PROGRAMS

 

I am sensitive to the needs and nature of the individual groups of listeners who work with me. 

I will happily share stories that speak to a theme of your choosing be it something seasonally fleeting, universally lasting or something unique to your particular group’s interests.

Following are some examples of what I can offer:

Elder tales: seniors know, of course, that tales of adventure & misadventure continue to unfold long into that ‘happy everafter’ of youthful story endings . . .

These tales are well received at seniors’ residences and centres, recreation centres, library programs or anywhere that elders choose to gather.

Also a boon to elementary grades & up. Since many students in this age of ‘nuclear family’ no longer live in close relation with their elder kin these stories can help bridge the gap between generations.

“…the square dancers at 100 Mile House enjoyed your stories and said, ‘Is she ever good, what a story teller’.  So you went over there in a big way! And they enjoyed the break from dancing.”    Florence, 150 Mile House, B.C.

Island tales: there is a certain “je ne sais quoi”, a flavour or essence to life on an island that is expressed in the many tales told by islanders around the world . . .

These tales can be multicultural or area specific and can be suited to a variety of ages.

“Allice Bernards gave a fine performance at our Canadian Authors Association annual meeting At UBC, June 2004. She gave our CAA writers from across Canada a taste of west coast and island living.” Bernice Lever, Poet

Halloween: I love Halloween and its tales: traditional & modern, some scary, some fun, these stories are perfect for a thrilling & chilling experience

Stories chosen for age appropriateness.

“…I look forward to more of your tellings soon – corpses or not!” Melanie Ray, Storyteller

A Winter’s Telling: some stories can lighten or deepen the dark of winter, stories of magic & illumination . . .

Can be suited to any age group.

“Allice Bernards gave a storytelling session at Phoenix Books on a Saturday in January…It was a delight both to listen to her spellbinding stories and to see the enthrallment of her audience which ranged in age from 5 to 85!!…”

Angela Powell (Owner)

Trickster tales: the world is full of tricksters; their stories span the globe, teaching as they travel from tongue to tongue . . .

Can be suited to any age group.

“Thank you for all the stories you have told and all the dreams you have created at Island Pacific School…”  Gr 6 student at Island Pacific School, B.C.

Story as Poem: introduce Poetry to your class or group with some lively renditions of classic narrative poetry…

Can be suited to any age group.

“Oh, my, listening to that poem was like hearing a whole novel!”   Marsa, Seniors Centre resident, Vancouver, B.C.

 

 Stories of Strong Women Epic Weekend

SHARED PROGRAMS

Once upon a beat:  enjoy a unique blend of stories & rhythm with drum teacher, Shasta Martinuk, and storyteller, Allice Bernards.  Shasta provides drums and gets everyone playing along with her infectious enthusiasm for all things rhythmic, and Allice shares stories full of opportunities to join in rhythmic refrain / song / chant.

These sessions are lively and fun.  They can be created to suit all ages from Preschoolers to Seniors.

“. . . I am a teacher at a Montessori School which has 65 children from ages 2 ½ to 11. I asked Allice and Shasta to come in once a month to work with all the children at once. This is a very tall order. Allice was able to find tales that appealed to all ages. By using instruments and movement Shasta & Allice kept even the smallest children engaged for up to an hour at a time . . . their enthusiasm and creativity is a pleasure for children and adults alike.” Lucinda Fothergill, Bowen Island Montessori School

Twice upon a time: Linda Stender, a long time storyteller, and Allice Bernards come together to present programs that rise from their combined repertoire of folklore, tall tales, legend, epic & myth from around the world.  They have performed together in local venues in Vancouver, B.C., and as far away as Cuba & Jamaica.

We tell for all ages, but mostly for those aged 5 to 105.

“The seniors group at Douglas Park Community Centre as well as the social club for adults with disabilities have appreciated Linda’s and Allice’s storytelling; their styles are very enjoyable and their story selection has been just right. Allice and Linda educate and entertain, a great combination.” Kaye Atkinson, Seniors’ worker & Services for people with disabilities Vancouver, B.C.

SENIORS STORYTELLING SERIES

Myths and Memories:   Stories are chosen from a repertoire of world folk and fairytale, literary tales, mythology, life experience & human interest stories to create programs that engage the listener, awaken imagination and invite recollection and sharing of personal memories.

This program has been designed as a weekly series to be presented to seniors groups and residents of seniors housing in the Vancouver, B.C. area:  three storytellers participate, each telling stories once every 3 weeks.  Single events can also be booked either in Vancouver area or beyond . . . if a number of bookings are arranged in your area then travel costs for the storyteller can be shared.  

"Haro Park Centre is a great fan of Storytelling.  It (Myths & Memories program) has been a regular weekly event at Haro Park Centre for close to three years.  The staff has come to appreciate the therapeutic value of the storytelling.  We classify it as an interactive art and a therapy, which goes beyond the entertainment value.  Elders experience the benefits of reminiscing and shared memories."   Director of Leisure Programs, 2007

. . . "Myths & Memories" is a program of the Vancouver Society of Storytelling & is sponsored in part by the Province of British Columbia through the BC Gaming Commission

 

 

...my life's flavour is enhanced by stories told and heard.  Those stories are the 'salt' that heightens & brightens my own experience of the world and they preserve much that nourishes people everywhere.  Let me share with you my bountiful supply of storysalt.  But, whether you choose to enjoy the salt of foreign lands or Canadian kitchen table salt, BE WARNED:  sampling storysalt may lead to cravings . . . for more!