fostering an appreciation of storytelling as an oral tradition, performing art, and educational tool
Mary & Neil Early
Mary and Neil Early are “Stories & More!”. They offer program events ranging from traditional storytelling to very non-traditional creative drama participation experiences. Using story, literature, music, puppets, costumes, and props — when appropriate — their material ranges from the international classics to the myths of multiple world cultures and indigenous people. Programs can be by theme, culture, or other requested emphasis. They are prepared to address significant social issues and are always open to your needs. Additionally, the Earlys offer Poetry and Oral Interpretation, Educator Training/In-service, and innumerable workshops and residencies which can include creative drama experiences. They also present thirty different researched individuals from Literature, History, and the Bible, interviewed by the inimitable Ms Mary. Their programs are appropriate for all ages from pre-school through senior adults. They perform in all venues — street theatre to open floors to fully-equipped stages. Mary and Neil present in venues ranging from the “Zwolle Tamale Festival” to “Ghosts Along the Brazos” and “Gladys City Spindletop”; from Library Programs to formal Concert presentations; Communities in Schools Family Events to Title I or Head Start/Pre-School enrichment, Youth Groups, and Family Reading Nights. They also work in nursing homes and retirement centers. Mary and Neil are both professional educators as well as performers. They are prepared to offer “pre” and “post” performance study, planning, and reference materials tied to the national learning outcomes and objectives as well as those of the states to which they are invited. “Stories & More!!!” will travel anywhere in the World – or out of it. The sky is never the limit. Mary and Neil are members of the Houston Storytellers Guild and the National Storytelling Network. They were founders of the Louisiana Storytellers Association and the Central Louisiana Storytellers Guild. References and other materials are available on request. They have a DVD available.