I visit quite a few schools a 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'd be happy to send you more info on how I do my show and the cost. Just drop me an email. I'll send out the materials as fast as I can. 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. |
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