“Give people a fact, and you enlighten their minds; tell them a story, and you touch their souls.” –Hasidic Jewish Proverb
I have always loved the magic of story. Stories have the power to heal, build bridges of community and understanding, inspire and motivate. There are as many ways to share stories as there are stories to be told.
As a child, I remember begging my father (along with my nine younger siblings) to tell us a story at bedtime. He would teasingly respond with this little song:
“Tell me a story; tell me a story;
tell me a story before I go to bed.
You promised me; you said you would.
You’d better give in so I’ll be good.
Tell me a story before I go to bed.”
Then he would tell us about growing up on a farm in southeastern Idaho–about riding to school in a horse-drawn wagon that was converted to a sleigh during the snowy winters.
All of us share stories with family and friends informally on a daily basis. Exchanging stories of life experiences with family and friends has often been therapeutic, helping me discover self and put problems in perspective. Some take storytelling into the more formal settings of teaching and counseling, and still others choose to share stories as performing artists. I’ve had the opportunity to share stories in each of these ways.
No matter the venue, to see the wonder in a child’s eyes, or hear the chuckle when someone finds a story’s humor, to feel the “aha” when a listener connects with an idea, or to be buoyed by the silent “amen” at the tale’s end–this is the magic of story.
As a performing artist I’ve shared many stories in a variety of settings–from libraries, to company parties, training sessions and workshops, to elementary schools, church events and special programs, and have performed regularly as a storyteller in these venues:
- BYU Museum of Art, “Artful Tales”, an every Monday evening program Rosemarie coordinated & hosted for eight years. She has also performed regularly for the Family Art Days programs sponsored by the MOA.
Storytelling allows us to paint pictures in our imaginations.
- Ephraim Scandinavian Days Storytelling Festival
- Midvalley Elementary Writers Fair
- Provo First Night Celebration
- Red Butte Gardens “The Garden After Dark”
- Grand America Hotel Christmas Tea
- SLCC Children’s Book Festival
- Springville Art City Days
- Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
- Weber State Storytelling Festival
As an artist on the Utah Arts in Education roster I’ve worked with and performed for hundreds of elementary school children in the past few years.
I’m currently available for storytelling performances as well as short-term residencies and workshops in storytelling/theatre, which involve participation as well as oral and written activities. It’s my belief that we learn best by doing, so workshops and residencies are geared toward involving participants as much as possible.
Contact Rosemarie by sending an e-mail to: rhoward@dramaticdimensions.com, or by calling 801-342-5435.
Member: Utah Storytelling Guild (past president), National Storytelling Network (Past State Liaison/Youth Teller Rep.)