You’ve decided to hire a Virginia storyteller for your big event. Congratulations! Storytelling can inject some wonder and whimsy into your guests’ lives.
Whether young or old (and it’s all relative, isn’t it?) My stories are crafted with humor, insight, and surprises. I strive to capture listeners’ imaginations, pique their curiosity, and send them away smiling. Whether recounting a personal anecdote or spinning a fanciful yarn, my live stories are imaginative, thought-provoking, and just plain fun.
Need to motivate your team or inspire creativity? I have tales for that.
Want to give your guests an unforgettable experience? I will transport them.
Hoping to spark joy and connections? My stories spread delight.
Here’s a sampling of the types of storytelling I offer for various age groups. I adapt the narrative, style, and length of each story to fit the needs of your audience.
Traditional Fairy Tales:
Preschoolers enjoy the comfort of familiar tales like The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, and similar stories. In addressing this age group, I encourage children to participate in the story by asking questions, making suggestions, and even acting out parts. This interactive aspect makes the story more engaging and memorable. I often use voices, facial expressions, and body language to bring the story to life.
Need more info on children’s stories? Here’s my link.
Twisted Tales:
Twisted tales are a popular genre of children’s literature that take classic fairy tales and twist them in unexpected and often humorous ways. Twisted Tales use humor to subvert expectations and make familiar stories fun. Audiences of all ages appreciate the clever wordplay and unexpected twists these stories often offer.
A few examples of Twisted Tales are:
- Cinderella, told from the point of view of the Fairy Godmother
- Jack and the Beanstalk, told from the point of view of the Giant
- Red Riding Hood and the Three Bears
- Hansel and Gretel and the House of Pancakes
- The Gingerbread Mafia
Tall Tales:
Tall tales often feature exaggerated and impossible events that appeal to all age groups. For example, a tall tale might tell the story of a giant who can uproot trees with his bare hands (Paul Bunyan) or a cowboy who can ride a tornado (Pecos Bill).
Tall tales are generally told humorously, with lots of jokes and wordplay. Even though tall tales are fantastical, they often deal with relatable themes such as good versus evil, courage, and perseverance. American tall tales reflect the values and experiences of the American people.
A few examples of Tall Tales are:
- John Henry, who was stronger than ten men and could dig through a mountain faster than a steam drill.
- Pecos Bill: who lassoed and rode a tornado
- Paul Bunyon and Babe, the Blue Ox.
- The legend of Johnny Appleseed
Holiday Storytelling: Secular Christmas Stories
In public settings, audiences may come from various cultural backgrounds, and their holiday traditions differ. So, I strive to find common ground with generic tales such as:
- Winter Tales: These stories focus on the winter season and its traditions
- Santa Claus Stories: These stories focus on Santa Claus and his origins
- Reindeer Stories: These stories focus on Santa Claus’ reindeer
- Christmas Magic Stories: These stories focus on the magic of the Christmas season
- Christmas Family Stories: These stories focus on the importance of family and friends during the Christmas season
These stories can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, and they can help to create a warm and festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
Holiday Stories: Not-So-Scary Halloween Stories
Not everyone likes scary, gory Halloween stories. Fortunately, those are not necessary for mixed audiences. Many types of non-scary Halloween stories can be told. Here are a few examples:
- Stories about the history and traditions of Halloween. These stories can teach children about the origins of the holiday and the different ways it is celebrated worldwide.
- Stories about friendly ghosts and other spooky creatures. These stories can be fun and exciting without being too scary.
- Stories about the importance of friendship and cooperation. These stories can teach children that it is okay to be different and that everyone has something unique to offer.
Blue Ridge Tales:
Although I have fun telling all the above stories, I admit my favorites are those about historical people and events from the Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia. There is so much history here, from before our nation’s founding. These stories are individually tailored to suit school curricula and event themes.
Let Wayne Jordan Bring the Magic of Storytelling to Your Event
Bring Wayne to your classroom, school assembly, or public event to share the magic of storytelling. Since Wayne began storytelling over five decades ago, he has entertained audiences nationwide with his traditional tales and personal stories. Contact Wayne to discuss the details of your program; you’ll be glad you did.
