Bil Lepp

Bil Lepp is an internationally-known storyteller and humorist.  A five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest, his outrageous tall-tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages.

He is an award-winning author and recording artist, and has been featured at venues across the nation, including a recent appearance for Comedy Central. Lepp is the recipient of the Storytelling Circle of Excellence Award.

Bil’s humorous, family friendly tall-tales and stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. Though a champion liar, his stories often contain morsels of truth which present universal themes in clever and witty ways. Audiences all across the country, from grade schools to corporate execs to the Comedy Central’s Hudson stage, have been delighted by Bil’s mirthful tales and delightful insights into everyday life.

Dovie Thomason

Dovie Thomason is one of the most respected and admired storytellers of her generation. Her ability to craft tales that not only enchant audiences––but also teach invaluable lessons about human nature and indigenous worldviews––has long made her a beloved contributor to schools,organizations and events around the globe. The wry humor and subtle graces that infuse Thomason’s work enable her broad and modern appeal, while a lifetime of study and tradition-bearing ensures the deep cultural roots of her craft remain intact.

Thomason’s journey as a storyteller and artist began with the childhood influence of her Kiowa Apache grandmother Dovie, whose name Thomason proudly carries. From her, Thomason absorbed not only the stories of her paternal ancestors, but also the ‘pan-Indian’ stories her grandmother learned from other children during the boarding school era. These tales were told to Thomason in the traditional way, intended not only to entertain, but also to gently teach and instruct. Imparting everything from practical advice to cultural values, these tales were coated with affection and humor, making them well-loved sources of both amusement and wisdom. These timeless stories would eventually form the core of Thomason’s highly regarded repertoire.

In 2007 she was honored with the Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Network. She is a Smithsonian Scholar, and is recepient of numerous other national and international awards.

Oba William King

Oba William King, The Poetic Storyteller, tours nationally presenting programs  of story, song, and drum for all ages, all cultures. Oba William King is recognized as one of the most exciting Storytellers of his peer group. Since his debut with the National Association of Black Storytellers at the San Diego conference in 2006, Oba has ignited audiences with his ability to capture their attention and gently release them into the playful realm of rhythm and rhyme. He masterfully combines professional theatrical training with a distinct poetic style. Oba is an entertaining educator sharing the traditional art form, as if it were a sacred gift.

Oba’s most significant influence in the art of storytelling came as a result of his sojourn to Benin, West Africa, resulting in solo performances to share and celebrate his original Anthem “I Love My People”. Following the Africa visit Oba wrote, produced and directed; “The Courtroom” HIV / AIDS awareness prevention in one act.

Oba presents programs for teen, adult and seasoned adult audiences. In 1998 he received an award nomination for the lead role in Dracula at Lifeline Theatre, in Chicago. He was the “Tall Tales” NABS LIARS Contest Champion.

Will Hornyak

Will Hornyak draws from oral traditions including Celtic, African, Greek, and Native American, to create his presentations. Will Hornyak teaches storytelling at Marylhurst University and Portland State University and tells stories throughout the United States.

Will tells stories and offers workshops for inmates of a State Penitentiary, to the Home schooling Association, the National Storytelling Network, the American Cancer Society, a business roundtable group and a number of schools, libraries and churches. Hornyak enjoys finding “old ideas” from his collection of stories that speak to contemporary societies and current issues.

“He is a storyteller of immense power and presence,” said Marilyn Sewell, Senior Minister of the First Unitarian Church in Portland., where Hornyak has regularly offered storytelling presentations to compliment church services. “I hold him in the highest regard as a storyteller and teacher.”

Norma Cameron

Norma Cameron has performed at storytelling festivals, concerts and events in Canada, the USA, Scotland, England and Ireland. She tells traditional and contemporary Scottish stories as well her own stories.  Norma wrote and performed a one-woman show, Coalmines, Council Houses and Corsets: The Life and Times of a Scottish Granny.  The play was adapted from her collection of stories based on her real-life Granny Jamieson (the most amazing storyteller Norma has ever heard) who died in 1994.

As a keynote speaker and professional storyteller, Norma has presented to a wide variety of audiences across Canada, the USA and the UK (including healthcare, education, corporate, non profit, arts & cultural clients).

Norma was born in Scotland, moved to Canada, and eventually found her niche working for a non-profit organization (Western Canada Summer Games). Her life, and life’s work, has always been anchored in story. In 2006, she formed The Narrative Company; to combine her fundraising, writing and professional storytelling skills to help charities learn how to ‘tell their story’ strategically to raise funds and fulfill their mission.