You’ll see colorful characters from literature come to life from many cultures and literary styles. All stories are available in some form at the school or public library.
All of the stories that Chris acts out are available in your school or local library.
He offers different age-appropriate shows for different grade levels.
Chris’ programs meet Illinois State Goals #1 and #2.
Study guides are provided.
Programs
Bringing Literature to Life!
(Grades PreK-2, 3-5, 6-8)
Get your students motivated to read! Chris acts out children’s contemporary and classical literature in a fast-paced, fun-filled performance. Participatory, high-spirited shows incorporate his unique style of acting, storytelling and physical comedy.
Around the World
(Grades Prek-2, 3-5, 6-8)
Multicultural stories from many different countries, continents, and cultures come to life as Chris becomes colorful characters from literary folktales – always with the help of his audience!
Juggling Funny Stories!
(All grades, family shows)
A library, park district, and family night favorite! Comedic, interactive performances combine comedy, mime, juggling and storytelling. Think of Chris for programs that complement your school or library’s Reading Program, Book Fair, or Family Fun Night.
Paul Revere’s Ride
(Grades 6-8)
The classic Longfellow poem brought to life, along with other American Revolutionary War era pieces, including writings of Ben Franklin and other founding fathers.
Rocket into Reading!
(Grades Prek-2, 3-5)
A fun, participatory show that encourages imaginative exploration through reading. Students leave their everyday world behind as they take off into the universe of books. Through his unique, interactive style of story performance, Chris acts out library books that thoroughly engage his audience, fuel the imagination, and propel children to become readers who are truly out of this world!
Scared Silly Stories!
(Grades Prek-2, 3-5)
Scare up a good book with a show that will tickle your goosebumps! Perfect for October, these not-so-scary to slightly-spooky stories will provide just the right amount of shivers and giggles!
Winter Tales
(All grades, family shows)
A celebratory show that includes Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa stories.
“From the moment your programs started, we knew that we had hit a home run!”
PTA President, Huntington Beach, CA
“…he turns the old warhorse poem ‘Casey at the Bat’ into a captivating story-theater exercise in multiple characterizations. It’s an ingenious piece of work — vital, polished and highly professional.”
–Albert Williams, Chicago Sun-Times
“You were terrific, and provided a wonderful hilarious climax. It was exciting to me that you could combine your various talents as an actor, a mime, and a comedian and still have it turn out to be unique but genuine storytelling. Your relationship to the audience was just right.”
–Director, Connecticut Storytelling Festival
Workshops:
Hands-on, participatory creative dramatics, juggling and pantomime workshops are available for every age group in conjunction with performances.
Chris is on the Illinois Arts Council ArtsTour Roster.