GRANTS AVAILABLE

Dreaming Stars at Night, Simon Brooks, 2011

Program Length:
I do a maximum of 3 presentations per day. Each presentation usually lasts between 40 - 60 minutes.
I provide workshops and residentials for any organization.
An additional evening performance can be added for residentials.

Once upon a tale... Simon takes listeners to a time and place, far away, drawing from a world of stories. From hundreds of tales of myth, legend and folklore, he tells of heroes and heroines, talking animals, dragons, trolls, tales of pirates, Greek gods, and fairies. All his stories are filled with many kinds of treasure and adventure. Simon performs using unique voices to animate his tales and adds expressive body language, which brings the stories to life. Simon's often-funny storytelling will delight children and adults alike.

"Hi Simon - I just want to thank you again for the excellent program you did at our library. I always consider an event a great success when the parents enjoy it as much as the kids. In the three years I have been here, your program brought the most complimentary comments from parents - and the kids lining up for autographs was priceless. Enjoy the rest of your summer."
- Patty Falconer, Children's Librarian, Hampstead, NH

Summer Reading Program, 2012 - Dream Big--Read!
Dream a little dream? No, dream a Big Dream. Dream of adventures, dream of the stars, see that you can be whoever you want to be and that your dreams can lead you there. When we fall into sleep our dreams can take us anywhere, and folk tales have been part of those dreams with their motifs and stories of success. Some of the most downtrodden characters make something of themselves and become successful. We ourselves are chased by dragons, but stories tell us to confront and overcome these fears, even the stars themselves tell us ways we can make it in life. Award-winning British storyteller Simon Brooks, with his bodhrán, sound effects, and many, many character voices will engross the most jaded of children, whilst entertaining their caregivers at the same time. Stories from times long ago will excite and thrill listeners of all ages as Simon weaves his magic and draws his audience into the big dream of places and times of wonder. Stories will include brand new tales and some favourites for the 'Dream Big - Read' summer reading program. Libraries qualify for special rates, call for details.

Notes from students

Before booking ANY performer, please visit this page on my website.

The stories I tell range in length from 10 minutes to 40 minutes. For younger audiences I generally tell shorter stories.

Program Themes (a selection):
I have a large and still growing repertoire of tales to tell from, but sometimes it is nice to gather a number of stories together, like friends, for a program that might follow a theme. Here are some ideas you might wish to use:

A World of Tales: Great stories from all over the world. Tales of love, long journeys, shape shifting girls battling dragons, how Ananzi gave us stories. Great family entertainment for the home, library or school. All ages.

Nature: These tales come from Native American, African, European and other World sources. They include the story of beaver's race with turtle, how Raven brought light to humans, why the salmon swim out to sea, tales of trees, and more. All ages.

Fright Night: These tales are stories that will chill listeners to the bone. This program can be suitable for children aged 4 and up, but works REALLY well for older listeners (11 plus), with VERY scary stories! Programs have been done to cater for both younger children and older children, by having a break where the younger ones leave (snacks, games etc) and I continue telling more chilling tales to the remaining adults and older children.

Treasure: Stories of treasure found in unlikely places, pirates, and a Greek myth are all found in this entertaining program for those 4 years old and up.

Workshops: I also provide workshops that vary from a very condensed 80 minutes on storytelling, to much longer and deeper workshops. All workshops provide participation and, at the end, each participant will come away being able to tell a tale like they never have before! Not suited to those under 8 years. Best suited to those aged 11 and up - parents, grand parents, librarians and teachers included! Call or email for more details and pricing.

These are examples of programs I can offer. Sometimes you might want a performance filled with ghost tales; you might want a series of creation stories, or tales from Scandinavia, Greek myths, or British tales of King Arthur. You may want water stories, animal tales, or just a number of ripping yarns for a given audience. Whatever your needs are, please let me know, but remember, the more notice I get, the better program I can offer. If there is something you definitely have in mind that is not in the above list of ideas, please talk to me in advance so I can work with you to create your own personal program at no additional cost.

Program Cost:

Simon at the Producer's Faire, Lebanon COOP, 2010

If you have something special in mind that you are looking for in the way of a package, or have a budget to work with, please call about pricing. Each performance is unique in its time, place and requirements and I would like to accommodate you. Below are some guidelines.

Libraries, please call for special rates.

Because each and every performance is unique, each venue is different, and your needs differ to others, please call to discuss what you want, so I can make a personal quotation for you.
My rates vary from $250 - $1,500 depending on your needs.

CLICK HERE to hear samples of my storytelling.

Grants through New England Foundation of the Arts (NEFA)

New England States Touring (NEST) provides support to nonprofit organizations based in New England for community-related activities by select New England performing artists from outside of the presenter's state. Any nonprofit, school, or government entity based in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) is eligible to apply for a NEST grant.

The nonprofit organization does not need to be an arts organization. An organization that does not have a federal tax identification number (such as a national historic park) may apply as long as it is part of an official government agency (such as the National Park Service).

Nonprofit organizations who are interested in bringing cultural arts programming to its community may apply for NEST funding. Examples of eligible applicants include: libraries, schools, theaters, service agencies, and arts organizations. Applicants may only receive NEST support for presenting select NEST artists.

Contact program staff with questions regarding eligibility.
http://www.nefa.org/grants_services/new_england_states_touring_nest
presentingtouring@nefa.org
617.951.0010 x533
* First-time applicants are encouraged to call NEFA.
The New England States Touring program is made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts Regional Touring Program and the six New England state arts agencies.

CDs, including the award winning More Second-hand Tales, and A Tangle of Tales are available from Simon directly, from CD Baby and these local stores:
iTunes
Artisans, New London, NH 603-526-4227
Chapman's Store, Fairlee, VT 802-333-9709
Green Mountain Books and Prints, Lyndonville, VT 802-626-5051
Morgan Hill Bookstore, New London, NH 603-526-5850
Norwich Bookstore, Norwich VT 802-649-1114
Wider Than The Sky, Newport, VT 802-334-2322