Heather Whaley is a well-respected storyteller and storytelling animator. My own recent experience with her was in a collaboration for the 2010 Nuit Blanche, where I hired her, through Storytelling Toronto, to be part of an ensemble of storytellers doing an experimental show titled “your story begins at the Barns.” She was a creative, professional artist to work with, and brings much dedication and passion to her work.
Dan Yashinsky, Storyteller and Author
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Heather has not only sought to constantly improve her own performance as a storyteller and musician, she has also worked to provide workshops and events for her colleagues. Each performance has been carefully planned to suit the needs of an audience but as a consummate performer she also has the flexibility to deal with the unexpected and unknown.
Micki Beck, Folklorist and Storyteller, Jury Chair Storytellers of Canada, Coordinator for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre Tour
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You have such warmth and personality, and the ability to bring together a whole room full of people in a very comfortable way.
Your young friend (Silvia De Cesare) mentioned that you inspired her to become a storyteller. I can see why. Anna Kertz author and storyteller.
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Workshop comments:
“Heather‘s presentations were always thoughtfully prepared. Her presentations included techniques in story-telling, poetry-writing, rhymes and verses. The preparation of materials and handouts were always precious to the students. ” Cynthia Ramdeen, Montessori Teacher Training Centre, Toronto.
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In May, 2011, I was Heather´s interpreter at the International Storytelling Fest in Buenos Aires, where she conducted two workshops for over 50 people each. Her workshop was very well organized, there was relevant information and lots of practice, music and props and the activities were varied, and dynamic. People were eager to participate, and enjoyed the workshop very much. Heather also conducted a workshop for teachers of English in Mercedes (Buenos Aires). In this workshop, she introduced teachers to the art of storytelling and provided them with lots of follow up activites and songs to be used in the classroom. Teachers were thrilled and more than satisfied with this very useful workshop. Heather was very generous in giving teachers the tools to enhance their own school programs, and helping them gain confidence.
Heather is a thoughtful, responsible and well organized workshopist, she is open to participant’s comments and questions and is very sensitive to their needs.
Silvia De Cesare 2011
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