Gerald Fierst, Storyteller

presenting wondrous tales from many cultures

Gerald Fierst is a PARENTS CHOICE SILVER HONOREE!

Gerald Fierst also has the honor to be featured at the prestigious National Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, TN!

GERALD FIERST is a dynamic storyteller, who brings life to his characters and paints pictures with his words. His vast repertoire can be focused to any age, and almost any theme.

The ancient art of storytelling is as refreshing and exciting in today's world of video and special effects as it was in prehistoric times. The talented storyteller creates a personal experience for each member of the audience. Storytelling is the basis for the Whole Language approach to education, heightening the audience's imaginations and stimulating their minds in ways that can enhance any subject matter.

In addition to performances, Mr. Fierst can conduct WORKSHOPS and extended RESIDENCIES in storytelling, process writing, or creative dramatics. Students will discover the structure of a story, including character, action, conflict and resolution.

Current performance repertoire includes:

Think it, Write it
Making stories come to life

Using audience participation, improvisational storytelling, and selected multicultural folktales, Gerald Fierst demonstrates the elements of writing with examples of character, conflict, and sequencing. An extraordinary lesson into the writing process, sweetened with all the laughter and adventure of a master storyteller's performance skills. Orality is the foundation of literacy, and Gerald Fierst proves that a good talker makes a good writer.

Stories From Around the World

Folklore and legends from many cultures are carefully selected for the age of the audience. Special cultures can be emphasized upon request.

We Are All One

Using folklore and parable from traditional Muslim, Jewish and Christian stories, Gerald Fierst performs a unique restatement of the golden rule. Values of cooperation and community are emphasized as the stories celebrate the diversity of America and our common dream of freedom .

Jewish Tales

Tradition, drama, and history of five thousand years come alive. Special programs for various holidays are available.

Spooks & Ghosts

Humor and suspense fill these tales of the supernatural, stories of other consciousness, and true tales of the inexplicable.

From Aesop to Zeus

Take a storytelling tour to Mt. Olympus and its neighboring myths and fables, as you meet some of the best known gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, tricksters and monsters of the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome.

Legacy of Courage

Tales of human dignity and spirit from the Holocaust, African-American experience, and Native American history.

Winter Holiday Tales

Multicultural holiday stories from Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, and the Winter Solstice.

Special programs can also be adapted to fit various themes and curriculum needs.

GERALD FIERST has appeared at the Exchange Place of the National Storytelling Festival, on the Oral Traditions Series of Master Jewish Storytellers at the 92nd Street Y in NYC, at the Jewish Storytelling Festival at CAJE, and at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. His work has been documented by WNET/13's ArtEffects. He is a New Jersey State Council on the Arts Artist in Education, and a recipient of a NJSCA Fellowshiop in Playwriting. He has worked in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the country, as well as with The Whole Theatre, NJ TeenArts, Project Impact, and the NJ Foundation for the Arts. Mr. Fierst has a BA from Yale University, and a certification from Teachers College, Columbia University, as a Performing Artist in the Schools. He is the recipient of the 2004 Just Stories Fellowship from the Society of the Divine Word. To see Gerald Fierst's personal web page, click here.

“You are a talented and gifted entertainer whose skills and creativity most definitely will leave a lasting mark upon us forever!”

—Fishkill Plains Elementary, Wappingers Falls, NY

“It will be a great springboard for Language Arts activities. You could hear a pin drop during the entire performance.”

—Harwinton Consolidated School, Harwinton, CT

“He was dynamic, humorous, and wonderful, and captured our family audience beautifully”

—The Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, CT

Other shows featuring Gerald Fierst include:

THE AMERICAN SPIRIT

THE MYTHMAKERS

For further information about availability, fees, or booking this program into your facility, contact:
Encore Performing Arts, Inc.
P.O. Box 630
Melville, NY 11747
631-423-0747 • Outside area, call toll-free 800-669-9850
fax: 631-423-1795

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