Micki Beck

Readings

Micki has certain set programmes for specific age groups (as well as multicultural sessions) but also provides custom designed programmes for specific subjects or interests. Her stories are carefully chosen to fit the requirements of age, listening ability and subject matter. She also provides the opportunity for movement and interaction although this is governed by the size of the audience! Her past experience in education and library encouraged her to use the oldest form of storytelling to introduce the printed word. So students met popular and classic fiction in such a way that they were encouraged to read the book to find out an ending. Her particular and abiding interest, however, is in the folklore and folktales of world cultures for it is there that we discover our humanity — the similarities that bind us all — and, of course, the wisdom of the past that still stands true today.

Special Equipment:

Microphone for large numbers in a gymnasium or auditorium.

Workshops

Micki shares two or three stories as examples. The workshops give participants an opportunity to share their own family stories in a non-threatening environment using large group, small group and individual activities.

Games and props introduce other simple stories to be prepared and shared by individuals or small groups. Workshops for teachers provide activities and advice on teaching students to tell stories.

Biography

Micki was born in Ireland, educated in England, spent a year in France and came to Canada after her eldest son was born. Her interest in storytelling started as a student teacher in England when she did a special study on storytelling in education. As the mother of five children, a teacher, and later, a librarian, she was able to continue and expand upon that interest which has become a passionate dedication to the oral tradition.

Over the years she has ‘told’ in just about every venue and has learned to be flexible. She has been introduced to the dramatic impact of music, props and masks for stage performances. She has ‘told’ through the screams and groans of the haunted house and orchard, in the middle of busy festivals and shopping centres, as well as at lunches, conventions, schools, universities, galleries and libraries but, no matter where she is, she strives for that magic moment when the audience is with her, when eyes and ears are focused and those present are travelling on a journey into the imagination — together with the teller until the last word is spoken.

As an artist Micki has illustrated educational filmstrips, worked with students to create large dioramas on school walls, and backdrops for school plays. She has created backdrops and props for small theatre productions and large seasonal dioramas for parks. She is, at present, using art and storytelling as the focus for Bumbleberry Folk Farm where, each year, she holds a “gathering” of storytellers, authors and musicians.

OTHER PRESENTATIONS:
Micki Beck is available for a variety of presentations upon request. Please contact her for details.