I'd be happy to send you more info on how I do my show and the cost.
Just drop me an email:
komalley@comcast.net
I'll reply with materials as fast as I can.
I visit quite a few schools every year. Sometimes I think it just might be more fun than working on books. I put a lot of energy into the performance and by the end of the day I'm usually pretty wiped out. But it's a great feeling. The only time I think I caused some trouble was when a group of second graders was told to run around the soccer field after my show. They were really fired-up
I usually do 4 shows a day. One performance for each grade level. The shows can run from 45 minutes to an hour. I'll even stay, if I can, and talk to the parents on those special school nights. I can perform for larger assemblies if you like, but it's a bit tougher trying to match my work with a larger age range. I do, in fact, try to keep my material relevant to each group.
Now, about the performance. I've been told that I act 'just like Robin Williams' (this is a great compliment, though I think a bit overstated). I start by explaining how I got started drawing and how I began doing children's books. Then, as a group, we re-tell a fairytale or folktale, whatever story fits the mood of the group. I always draw the story out on over sized paper. (You're welcome to keep the drawing... good catholic schools raffle them off for book drives.)
I've visited big schools, little schools and every school in-between. The thing that still amazes me is that I've never been to a school were the kids didn't act like kids. And that is a wonderful thing.
“I actually have a headache from laughing so hard today :)”
- Yazmine Adamson, Librarian, Mattison Avenue Elementary School
“You influenced my class and me to be free, creative and ourselves!”
- Patricia Fitzgerald, 2nd Grade Teacher, Stony Creek Elementary School
“He is so inspiring and SO funny to listen to!”
- Jillian, 2nd Grade Teacher
“His own brand of ‘stand up comedy for kids’ had students and teachers alike howling with laughter.”
- The American School in Japan
“You're the coolest in town!”
- Janette San Pedro Corral