860)704-0493
Email: eltoy@sbcglobal.net
With lyric skill and intensity, Ellie Toy brings stories to life.
Audiences of all ages are invited to join her in exploring the magic and wonder of folk lore, ghost stories, literary stories and more.
Regardless of the setting, she is equally at home in performance or workshops. Her audio tape, The Boggart and Other Stories includes the classic Connecticut legend, The Simsbury Witch.
Listed in the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism's Directory of Performing Artists.
"Your performances have always been a magical experience to me." - Diane Austin, PTO President.
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 Valerie Tutson: Stories n' Stuff
155 Lexington Avenue
Providence, RI
Phone: (401) 273-4013
Fax: (401) 273-0468
Email: VTUTSON@yahoo.com
Website: www.valerietutson.com
Valerie Tutson was graduated from Brown University with a degree in a self-designed major, "Storytelling as a Communications Art" and a Masters in Theatre Arts.
Since 1991 she has been delighting audiences all over the world with her enthralling storytelling style. She tells stories from all over the world with an emphasis on African traditions and Black History. Her repertoire includes stories and songs learned in her travels.
"Valerie is an energetic, dynamic performer who leaves the room vibrating when she exits. Her voice, her ... expressions, and her... movements make her presentation a delight for children and adults." - Randy Roberts, Director NY State Museum
For fees and booking information contact: Sharon Kelleher - sharon@kelleheragency.com
(978) 207-0707.
 Tim Van Egmond
118 East Chestnut Hill Road
Montague, MA 01351
Phone: (413) 367-9304, cell: (413) 221-5156
Email: tim@timvanegmond.com
Website: www.timvanegmond.com
A gifted performer and artist-educator for over 25 years, Tim blends together tales, tunes, and songs to bring their wellspring of wisdom, humor, warmth, and excitement.
Music flows in and around his stories through his singing and playing on a wide variety of traditional instruments including hammered dulcimer, guitar, conga drum, and limberjack (a dancing wooden rhythm puppet). His dynamic style of voice and movement brings stories to life, and his knack for encouraging participation makes for high-spirited and engaging programs. Tim also offers workshops and residencies.
Programs include Building Bridges (multicultural stories of community and connection), Hearing Nature's Voice, Sun and Moon and Stars, Mystery Mastery, Shivers & Shudders, Sing, Say, Laugh, Clap! (for young children), "You Say 'Potato', I Say 'Pomme de Terre'" (celebrating the 400s section of the Dewey Decimal System, Languages), and The Story Bag. There are also special programs for seasons and holidays throughout the year.
Tim has been chosen for the New England States Touring Program, the Massachusetts Cultural Council's Creative Teaching Partners, and the New Hampshire State Library's "Kids, Books, and the Arts" program.
"Tim is a triple treat. He can sing, play instruments, and tell whopping good tales! "- Jane Yolen, renowned author and storyteller.
Audience: All ages
Fees: $400 and up. Reduced rates for block-bookings, Public Libraries, and residencies.
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 Margie Warner
Music with Margie, LLC
PO Box 185, Chester, CT 06412-0185
Phone: (860) 526-5794
Email: Margie@MusicWithMargie.com
Website: www.MusicWithMargie.com
Children's Recording Artist, Songwriter, Teacher
And Early Childhood Music Consultant
With a unique understanding of what makes kids tick, Margie has been teaching the joy and humor of life through music since 1979.
For Preschoolers she offers her "Music With Margie" pre-Kcurriculum during the academic year.
K-6 kids at schools, libraries, camps, and youth service bureaus can enjoy workshops or performances that are lively and entertaining, featuring interactive story-songs from her acclaimed Singin' Round the Campfire CD, and the more recent, On the Road with the Fun Family! Fresh new summer shows every year-or customize your own show-any subject- there’s music in it!
Of Singin'Round the Campfire: The Hartford Courant says, "Delightful"; New Haven Register, "Joyful songs with storytelling lyrics that invite participation"; The Middletown Press, "lively and fun; kids of all ages will enjoy . . . hilarious!"
Audience: Pre-K, K-6, and Families
Fee: Negotiable
 Teresa Whitaker
52 Wheeler Drive
West Suffield, CT 06093
Phone: (860) 668-1535
Fax: (860) 668-6418
Email: ftzj@cox.net
Website: www.teresawhitaker.com
www.frankandteresa.net
Music and joy infuse world folktales, myths and original stories. Teresa weaves in participatory music with voice, guitars, Celtic harp and percussion instruments. She has done hundreds of residencies and workshops, and performs for both children and adults. Some residency topics include:
- Learning to tell stories
- "Listening to the World" (school wide storytelling festival)
- Storytelling; writing and speaking
- Intergenerational storytelling
- Creating a Lullaby Tradition
- Creating Bedtime Stories and Lullabies (with Teresa and Eshu Bumpus)
She performs in schools, universities, libraries and festivals, and she leads teacher workshops. She co-leads a retreat for women storytellers in Vermont each August. She performs musical concerts with her husband, musician Frank Schwartz.
Audio recordings:
"Finding Home" (www.cdbaby.com/frankschwartz3)
"Earth and Sky Lullaby"(www.cdbaby.com/frankschwartz4)
"In Gaia's Lap"
Fee: from $350
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 Dawn Wright - Balladeer/Storyteller
596 Hartford Rd
Brooklyn, CT 06234
Phone: (860) 779-9371
Fax: (860) 668-6418
Email: dawnsong@charter.net
Website: www.iamdawnsong.com
Dawn's "song and story" are the 'Appleseeds' of the waterways and land. Founded in a vital sense of the preservation of America's history and the connectedness of all humans and "critters", Dawn has travelled the Eastern United States for over 30 years, sharing her instrumental variety and skill, spontaneous audience participation, costumes, props and folklore, with audiences of all ages.
Authentic sources from the North Carolina mountains and the Connecticut River Valley.
Dawn also offers preschool 'literacy' song and story programs.
"...[her] rapport with the audience is fascinating...[it] conjures up mental pictures with her narrative while stirring the emotions with her song." - Executive Director, CT Symphony Orchestra.
Video demo and CDs available.
Fee: $250 - $375
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