Bobby Norfolk
This
St. Louis
native began his career as a stand up comedian in area comedy clubs.
From there, he worked for 10 years as a National Park Service Ranger
presenting historical interpretive programs for school groups and
community. In the evenings, he worked as an actor and director in local
community theatres. With a background in comedy and theatre, he
naturally turned to storytelling and became a full-time teller in 1987.
He is well known for his high-energy performances and lively animation.
His stories promote character education, cultural diversity and
self-esteem, and are geared for audiences of all ages. Bobby has also
served as a board member for the following: St. Louis Storytelling
Festival, Corn Island Storytelling Festival, Missouri Storytelling, and
most recently was voted in to serve with the National Storytelling
Network. From park ranger to TV host, recording artist on Earwig Music
to author, Bobby has traveled an interesting life path that is revealed
by his creative stories and crowd-pleasing concerts, enriched with
language, movement and clever sound effects. Bobby is truly a gift for
the imagination!
Why Bobby
Tells Stories:
I started telling stories when my son was 3 -
he is
now 33. I began buying books to read to him at bedtime and as I would
read these stories, vivid pictures would appear in my mind. I soon
started doing my own versions of the stories, giving my son a real
theatrical performance. I mean, this kid was ready for popcorn and soda
by the end of it! It really surprised both of us. Later on, I realized
that my background as a comedian and actor lent itself well to
storytelling.
When I tell stories, I like to use all my physical resources to pull my
audience in. Vocal sound effects help to enhance my stories such as the
creaking of a chair, or the slamming of a door. Storytelling is such a
versatile art form since it gives me the opportunity to combine poetry,
humor and theater into my own special package.
Storytelling is for all ages and I easily adapt the stories, depending
on the age of the audience. For instance, one story could be performed
for middle school kids, and that same story told completely different
for an adult audience.
Character education traits such as respect, responsibility,
cooperation, honesty and self-esteem are tools of my trade. I feel
stories also help us " Theatre of our Mindstoday What I like best about
telling is watching the responses on the faces of my audience. Time
almost seems suspended when I am performing. It is cool to see the rapt
attention listeners give to me as I tell a story. The energy level I
receive from the audience also helps me to enhance the story even more!
I tell stories to see the happiness and joy that can be shared through
the oral tradition. No fancy electronics, just teller and listener.
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