All programs are based on the requirements and request of the teacher or organizer. Heather recommends that the students are arranged by division or audience suitability to meet comfortable seating and the maturity level of the listeners.
Most often, performances are given for English, History and Drama classes. Heather’s repertoire can be tailored to relate to a specific historical period or literary genre, from myth-filled ballads of antiquity to the protest songs of the twentieth century. Story has a way of making complexities simple.
Heather’s performances transcend all ages and cultures, and preserve the dignity of the heritage they embody. Heather enjoys sharing stories that touch on social issues, humanity and give insight into life’s struggles. Her ‘Transformation Ballads’ includes a bonus discussion relating modern-day films and books to folklore.
Heather encourages vocal motivation through fun exercises and techniques, including learning to use a microphone. Participation helps instil confidence and creativity and raises the bar for developing positive self-esteem.
Heather has experience with ArtSmarts Arts-infused programming through the Durham District School Board for grades 7-12, and arts infused community programming at art galleries, day camps, and libraries within the GTA and beyond.
“What we both recognized was how the classroom dynamics from the beginning of the year had changed for the better. The students were all mingling and talking and laughing, and writing from the heart.”
George O’Toole, Sinclair Secondary High School
For the junior and intermediate divisions, favourites include drama and scary stories. Junior grades may enjoy a participation story, whether vocal or through gesture, rap, poetry, or chant. Themes involve a mix of folktales, legends, fairytales, and personal tales with musical content, and can be tailored to suit current units of study or student interest.
The Multicultural program is in high demand and is suitable for a wide age-range of listeners and fits most venues. Its goal is to inspire audience members to think about their own cultural experiences in life and to be aware of, and accept our similarities and differences as people.
Bringing a storyteller to your classroom helps infuse your curriculum with the inspiration and creative mindset of the arts, while addressing complex themes, dramatic historical events, and exciting narratives.
“I had the pleasure of capturing Heather in action with a group of (grade 7&8) students, both on video and in stills. Heather’s joie-de-vivre and energy were truly enchanting – I found my camera pointed at the students to catch the joy and wonder in their expressions. Heather possesses the delightful ability to entertain, to educate and to connect to draw everyone around her into her stories – stories from her heart that are genuine and that are real. Heather will enlighten and delight children of all ages with her vibrant and active storytelling.”
Will Prentice, Captura Photography and Imaging
Performances include ‘Wonder Tales from Canada and Afar” with magical supernatural sea and ocean tales of enchantment and wonder in Canada, Scotland, and more. As well as sing-a-long campfire songs, creepy tales that go bump in the night and tales you won’t believe are true…or are they?
Workshops facilitate students with oral presentation skills and help students develop comfort and confidence in delivering personal poetry orally through fun, interactive storytelling exercises and activities, coaching and non-threatening open in-class critique discussions. Interactive sessions are designed to provoke memories, imagination, creativity, and presentation skills.
The main goal is to help students feel confident in hearing their unique voice and using integrated art forms with spoken word narrative, such as cultural and original music, poetry, songwriting, puppetry, and visual arts, and to inspire teachers and program leaders to use storytelling in their classrooms and work.
Spooks and Spectres Halloween
1001 Friday Nights of Storytelling ONLINE Zoom