About:
GERALD FIERST is a dynamic storyteller, who brings life to his characters and paints pictures with his words. His vast repertoire can be focused to any age and almost any theme.
The ancient art of storytelling is as refreshing and exciting in today's world of video and special effects as it was in prehistoric times. The talented storyteller creates a personal experience for each member of the audience. Storytelling is the basis for the Whole Language approach to education, heightening the audience's imaginations and stimulating their minds in ways that can enhance any subject matter.
In addition to performances, Mr. Fierst can conduct WORKSHOPS and extended RESIDENCIES in storytelling, process writing, or creative dramatics. Students will discover the structure of a story, including character, action, conflict and resolution.
Dig Into Reading! - Gerald’s favorite stories from Margaret Read MacDonald, Peninnah Schram, Italo Calvino and others make a wonderful incentive to discover new authors and their retellings of traditional folktales.
Digging Making Stories - Using improvisational storytelling based on trickster tales. fables and tall tales, children create new versions of old favorites.
Digging for Gold-Values Tales - A program of stories that teach lessons of community, cooperation, friendship and family.
The American Spirit - The values and courage that created a nation
Mr. Fierst portrays the oldest man in America-born on the fourth of July, 1776-who witnessed George Washington ride by to take his oath as President, fought in the Civil War, heard the famous speech of Sojourner Truth, took the first airplane ride with the Wright Brothers, attended the civil rights rally with Martin Luther King, and participated in other momentous events. Through his eyes, we experience the history of our nation, with an emphasis on the vision, courage and values of the people who shaped it.
Using his theatrical skills, along with a variety of costumes and props, Gerald Fierst changes his look, his age and his voice to transform into various characters of each era. He interweaves traditional folktales that sprung from the people of the time with real historical events and personalities. The program can be adapted to be suitable for a variety of ages, ranging from kindergarten through ninth grade, by adjusting the mixture of history and folklore.
Experience the pageantry of American history, including George Washington and the founding of country; Chief Sequoia of the Cherokee Nation; Sojourner Truth and the Civil War; the Wright Brothers and the age of invention; Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, visionaries of democracy.
Think it, Write it - Making stories come to life
Using audience participation, improvisational storytelling, and selected multicultural folktales, Gerald Fierst demonstrates the elements of writing with examples of character, conflict, and sequencing. An extraordinary lesson into the writing process, sweetened with all the laughter and adventure of a master storyteller's performance skills. Orality is the foundation of literacy, and Gerald Fierst proves that a good talker makes a good writer.
Stories From Around the World
Folklore and legends from many cultures are carefully selected for the age of the audience. Special cultures can be emphasized upon request.
Create-A-Tale
Discover the hidden performer in you as Gerald Fierst tells mesmerizing stories and shows how you can take them home. Participate and learn to make character voices and use movement to help you discover the excitement of sharing stories as well as creating your own stories to perform.
We Are All One
Using folklore and parable from traditional Muslim, Jewish and Christian stories, Gerald Fierst performs a unique restatement of the golden rule. Values of cooperation and community are emphasized as the stories celebrate the diversity of America and our common dream of freedom .
Jewish Tales
Tradition, drama, and history of five thousand years come alive. Special programs for various holidays are available.
Spooks & Ghosts
Humor and suspense fill these tales of the supernatural, stories of other consciousness, and true tales of the inexplicable.
From Aesop to Zeus
Take a storytelling tour to Mt. Olympus and its neighboring myths and fables, as you meet some of the best known gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, tricksters and monsters of the ancient worlds of Greece and Rome.
Legacy of Courage
Tales of human dignity and spirit from the Holocaust, African-American experience, and Native American history.
Winter Holiday Tales
Multicultural holiday stories from Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, and the Winter Solstice.
“You are a talented and gifted entertainer whose skills and creativity most definitely will leave a lasting mark upon us forever!” - Fishkill Plains Elementary, Wappingers Falls, NY
“It will be a great springboard for Language Arts activities. You could hear a pin drop during the entire performance.” - Harwinton Consolidated School, Harwinton, CT
“He was dynamic, humorous, and wonderful, and captured our family audience beautifully” - The Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, CT
Ages:
College, Elementary School, High School, Kindergarten, Middle School, Nursery, Prekindergarten, Preschool