Performances, Workshops, Residencies Programs Of Cultural Diversity For All Age Groups with Andy Fraenkel, storyteller, author, and workshop leader.

Why the need for stories?

I travel extensively offering multicultural and sacred storytelling programs in a variety of venues; from elementary schools to colleges, from libraries and museums to storytelling festivals and interfaith gathering. The Multicultural Stories Network is my response to the growing need in the schools and colleges, and our society in general, to understand and honor the diversity of our American culture and of the world. It is truly good when we can all learn and marvel and be entertained by stories from other cultures.

Actually, the need to share stories is vital to all human beings. The stories we accept, personally and as a culture, help define us and shape our character. By hearing stories from around the world we begin to honor ourselves and others.

I also feel that one of our most important tasks is to transmit the joy and the richness of the spoken word to young people and provide them with various role models of creative self expression. I believe that when kids are inspired to become more effective communicators everyone stands to benefit.

Exploring the use of words is vital. We cannot take it for granted that our children will somehow grow up and learn to speak and communicate properly. The alarming outbreaks of domestic violence, and violence in schools and the work place, have proven otherwise. In the light of all this, children receive little training in effective oral communication.

For me, the importance of conveying the use of story and developing oral skills is very personal. I came to the shores of America from Germany at the age of five. Soon afterwards I entered public school, speaking no English. Without the encouragement and the tools to penetrate into the depths of my story, I found myself at a disadvantage. Sometimes I experienced a frustration at my inability to communicate. In class, I was reluctant to speak up. I would feel embarrassed and intimidated if I said the wrong thing. As I grew older, I began to explore avenues of communication via creative writing and theater, and then storytelling.

We are by nature storytellers. Our great country especially has prospered by our ability to share, listen to, respect and be inspired by each others stories. No matter what field we enter, each of us uses words and stories as our main form of communication in expressing our feelings, our thoughts, our experiences.

Besides performances, I offer master classes and workshops on the uses and dynamics of STORY for professionals in many fields. I also coach performing artists and anyone wanting to improve their communication skills. I am a member of the National Storytelling Network and serve as a judge for Storytelling Youth Olympics. I am cofounder of A Voice We Bring, which brings storytelling and music to children and other patients in hospitals and health care facilities.

Traditionally, the wisdom of the world's cultures has been conveyed through story. Storytelling can help us create community, focus in on and resolve issues, spark the imagination and discover our strengths and the possibilities in life. I am not only a storyteller but a story tiller, helping people explore and share their own stories. When we share our personal, cultural and spiritual stories, we can move toward peace and understanding. By listening to the stories of others we can experience the rich tapestry of world traditions and begin to honor our differences.

For more info click Programs & Workshops