I am a dramatic storyteller in the lovely province of Marlborough, New Zealand. A world traveller, I was born in Boulder, Colorado, USA, had my childhood in Guelph, Ontario, Canada and also Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand. I have lived in Pangbourne, Oxfordshire, England, as well as Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand. After travelling many years, I now choose to live in Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand. I started as a Professional Storyteller in 2008, but have always had many tales to tell. I am a natural storyteller, and have been in demand as one all my life.
After many years of people asking if they could hire me after hearing me read stories at school, playcentre, and so on. I decided 'Why not?!', so here I am. I've got a storytellers' kit, which includes two drums, a rain stick, some puppets, and other props. I have gathered some tales to tell and have fun tweaking them to my own style!
I work part-time in a bookstore, which has helped me in building up an extensive repertoire of tales. From October to June, I also work at the Marlborough Farmers' Market Information Stall.
I am the resident storyteller at the Marlborough Farmers' Market, and perform every Sunday (Oct to June) from 10 - 10:30am with tales targeted towards farms, the growing of food, healthy eating, and so on.
I specialise in Children's Interactive Entertainment; Great for parties, schools, pre-schools, libraries and festivals. I enjoy themes to tell to for children’s parties, schools, pre-schools, libraries, festivals and so on. I am, of course, open for bookings. Feedback is welcome!
You can contact me at:
Katrina Oliver
8 Carvell Street
Blenheim 7201
New Zealand
Katrina Oliver Storyteller Children’s Interactive Entertainment Great for parties, schools, pre-schools, libraries and festivals in Marlborough! Phone: (+643 outside NZ or 03 in NZ) 577 7787 (+643 or 0) 21 265 5539 katrinao@xtra.co.nz or Google “Katrina Oliver Storyteller”
When I lived in Christchurch, New Zealand, I was in a world music choir; A Capellago... www.sing.co.nz/acapellago.html Stories, music and song all feed my soul.
Check out Riverlands School blog:
http://riverlandsroom2.blogspot.com/
You will see me in my persona as The Wonderful Wordly Word Wizard; photos and video.
Hi Anneliese,
I storytell in New Zealand, but my background is also from Canada and the United States. I hope my experiences help anyway...
I storytell in Schools, Festivals, libraries, our local Farmers' Market, Children's Birthday Parties, and ...
Do animals figure prominently in your stories? Talking, teaching, magical, provocative, long-suffering, animals have been part of story since story began. Let's talk about how you include them in your tales.
Greetings! I hope you like Professional Storyteller. I sure do! Won't you consider participating in the "Applied Storytelling: the Power of Story" group? We would love to have you! Best wishes. STEVE
Thanks for your note Katrina. I will check out your storytelling organization's website. It's always interesting to see what other storytelling groups are doing, especially in other countries.
Our North Carolina Storytelling Guild site doesn't get changed very often either. There are so many ways that a website could be used if we had someone who had the time to work with it. Our site is: www.ncstoryguild.org.
I am learning a couple of new stories to go with my Appalachian Ghosts and Legends program I'm presenting in November. I am traveling to a small town 40 miles away to present this program to two groups of 7th graders who are studying about the mountains in North Carolina. NC is a southern state and is on the east coast of the US.
Welcome to PS, Katrina! I forgot to mention in my note to you that I was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, which is within spitting distance of Guelph, so we really do have a lot in common. I moved to NZ many years ago, and like you, I choose to live in NZ. I hope we meet up sometime soon.
Cheers,
Kath Worsfold
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Bill & Kath - "Kiwi Entertainers!"
www.billkath.co.nz
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Hello Katrina! I spent my childhood in Brantford, Ontario, just down the road from Guelph. I've never been to New Zealand, but it is on my list of places to visit! There is a tiny family story that no one seems to know much about, concerning one of my ancestors, who went mad on a sea voyage to New Zealand and died enroute!
Glad to find you on this wonderful website! I sounds as if you are definitely off to a great start with your storytelling. You must have many interesting stories from your own experiences around the world. Keep up the good work.
Welcome to the world of storytelling. Glad to see you found this great website. I see you have a "world" of experience living among different cultures around the world. Oh what stories you must have from your many, many experiences.
Do you have a storytelling organization in New Zealand? I would love to hear more about the types of stories you use in your programs. I have been a storyteller, first as part of my duties in a public library, and now as a freelance storyteller. I now enjoy doing a number of programs for adults through museums, libraries, etc., reminding the audience to pass on their "own personal and family stories". If we don't share those stories - once we are gone these stories are LOST FOREVER. My programs take me across the southeastern United States.
I would love to hear from you when you have a spare moment.
Welcome to Professional Storyteller. Glad you came on board. It's a great community of storytellers. I think you will enjoy the discussions and sharing.
Happy Tales to You!
Warmly,
Dianne de Las Casas
Founder of Professional Storyteller
Author of The Story Biz Handbook