Find the Perfect Storyteller for your needs.
The North Carolina Storytelling Guild is pleased to present this Directory of Guild Storytellers. As storytelling is, and has always been a diverse genre, the Guild storytellers are equally diverse in their personalities, storytelling styles, and repertoire. Thus, you are encouraged to contact directly the storyteller or storytellers that may be a good fit for your particular situation.
Eric Bannan
Eric Bannan is a husband, father, performing songwriter, back country adventure racer, lay preacher, U.S. Coast Guard rescue flight crew veteran, and bird watcher with a masters in computer science. He has stories to tell and songs to sing.
Lona Bartlett
Lona learned, growing up on a farm in the Catskill Mountains, life is all about the story. She combines traditional storytelling, puppetry, music and her degrees in education to weave stories that entertain and teach.
J.A. Bolton
I love to hear the old characters tell their tall tales. Wasn't long before I was telling 'em with the best of them. I love telling stories to any age group.
Willa Brigham
Welcome to the wonderful wacky world of storyteller, inspirational speaker, performing artist, writer and Two Time Emmy Award Winner, Willa Brigham.
Cynthia Moore Brown
Cynthia uses her many talents to bring texture to her down home Southern style. She brings folktales to life with her music including several instruments in some of her performances. Her costumes and props add rich dimensions to each special tale.
Gale Buck
E. Gale Buck began writing short stories in December, 1983 when he had a problem with Christmas. "A Birthday Story" blossomed into a tradition of writing that has spanned over 27 years and produced over 200 works.
Milbre Burch
Milbre Burch is a GRAMMY-nominated spoken word recording artist and an internationally known, award-winning storyteller. Her work as a theatre artist was honed at the Celebration Barn in South Paris, ME
Beth Carter
Beth began telling stories as a fictional character named Sudie Mae Carter. Sudie Mae, Beth’s “identical twin cousin”, grew up a very poor girl in rural Appalachia. Now, as an adult, she enjoys sharing stories of her childhood.
Donna Catton-Johnson
Born in Colorado, Donna Catton-Johnson lived in 10 different states and 2 foreign countries as an "Air Force brat". She holds an Interdisciplinary B.A. in Visual Arts and Theatre (and was certified to teach both), and taught elementary art for 25 years,
Zane Chait
Zane stories range from multi-cultural tales to folk tales, to family, and In-Zane personal tales. He produces storytelling events, has been an artist-in-residence, and he offers workshops for students and adults.
Sharon Clarke
For more than 25 years Sharon Clarke has warmed the hearts of her audiences with storytelling and folk music. She weaves together song with story, imagery with imagination to delight and captivate the listener.
Wright Clarkson
Wright Clarkson is a nationally renowned storyteller, musician, and teaching artist. He delights in sharing tales with people of all ages. His interactive style utilizes folk and world instruments, and costumes to engage audiences.
Marvin Cole
The main purpose of portraying Mark Twain is to satirize human cruelty to other humans in the hope of realizing the need to respect all people. A second purpose is to bring the physical, mental, and healing benefits of humor to audiences
ReVonda Crow
ReVonda's love of story goes back to when her mother read to her as a small child, and her father told stories of moonshiners and WWII. She believes everything and everyone has a story.
Alice Cunningham
"Miss Alice" has been entertaining folks for over twenty years. She does "dress up" tea parties for girls and ladies at her business location. She loves dressing up so much that she wears fancy things nearly every day and loves sharing her collection with others.
Jane Cunningham
Jane is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a memory to your heart! Her enduring sense of humor and irresistible Southern charm make her "Miss Jane Stories" an enchanting experience for all audiences.
Janice Davin
Storytelling saved Janice Davin’s career as a teacher and maybe her life. During 35 years in the classroom, Janice told stories to calm savage beasts, subdue mutinies, and make learning memorable.
Ryan Dial-Stanley
Ryan Dial-Stanley is a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and has severed as a cultural educator for most of his life. For years Ryan has traveled across the state to various venues to educate others on the lives and practices of NC first peoples.
Mimi Dixon
A retired librarian, Mima loves to delight the young and young at heart with stories to stretch the imagination. Mima's stories strive to take you on a storytelling adventure.
Sylvia Eaglin
You may want to hear about the seven Eaglin children’s hilarious adventures growing up in Tennessee and Arkansas, as told for thirty-eight years in the classroom and now for audiences of all ages.
Lisa Eister
Her stories feature folktales, traditional Appalachian tales, historical stories, personal stories woven from family and mountain lore, as well as narratives based on the real life experiences of WWII veterans.
Kim Ellis
Welcome to my new storytelling format! It is called The Women at the Well. It is narrated by Ruth (I've named her because i think without a name it doesn't make her message personal) the woman at the well who had a moment with Jesus
Kyra Freeman
Kyra tells personal stories, folktales and literary tales to children an adults. She believes that a good metaphor can be the quickest path to the truth.
John Golden
John shares coastal Carolina folklore with songs and stories in living history programs performed in costume. The legends, heroes and characters that make up our coastal heritage come alive from the Lost Colony to pirates to lifesavers to blockade runners.
Linda Goodman
Linda Goodman, a Virginia Appalachian Mountain native of Melungeon descent, learned the art of storytelling from her father, a former coal miner who was himself a master yarnspinner.
Kathy Gordon
I was raised in the mountains of Western North Carolina by parents who told stories of growing up in the mountains. I delight in retelling these stories and ones of my own childhood.
Linda Gorham
Linda Gorham’s performances are filled with surprising twists and unconventional humor. Linda has engaged audiences with interactive folktales, distinctive myths, notably twisted fairy tales, riveting well-researched historical stories, and humorously heartfelt stories about family life.
James Gregory
I specialize in Old Mountain Tales, Tall Tales and Stories from the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
Sandra Gudger
Appalachian stories, poems, and personal stories. Sandra brings seven generations of Scottish and Appalachian heritage to storytelling.
Charlotte Hamlin
I provide programs for audiences of all ages and workshops for organizations of all kinds, specializing in multicultural stories, personal stories. I offer storytelling development workshops and training in storytelling as a leadership skill.
Michael Reno Harrell
Michael Reno Harrell is an award winning songwriter, storyteller, published author and all around great entertainer.
Alan Hoal
Alan's animated style and familiar themes draw his audiences into his tales as they experience the stories’ events alongside his colorful characters.
Terri Ingalls
Terri began telling stories – officially – when she helped found the Imagine That! Storytellers and has since told stories at libraries, retirement communities, high schools, theatres and festivals.
Ron Jones
For over 30 years Ron has been sharing stories and songs with audiences of all ages telling traditional and original stories.
Robin Kitson
Robin’s trips of the mind are like those she heard as a child in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans where stories roll down the river clothed in fog. Robin’s dynamic, funny mind weaves a tale you won’t forget.
Gwenda LedBetter
Gwenda LedBetter began her fifty years of storytelling in Asheville, North Carolina, becoming the Storylady at the libraries, and on Tales from the Red Rocker on WlOS-TV. Her first telling at the National Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee was in 1979.
Joan Leotta
Award winning story performer and author, Joan Leotta, gives shows based on folklore or personal stories and performs women from history for audiences of all ages.
Arthur Lightbody
Arthur presents the role of Scripture in Church Reformation history through his performances as John Wycliffe and William Tyndale. He is known for presenting one-man shows on Andrew Jackson, appearing as Old Abe Lincoln.
Sherry Lovett
Through mystical Celtic stories, haunting ballads, historical narratives, and wise and wonderful folktales, Sherry swirls together a magical stew to delight audiences from school assemblies to a variety of adult performances.
Catherine MacKenzie
An avid collector of tales, Catherine MacKenzie fell in love with storytelling in the bayous of Louisiana, and is always thrilled to find a new story to share.
Alicia Markov-Newan
Alicia began her career in healthcare as an RN. Her passion for sharing stories in the past caring for her patients, and this presently fuels her appreciation for storytelling.
Jeannie McPhail
Jeannie McPhail is the author of three books and read excerpts from her books, and talk to student about the writing process and creating stories.
Ann Mendenhall
Ann is pleased to share a preschool story time, lead an adult Bible study, plan church youth events, or introduce stories to all.
Ray Mendenhall
“Here comes the Jolly man ... he’ll tell you a story or two.” Jolly man stories is the experience of Amazing Songs and Whimsical Stories shared through the art and antics of Ray Mendenhall.
elena miller
Storytelling Folksinger, Guitar, autoharp, dulcimer; Chataqua/Fables/Tales/Folklore/Personal
David Joe Miller
David Joe is dynamic on stage for audiences of all ages. He is the former staff storyteller for the National Storytelling Association in Jonesborough, TN.
Marva Moss
As a storyweaver, educator, and creative writer, I spin a 'story web' to stimulate imaginations, and hopefully create a love for listening, reading and writing.
Rebekah O'Connell
Always family friendly, Rebekah's tales are a humorous mixture of family stories, personal misadventures and original tales.
Doyle Pace
The main focus of my interest are the stories of the life, love, lore and legends of the people of the Southern Mountains.
Sylvia Payne
Through her animated style Sylvia’s stories captivate young and old alike, sometimes stretching deep into the soul. She stretches the imagination with stories of history, original family stories, intriguing folktales, haunting tales and NC legends.
Larry Pearlman
Combined a successful 30 year career in sales, sales training and public speaking with teaching spiritual classes and acting as a Minister for Emissary Ministry. Author of two books.
Sam Pearsall
We are all made of stories! Stories are what we remember, what we dream of, and how we think of each other. Every story has joy, wisdom, and truth in it. And every story is a whole world.
Alex Peers
I have been a public speaker/educational speaker for non-profit organizations over the past 40 years and have recently taken up storytelling.
Claire Ramsey
Claire Vera Ramsey has always loved telling stories. A librarian and former president of the North Carolina Storytelling Guild, Claire believes storytelling helps people value one another.
Kanute Rarey
Kanute writes and performs his stories from his heart. He can script a story to the interest of the audience or the request of the organization.
Cynthia Raxter
Cynthia tells true, original, real-life stories for all age groups. Her stories promote good values and self-worth with creativity and humor.
Nancy Reeder
Nancy's stories range from myths and legends to folk tales and fairy tales, with her own personal stories as well.
Connie Regan-Blake
With playful elegance, Connie Regan-Blake transforms an audience into an intimate circle of friends. From old-timey mountain tales to surprising, heroic adventures of everyday living, her school assemblies, family, and adult performances are flavored with the humor and wisdom of Connie’s Irish heritage and Southern roots.
Terry Rollins
With his mercurial and mischievous energy, and his friendly down home style, Terry Rollins is one of North Carolina’s favorite tellers of ghost stories, pirate legends, and NC folk tales.
Wallace Shealy
"It is no surprise to me he has been telling tales since he could talk
and I often had to warm his rear for it."
— Wallace's Dad
Wallace was born in Aiken, SC but since has lived all over. From Dallas and Detroit to Silicon Valley while he managed system engineers, developed training and new technology at Ross Perot’s EDS and GM.
Annette Simmons
Annette Simmons is a successful consultant and author of four books. The Story Factor (Basic Books, 2019 3rd ed.) was named as one of The 100 Best Business Books of All Time (Penguin, 2009). She also wrote Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins (AMACOM, 2008)
Charlie St. Clair
All my stories are true...some of them actually happened. Some of my stories are humorous, some will make you think. All of them are entertaining.
Becky Stone
Becky is a storyteller and has told stories and taught workshops throughout Western North Carolina at schools, libraries, universities, festivals, and the Biltmore House.
Brian Sturm
Dr. Brian Sturm has been a professional folktale storyteller and storytelling scholar for over 15 years. His research focuses on immersion, the state of being completely engrossed in whatever you are doing.
Jon Sundell
Through five decades as a professional storyteller and folksinger Jon Sundell has proven himself to be an outstanding interpreter of folk tradition.
Steve Tate
Steve's stories are about farmers and farm life. His tales often include animals and outside adventures. And they tell about universal experiences like fear, failure, bravery, and love.
Donna Marie Todd
Donna Marie Todd is a professional storyteller, TEDx speaker, recording artist, singer, writer, teaching artist and retreat leader. She is a multi-faceted artist.
Vicky Town
Vicky Town is an interactive storyteller, writer, and teaching artist who delights audiences with her unique blend of physical comedy and love of language.
Judith Valerie
Judith tells stories from the travels and challenges of her rich life. Growing up in England, visiting ashrams in India, or exploring the Sinai Desert, her tales are full of vivid details and mesmerizing movement.
Vincent James Vezza
The first-born son of a career militant officer, I grew up on U.S. Army bases around the world. I received a BA degree in Political Science and MS degree in Education. Following graduate studies, I established a career in education, publishing and technology.
Henry Vogel
Former comic book writer Henry Vogel is a storyteller with a lively and energetic delivery. Henry tells original stories as well as traditional folk tales.
Donna Washington
Donna Washington uses an expressive face and vocal pyrotechnics to bring stories to life. She has been featured at national festivals around the country.
Currie Williams
Currie is known as the Apple Lady. She’s a folk artist storyteller and author.
Jessica Willis
Jessica is spoken word and visual artist with a big mouth and a bigger imagination. She builds dreams out of words, rhythm, and recycled and re-purposed materials.
Mary Lou Wilson
I enjoy getting women groups together for drumming, singing, and telling stories. I tell for the joy of it.
Deborah Winkler
Storytelling flings wide the doors and windows to worlds within and without. Deborah relishes every opportunity to share stories as food for thought.