Video:
Cassandra Wye
Type of Artist:
International Inclusive Storyteller - Performer, Educator, Trainer and Director
Cassandra has combined her background in psychology, circus, dance and disability to create Stories in Motion, an internationally acclaimed inclusive approach to storytelling.
Since 1991, she has worked around the globe and across the educational spectrum from nurseries to universities, from working on the streets with homeless children to delivering key-note presentations at international conferences
For Schools:
Cassandra delivers a range of high-energy vibrant and exuberant interactive performances that engage audiences of all ages from nursery to senior school.
Her performances draw on global storytelling traditions to celebrate the diversity of cultures within UK - with a particular focus on Asian folktales gathered from communities she has worked with across South, South East, and East Asia.
Her workshops offer a kinaesthetic approach to storytelling, ensemble performance and creative writing that can inspire both reluctant learners and stimulate confident communicators.
For Libraries:
She devises and delivers: inclusive storytelling performances, workshops and staff training for Early Years, primary & secondary age children and for adults
Special event!
We Share the Same Moon, created by International Storyteller Cassandra Wye and Astrophysicist, Megan Argo, funded by Arts Council England and International Astronomical Union will be an online science and storytelling resource for schools celebrating sky-lore folktales from 176 communities and cultures currently living in UK.
Cassandra and Megan will be delivering science based storytelling sessions, interactive performances and practical workshops at schools, libraries, observatories and science museums throughout the UK, in order to produce tried and tested cross-curricular resources to meet the needs of UK primary school curriculum. If you would like your organisation to be involved please get in touch!
Details
Preferred age range:For schools: From 2 years to eighteen.
For libraries and festivals - all ages including adults
Maximum number in any one session:
Early Years performances: 2-3 yrs max 20. 3-4 yrs max 30. Primary & Secondary School performances: Up to 120. Special schools: Up to 10 per session Workshops: One class (up to 30) Large scale assembly performances for the whole school also available
No of sessions per day:
Up to 4 hours of contact time available per day.
Which can be:
4 x 1 hour performances to whole school
Or: 1 assembly performance plus 4 x 50 min workshops to selected classes
Or: 8 x 30 minute sessions for special schools or pre-school
Or 3 x 1 hour children’s sessions plus 1 hr twilight training for staff
Session Length:
Under fives: 20 - 30 minute sessions
Under sevens: 30 - 50 minute session
Seven to eighteen: 30 - 60 minute session
Libraries: Up to 60 minute sessions
Festivals: Up to 90 minute performance (inc break)
Areas prepared to travel to:
I am happy to travel nationally and internationally as long as all expenses are met. I live in the West Country.
Transport:
By public transport and taxi.
Fees:
Please indicate which author you are interested in
DBS/CRB:
Cassandra has both Public Liability Insurance through Equity and a current CRB check
Website:
Titles include:
KS1 and KS2:
Shooting Down the Sun - The finest of folktales from across Asia
Around the World in 80 Stories - a celebration of storytelling from around the globe
Beneath the Shade of the Starfruit Tree - Amazonian and Asian Rainforest tales
KS3 and KS4:
Holding Up the Sky - celebrating SE, and E Asian storytelling traditions
Nursery & Foundation Stage:
The Story Pot - multi-sensory storytelling from around the globe
Special Schools:
Tactile Tales - multi-sensory rainforest tales
Bespoke packages are also available - Eg for Summer Reading Challenge Workshop Packages
Workshops include:
FS & KS1: The Magic of Myths & Maths - storytelling as a stimulus for maths
KS1 & KS2: The Benefits of Being Bilingual - storytelling skills for EAL children
KS2: Moving into Writing - a kinaesthetic approach to creative writing
KS3: Taking the Lore into our Own Hands - storytelling for English & Drama curriculum
KS4: Moving Into Performance - performance training for BTEC and A Level
Testimonials:
Tales from the Cosmos - commissioned performance: “Cassandra Wye is a stunning, larger than life character who doesn't just tell stories - she literally becomes the story. Every gesture is perfectly timed, every nuance of phrasing exploited to the utmost as she acts and dances her way through the tale in a masterpiece of physical theatre which holds the audience spellbound”
Gill Arnold The Craven Herald, Yorkshire
The Benefits of Being Bilingual :“You will be thrilled to hear that much storytelling is going on in school as a result of your wonderful workshops. Some of the children are doing their own storytelling at break time and bringing in stories they have written at home!”
Kerry Aryal Kinabalu International School, Malaysia
Around the World in 80 Stories: “Students of all ages in the Elementary School were captivated by the accomplished storytelling of Ms.Wye. With her combination of narration and participation by the children Ms.Wye kept the audience spellbound. She told a variety of stories from different parts of the globe that resonated with our students and encouraged them to reflect on the ending”
Susan Prideaux, American Overseas School, Rome
The Story Pot:“Cassandra Wye is a regular visitor to Tanglin Trust School. Children and teachers alike adore Cassandra’s stories. She entertains and enthuses children with her perfectly rehearsed and well-researched storytelling performances.
Benjamin Farr Tanglin Trust International School Singapore
Tactile Tales: “We had a visit today from Cassandra for World Book Day. it was fantastic. The children accessed a wonderful told story to coincide with our rainforest theme for our multi sensory theme-based day. Many thanks to Cassandra for being so flexible and adapting to the needs of our children.”
Caroline Aplin Grangewood Special School Eastcote London
The Story Mosaic: Ensemble Performance at Singapore Storytelling Festival: “One of the highlights of the festival ... was seeing forty twelve-year-olds, who had been working with Cassandra Wye, performing. The blend of enthusiasm, creativity and humour was inspiring”
Senga Monroe Blethers Storytelling Magazine, Scotland
Holding Up the Sky: “Thank you for your wonderful storytelling event last week. The girls have been buzzing about it ever since and I think it is a memory that will keep returning to for a long time to come”
Birte Milne Wychwood Independent Secondary School
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