Ask about my creative writing and storytelling workshops.
Storytelling Programs by
Sharon Kirk Clifton, Writer and Raconteur
Available for:
Churches (for such events as Mothers' Day gatherings, summer camps, homecomings and heritage events, VBS, Resurrection Sunday, Thanksgiving services, Christmas events, etc.)
Educational Workshops and Residencies
Living History Events
Concerts in the Park
Homeschool Events
Family Reunions
Conferences
Libraries
Museums
Festivals
Schools
Etc.
CONTACT
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
The Innkeeper's Wife
Description: THE INNKEEPER'S WIFE is a one-woman, first-person interactive drama set in Bethlehem of Judea. The story begins a short time before the birth of Jesus and concludes with the promise of His return.
Watch the account of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection come alive through the eyes, ears, and heart of Tabitha, who helped her husband Caleb operate a small inn.
THE INNKEEPER'S WIFE is an excellent choice for Resurrection season, Mother's Day, Pentecost Sunday, and, of course, Christmas. In fact, there is no "off season" for the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus' coming and coming again.
May I add your event to my calendar?
CONTACT
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
CONTACT
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
Jack's Mama
Purveyor of Magic Beans and Seeds of Truth
Some folks says ye can pert nigh hear the screen door creak and taste the ice-cold apple cider when ye hear a tale told by Jack's Mama. Jest a plain ol' mountain woman, Jack's Mama has been a favorite of audiences fer more'n 32 year. Young'uns 'n' old folks alike says don't nobody tell a tale from America's eastern highlands better. 'Light 'n' tie fer a spell 'n' listen to Jack's Mama tell about her young'nes, 'specially Jack, 'n' other folks from over home. Hit'd pleasure her t' hitch up th' mule, pack a tow-sack full o' tales 'n' magic beans, 'n' head over yer way. Got special doin's a-goin' on in yer neck o' the woods? Folks gatherin' in from all over t' have a good time? Give Jack's Mama a holler.
More about the Stories Jack's Mama Tells
When this country's first settlers came, many arrived with few possessions. The stories that had been such an integral part of their heritage, however, did survive the perils of sea and land, stored securely in the memories of the people.
Most of the stories that make up Appalachia's oral tradition came from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Germany, France, and Africa. Once in this country, many of the tales - as well as the people - mingled with the Native Americans who already were here, and had their own stock of stories. The Jack Tales constitute an important cycle in this tradition.
Many of the motifs found in the Appalachian stories are found in literary works such as Beowulf, the Arthurian Legend, Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Shakespeare's works (including King Lear and The Taming of the Shrew), the Bible, and Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, to name a few.
Despite the origin of the tales, the characters usually became Americanized as they were passed down in this country. For example, Jack, the Appalachian giant-killer, is likable and easy-going (except when it comes to giants), unlike his English counterpart, who is a cocksure, arrogant young hero.
This program was funded in part by a Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship grant.
With nearly 60 tales from which to draw, Jack's Mama is adaptable to all audiences and ages, as well as a variety of venues, including festivals, schools, libraries, museums, and churches. All of Clifton's shows are family-friendly.
CONTACT
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
Abigail Gray
Living under the Drinking Gourd
"As Abigail Gray, Clifton kept an audience of about 50 children and adults spellbound..."
~Peggy Vierebome, The Madison Courier"Sharon Kirk Clifton presents a compelling narrative of the Underground Railroad in Southern Indiana." Spirit of Vincennes Civil War Days website
As Abigail Gray, an Abolitionist farm wife of 1859, Sharon tells the true stories of the Underground Railroad of southeastern Indiana and points north and south. These stories are full of real adventure, espionage, intrigue, and danger, sprinkled with humor as "Abigail" tells about the tricks played on slave hunters by white and free black abolitionists.
The Grays operate a UGRR feeding station in northeastern Jennings County, adjacent to Ripley County, and are part of the Flat Rock Free Will Baptist Church, a congregation that will not allow pro-slavery folks as members. The sending party to the Grays is a Quaker Abolitionist in Butler, Indiana.
With the exception of the Grays, all people named in Abigail Gray: Living Under the Drinking Gourd are real, and all events described are a matter of historical record. Sharon also includes some signal songs and spirituals in this program, including Follow the Drinking Gourd, a map-in-song that led Freedom Seekers up the Tombigbee River to the Tennessee and on to the mighty Ohio (known as the Jordan River in may spirituals), which they crossed to relative freedom.
Sharon received a Frank Basile Emerging Stories Fellowship in 2004 to develop this important program. She was one of two recipients for the year. Abigail Gray: Living Under the Drinking Gourd premiered in 2004 at the Indiana History Center in Indianapolis.
Of course, Sharon will present this program throughout the year, but it makes an excellent choice for MLK Day in January, February's Black History Month, and any time when the focus is on American history, the War Between the States, real-life heroes, or even the 1849 California Gold Rush, since it played an important role in the slavery issue.
This program was funded in part by a Frank Basile Emerging Stories Fellowship grant. It is suitable for general audiences and a variety of venues, including festivals (Civil War and historical), schools, libraries, museums, and churches. All of Clifton's shows are family-friendly.
CONTACT
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
These True Things
Accounts of Courageous Faith and Undying Hope
Accounts of Courageous Faith and Undying Hope
This collection comes from many sources including the Holy Bible, literature, the storyteller's life and experience, and various mission organizations such as Samaritan's Purse, Voice of the Martyrs, Open Doors, and Tiny Hands International.
CONTACT
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
Awake Again, America!
A First-Person Account of the Second Great Awakening
and a Plea for the Future of This Country
Meanwhile, somethings was stirring in the halls of eastern Ivy League colleges. A rebellion was afoot, one that would alter the course of a nation. Hear all about it from "Sarah Farley," a Logan County settler who experienced the Second Great Awakening, and listen to her plea: "Awake again, America!"
CONTACT
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
East of the Equator and South of the Sun
"Global Children" Susan Tolonen, Illustrator
This program is a tapestry of tales gathered from around the world and told in the energetic, interactive style of a master storyteller. The far-flung collection is sure to please all ages, especially since Sharon can tailor a program to your needs? Want international variations on the Cinderella theme? She can do that! Favor a focus on south Asian folktales? Just let her know! Something from south of the border sound scintillating? Say so! An ark full of animal tails . . . er . . . uh . . . tales answer your needs? Ask! (Custom crafted programs need at least 30 days lead time.)
CONTACT
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
Dragons in the Mist
Tales of Dragons and Dinosaurs from Around the World from a Biblical Perspective
CONTACT
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
Over There and Back Again
WW 1 through the eyes of Hoosier Nurse Ruth Wright
Consider this program for patriotic events, middle and high school presentation, and events to honor U.S. veterans.
Sharon says, "I Don't Tell Bible Stories, But...
...I do relate Bible events in an interactive, dramatic style that engages audiences of all ages. Recognizing that the Bible is one narrative about one Protagonist--Jesus Christ--every account points to the True Hero. I use my God-given skills as a storyteller to tell the greatest narrative ever recorded.
Let the telling begin!
CONTACT
317-820-5434
EMAIL: skc [dot] storyteller@gmail [dot] com
