Programs and Rates

Programs

& rates

Program Length:
I do a maximum of 3 presentations per day. Each presentation usually lasts between 40 - 60 minutes.
Once upon a tale... Simon takes listeners to a time and place, far away, where a talking spider tricks Sky Chief, Raven finds light, Turtle races with Beaver, and Old Man Death finds himself stuck in a nutshell. Simon draws from a world of stories. From hundreds of tales of myth, legend and folklore, he tells of heroes and heroines, talking animals, dragons, trolls, tales of pirates, Greek gods, and fairies. All his stories are filled with many kinds of treasure and adventure. Simon performs using unique voices to animate his tales and adds expressive body language, which brings the stories to life. Simon's often-funny storytelling will delight children and adults alike.

Notes from children

Program Themes (a selection):
I have a large and still growing repertoire of tales to tell from, but sometimes it is nice to gather a number of stories together, like friends, for a program that might follow a theme. Here are some ideas you might wish to use.
A World of Tales: Great stories from all over the world. Tales of love, long journeys, shape shifting girls battling dragons, how Ananzi gave us stories. Great family entertainment for the home, library or school. All ages.
Nature: These tales come from Native American, African, European and other World sources. They include the story of beaver's race with turtle, how Raven brought light to humans, why the salmon swim out to sea, tales of trees, and more. All ages.
Fright Night: These tales include the story of how Death got put in a nut shell - a tale about loss and bereavement, as well as stories that will chill listeners to the bone. This program can be suitable for children aged 4 and up, but works REALLY well for older listeners (11 plus), with VERY scary stories!
Treasure: Stories of treasure found in unlikely places, pirates, and a Greek myth are all found in this entertaining program for those 4 years old and up.
Workshops: I also provide workshops that vary from a very condensed 80 minutes on storytelling, to much longer and deeper workshops. All workshops provide participation and, at the end, each participant will come away being able to tell a tale like they never have before! Not suited to those under 8 years. Best suited to those aged 11 and up - parents, grand parents, librarians and teachers included! Call or email for more details and pricing.

These are examples of programs I can offer. Sometimes you might want a performance filled with ghost tales; you might want a series of creation stories, or tales from Scandinavia, Greek myths, or British tales of King Arthur. You may want water stories, animal tales, or just a number of ripping yarns for a given audience. Whatever your needs are, please let me know, but remember, the more notice I get, the better program I can offer. If there is something you definitely have in mind that is not in the above list of ideas, please talk to me in advance so I can work with you to create your own personal program.

CLICK HERE for a downloadable (PDF) bookmark with the tale 'Jaguar and Hare'

Program Cost:
RURAL LIBRARIES call for special rates: 603-353-9305

If you have something special in mind that you are looking for in the way of a package, or have a budget to work with, please call about pricing. Below are some guidelines. Rural libraries, please call for special rates.

$210.00 for a single presentation with a small group, maximum around 50 people in New Hampshire and Vermont.

$250.00 - $350.00 for multiple presentations with small groups. Call for details.

$250.00 - $450 for a single presentation with a large group of over 50 people, or small group outside of New Hampshire and Vermont.

LIBRARIES call for special rates: 603-353-9305

Please call for pricing on residential programs.

Rates updated July 2007 for the 2008 season (can be subject to change; can be negotiated).

To see photos of Simon acting out his stories click HERE

Before booking ANY performer, please visit this page on my website. It contains a number of suggestions to help make your event go as smoothly as possible, and to maximize the success of the performance: Booking a performer.

I have performed at festivals, private functions, libraries and schools in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Amongst other performances, I have appeared before Dartmouth College at the Hopkins Center, Hanover, NH; the Timberlane Performing Arts Center in Plaistow, NH; at the Connecticut River Festival Big Splash Event, Wilder, VT; opened at the Outdoor Series at the Upper Valley Events Center, Norwich, VT; and performed at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. I was on the New Hampshire Libraries Summer Reading Roster (2006 and 2007), and the Vermont Libraries Summer Reading Performers list (2005/2006/2008) - see news/shows for details of performances and gigs; and I am a member of the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling.

Contact Simon Brooks at (603) 353-9305
Email: simon@diamondscree.com
or by writing to 32 River Road, Orford, New Hampshire 03777