Dianne de Las Casas's Page

Artist or company name

Dianne de Las Casas

Please select Artist type. If you are an Artist in Schools or Teacher Artist additional information will be requested upon submission.

Artist in Schools

Contact email address.

dianne@storyconnection.net

Contact phone number.

504-368-1831

Contact physical address (street, city, state, ZIP)

P.O. Box 2656, Harvey, LA 70059

Artist or company website

http://www.storyconnection.net

Please provide a brief (250 word) biographical sketch of the artist or a history of the company in question. For orchestras, please also include a biography of the conductor. This information will be viewable by the public.

Dianne de Las Casas is an author and award-winning storyteller who tours internationally presenting programs, educator/librarian training, workshops and artist residencies. Her performances, dubbed “traditional folklore gone fun” and “revved-up storytelling” are full of energetic audience participation. Her multi-award winning CDs include Jambalaya ~ Stories with Louisiana Flavor, World Fiesta ~ Celebrations in Story and Song, and Jump, Jiggle & Jam ~ A Rhythmic Romp Through Story Land. Dianne’s books include The Cajun Cornbread Boy, Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach, Story Fest: Crafting Story Theater Scripts; Kamishibai Story Theater: The Art of Picture Telling; Handmade Tales: Stories to Make and Take; Tangram Tales: Story Theater Using the Ancient Chinese Puzzle, The Story Biz Handbook and Scared Silly: 25 Tales to Tickle and Thrill. Visit her website at http://www.storyconnection.net and subscribe to Story Connection Express, an educational e-zine for parents and teachers.

Please cut and paste quotes from reviews and other publicity. If none, please indicate.

"Listeners looking for a revved-up storytelling session will find one here, as de Las Casas infuses a selection of favorite folktales with 'rhythm, rhyme and rap.' ...audiences will surely be enthused by these entertaining retellings, which exploit de Las Casas' pleasant style and incorporate many crowd-pleasing elements." – Publisher's Weekly (review of Jump, Jiggle & Jam)

"Award-winning storyteller Dianne de Las Casas has given familiar folktales a modern twist by remixing them with rhythm, rap, and rhyme. Energetic and commanding, de Las Casas convincingly performs these tales, repeating rapping refrains and encouraging listeners to join in." – School Library Journal (review of Jump, Jiggle & Jam)

“De Las Casas' commanding voice, unique characterizations, emotive vocalizations, and creative methods of reaching out to her audience are most engaging. Chants, songs, and realistic sound effects that can be repeated provide active participation in the stories.”
– ALA Booklist

“Dianne de Las Casas narrates with a clear and sincere voice. Refrains, songs, and sound effects embellish her storytelling.” – AudioFile Magazine

Please summarize the activities for touring or school activities.

Dianne de Las Casas is an author and award-winning storyteller who tours internationally presenting programs, educator/librarian training, workshops and artist residencies. Her performances, dubbed “traditional folklore gone fun” and “revved-up storytelling” are full of energetic audience participation. Her highly acclaimed professional development workshops are based on the content of her many books published by Libraries Unlimited.

Do you provide a Teacher's Guide?

Yes

Please provide the details of your technical rider. Indicate where you have flexibility.

Please provide a wireless headset or lapel microphone, a CD player, a bottled spring water to drink, and easy access to an electrical outlet. Send written directions/map to the hotel/motel and the performance site(s) at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled performance. Also, please provide the reservation confirmation number and the phone number of the hotel/motel.

To make the visit extra special for the students, it is recommended that you offer Dianne’s books for sale. Dianne will be happy to set up an autograph session after her presentation(s). Dianne’s children’s picture books may be ordered from Pelican Publishing Company. Please contact Caitlyn Smith at csmith@pelicanpub.com or call 800-843-1724.

Required to give a dollar fee range. Please indicate your range with concise descriptions of activities at the upper and lower ends of the scale

$2,000/day + expenses for school visits
$5,000/week + expenses for out-of-state residencies