Jahruba

Jahruba will tell his stories at the Performing Arts Studio, located in the Norman Depot, 200 South Jones, beginning at 1:30 on Saturday, February 16.  Children and adults alike are invited to attend this free event.

Jahruba has been performing professionally for over 35 years.  His approach is to use authentic artifacts, folk-tales, songs and instruments to teach young and old about Africa and the African American experience. 

He selects stories that encourage young people to think for themselves -- such as the story of the greedy hunter of Ibo village who found out the hard way about the power of greed, or  Fulumbo of the Fulanis, the handicapped boy who saved his village from Zulu raiders with the magical rhythm of peace.  There are stories of Ananzi the spider, always up to tricks, and many more.

In addition to a BA in African Studies from San Francisco University, Jahruba has studied with master drummers and street musicians from around the world.

Storytelling at the Depot is made possible in part by a grant from the Norman Arts Council.  Jahruba is the fifth in a monthly series. 

For additional information phone the Performing Arts Studio at 405-307-9320.  Gallery and office hours are  8:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1:00 to 5:00 on Sunday.

Kricket Rhoads, Native American Storyteller from the Kiowa and Caddo Nations, will tell traditional stories beginning at 1:30 on Saturday afternoon, January 12.  Children of all ages are invited to enjoy the free event presented by The Performing Arts Studio, located in the Norman Depot, 200 South Jones Avenue.  Adults are invited as well. 

Kricket has told stories from the Kiowa and Caddo Nations throughout Oklahoma, across the United States and internationally, for close to two decades.  She has performed on stage since childhood in a variety of roles, which include acting, dancing and singing.  She had lead roles in the movies The Alamo and Chasing the Wind as well as parts in Last of the Mohicans and UHF.  She has done several commercials as well, including one with her daughter for the 2004 WIC nursing campaign, the 2006 Integris Health promotionals and WB promotionals.

Continuing her education. Kricket is now a senior in the Native American Studies Department at the University of Oklahoma. She is currently the Education Outreach Coordinator for the Historic Jacobson House in Norman.

The free Storytelling Series at the Performing Arts Studio is made possible by a grant from the Norman Arts Council. 

For additional information about this or other PAS programs, call The PAS at 307-9320.

Kim Zahller will be telling stories at the Performing Arts Studio in the Norman Depot beginning at 1:30 on Saturday, December 8, in conjunction with the Christmas Holiday Parade Twelve Stops of Christmas and the Downtown Art Market.  All events are free.

Kim Zahller has won the admiration of thousands of children in Norman for her excellent storytimes.  She brings books to life and children to books.  Kim’s smile and welcome greet every child who comes into the library.   Kim loves being silly, especially if it encourages children to read.  Kim and her co-workers at the Norman Library are proud to work with the great families in our community.  The Performing Arts Studio is proud to have Kim at the Depot.

Kim is a storyteller and Assistant Librarian at the Norman Public Library.  She has held this job for 11 years.  She is a Norman native and a graduate of the University of Oklahoma.

The Performing Arts Studio encourages children and their parents to participate in all of the activities going on in Historic Downtown Norman on this special Saturday.  Everything is fun and free!  Downtown is the place to be!

Storytelling at the Depot is made possible by a grant from the Norman Arts Council.

For further information about downtown events occurring on December 8, phone The Performing Arts Studio at 307-9320.

Storyteller Erin Guiltner

The program will include stories told in several styles, and will include audience participation, music, instruments, movement and props.  “Families will enjoy the opportunity to participate together.  The activities will be adaptable for children of all ages -- even babies are encouraged to join in the fun” Guiltner says.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University where she studied flute, voice, piano, saxophone, acting and dance, Guiltner has developed a broad base of skills.  Over the past 15 years, she has used those skills to entertain young audiences across the country.  In 2003, Guiltner added Licensed Kindermusik Educator to her resume.  She now teaches Kindermusik two mornings each week at the Depot. 

“I feel sure audiences of all ages will enjoy Erin’s stories.” says Nancy McClellan, PAS Executive Director.  “We invite everyone to come and participate.”

For additional information, phone the Performing Arts Studio at 307-9320.

Storytelling at the Depot is made possible by a grant from the Norman Arts Council.