Essex County
Gerald Fierst
Upper Montclair, NJ
973-746-4608
gerald@geraldfierst.com
www.geraldfierst.com
*Gerald Fierst* is a performer, writer, and teacher, who has appeared throughout the US, in England, and in Asia telling original stories, stories from his own Jewish tradition, and stories from world folklore as well as leading workshops for teachers and students in writing and performance. ABC News called him “A MASTER STORYTELLER”. Fierst was a featured teller at the 1999 National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN, and appeared there again in 2001 as a featured ghost storyteller and as a Storyteller in Residence at the International Storytelling Center in 2003. He has released four audiotapes – Monstrous Mischief , Tikun Olam (both Parents Choice Silver Honorees), Jewish Tales of Magic and Mysticism and The American Spirit – and is the 2005 recipient of the Just Stories Fellowship from the Society of the Divine Word in Chicago, IL, for his work with Jewish/Muslim/ Christian stories. See him online at his web page www.geraldfierst.com or Scholastic.com’s / Meet the Storyteller/ http://teacher.scholastic.com/authorsandbooks/storyteller/meet.htm
Contact Gerald at 973-746-4608 or at gerald@geraldfierst.com
Member since 3/07
Judy Hinds
Nutley, NJ
973-661-0067
j.hinds7@verizon.net
When Judy opens her beaded elk-skin story bag, she brings American Indian stories to life. She creates a shared experience, and connects listeners young and old to the spirit of her stories. Whether it’s a creation story, a trickster tale or a story from a writer today, she reveals each story’s beauty, truth or fantasy. By respecting the tradition from which each story comes, by anchoring the story in place, she invites her listeners to honor the circle of life and to value other ways of looking at the world.
Judy is a Docent at the Montclair Art Museum where she uses stories to make the museum collection of American Indian art come alive for visitors of all ages. She is especially interested in encouraging teachers to incorporate more American Indian stories in their classrooms.
Member since 9/05
Shirley Johnson
East Orange, NJ
973-673-1832
sankofastories@aol.com
www.sankofastories.com
Shirley Johnson, storyteller of multicultural and African-American tales, captivates her audiences with highly energized and creative presentations. These performances may be centered around a theme, special event, occasion, or timeless favorites. Johnson enjoys touching both children and adults with the power of a story told well. The variety and abundance of these stories, make them suitable for all types of occasions.
“A longtime teacher, Johnson shares stories that introduce children and adults to new characters and allows them to explore new lands and cultures. Her tales about Africans and African-Americans, are favorites at festivals and literary workshops throughout New Jersey and New York City.” Star Ledger
Member since 12/09
Ellen Musikant
West Orange, NJ
973-669-0244
emusikant@gmail.com
www.ellenmusikant.com
Ellen Musikant has been a professional storyteller since 1995. She is a performer, teaching artist, workshop facilitator and coach. In addition to appearing at numerous schools, museums, conferences and synagogues, she is privileged to be the storyteller-in-residence at the Zimmerli Art Museum, Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Much of her work consists of long-term residencies in preK, grade and middle school classrooms in New Jersey’s diverse school districts including English Language Learners and Youth Detention Centers. Ms. Musikant has also had the joy of collaborating with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra narrating Snow White for its family concert series at NJPAC and the State Theater. She is an affiliated artist with Storytelling Arts, Inc.
Member since 11/02
The Myth Makers
Upper Montclair, NJ
973-746-4608
gerald@geraldfierst.com
From ancient times, storytellers have woven music and words to entertain and teach. *THE MYTHMAKERS* continue this tradition using stories and instruments from different cultures around the world. Two master actor/storytellers, Gerald Fierst and Richard Stillman present performances loaded with music and audience participation, with themes to parallel elementary and middle school curricula. Authentic musical instruments from the appropriate cultures and historical periods accompany and enhance each story. Programs are available for pre-K – 8th grade and for familiy audiences.
In their fast paced performances, these two dynamic performers act out each story, creating characters and places using only their voices, bodies, highlighted with instrumental sounds and song. Drama, comedy, literature, music, and a great deal of imagination and participation combine into a fun-filled experience for the entire family.
Contact the Mythmakers at 973-783-0118 or 973-746-4608 0r at gerald@geraldfierst.com
Member since 3/05
Richard Stillmen
Montclair, NJ
973-783-0118
richardstillman@verizon.net
http://www.richardstillman.com/
Richard Stillman is a musical storyteller who combines a theatrical style of storytelling with authentic musical instruments from around the world. He has a wonderful way with children, and presents stories from a wide range of cultures. Mr. Stillman brings all this background to his storytelling performances, as well as his extensive collection of musical instruments, which can include: mandolin, banjo, balalaika, Puerto Rican cuatro, digeridoo, Scottish bagpipes, Spanish bagpipes, pentatonic lyre, talking drum, kalimba, ukulele, tin whistle, flagolet, bamboo clarinet, and panpipes. When you listen to Mr. Stillman perform, you feel a timeless quality that embraces many cultures and centuries.
Audience: all ages
Member since 5/03
Red Mill Museum Storytelling Festival Sunday, July 8, 2012
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