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Storytelling Programs I play the autoharp to add a musical dimension to my stories. Developed in the late 1800's in Philadelphia, the autoharp is one of the few instruments native to the United States. It's a cross between a zither and an accordion. It has 36 strings and was made famous by Maybelle Carter and the folk musicians of the Southern Highlands. It has a beautiful sound. There are seven programs to choose from, or we can discuss your own idea for a program. 1. Timeless Tales and Tunes. This is my basic program which changes by the season or holiday. After conferring with you, I'll pick some of my favorite folktales or stories that I've written myself and blend them with a song or two on my autoharp. 2. Many Lands, Many Legends. A multi-cultural journey into the stories of other countries. See how we are different, yet the same. 3. The Incredible Indians. Native Americans left us not only stone artifacts, which I collect, but also a marvelous treasure of stories. The tales, told around the wigwam fire, were used to explain the wonders of nature and to preserve the tribe's history, and I pass them on to you.  Famous Figures. As a teacher I wrote plays for my students. I saw the effectiveness of using drama to make historical characters come alive.
A visit from the greatest midwestern poet at the turn of the last century, as he tells of his life in Indiana and reads some of his best-loved poems about simple, rural life: "Little Orphan Annie," "The Raggedy Man," "When the Frost Is on the Pumpkin" and others. 5) O.Henry. A portrayal of the most famous American short-story writer of them all, who wrote such classics as: "The Gift of the Magi," "A Retrieved Reformation," "The Last Leaf," and over 300 other stories. O. Henry will recount his amazing life, including his stay in Ohio, and tell some of his stories. 6) Orville Wright. Be an "eye-witness" to aviation history as I portray Orville Wright who, along with his brother Wilbur, built and flew the first airplane, thus changing our lives forever. 7. (new) The Canal Boat Kids. Adventures of Otis and his twin-sister Ida growing up on the Ohio and Erie Canal. Meet the " Lock Monster," "Ol' Green Eyes" and other characters from the Canal era. © 2007 Mark the Storyteller Reynoldsburg, Ohio |