Oh my yes I relate to all this - I used to get SO nervous about school visit 'performances' but have no qualms whatsoever about whole school assemblies etc now. It's been good for me to get out of my cautious quiet comfort zone! I did however once get invited to do an event for 500 children where they literally used the word 'entertainer' and I said no. Sadly my one-time attempt to learn an amazing magic trick failed because I couldn't keep a straight face, might have been useful though!
I hate the idea that we have to be children’s performers. I like presenting to kids, drawing for them and making them laugh, but it’s an authentic version of myself. I hope so anyway.
It’s a fun time for both me and the kids. I focus on the kids and building their confidence rather than talking about how lucky they are to meet a wonderfully famous and incredibly interesting author/illustrator of their most beloved stories/core memories.
I always love seeing how other writers and illustrators do their events. I do a great many school, library and festival visits every year but I have only done a 'show' like that once or twice. I'd love to see how you approached it!
Great to read. I’d love to see one of your plans . I hope I get to the point where I get booked for children’s school visits . I think I’d be ok as I teach preschool and have done for years !
My friend in Japan uses her artwork to produce narrative story telling linked to her pictures, called Kamishibai. This was a traditional form of street, you can see on her instagram feed that she is incorporating music as well. I like the idea of having images to support your performance.
Oh my yes I relate to all this - I used to get SO nervous about school visit 'performances' but have no qualms whatsoever about whole school assemblies etc now. It's been good for me to get out of my cautious quiet comfort zone! I did however once get invited to do an event for 500 children where they literally used the word 'entertainer' and I said no. Sadly my one-time attempt to learn an amazing magic trick failed because I couldn't keep a straight face, might have been useful though!
Yes, I think I would turn down an invite if they used the word entertainer! Eek!
I hate the idea that we have to be children’s performers. I like presenting to kids, drawing for them and making them laugh, but it’s an authentic version of myself. I hope so anyway.
I bet kids love you! Yes your authentic Bobness must make them fall over laughing!
It’s a fun time for both me and the kids. I focus on the kids and building their confidence rather than talking about how lucky they are to meet a wonderfully famous and incredibly interesting author/illustrator of their most beloved stories/core memories.
I always love seeing how other writers and illustrators do their events. I do a great many school, library and festival visits every year but I have only done a 'show' like that once or twice. I'd love to see how you approached it!
You have a head start, a stage show is the same as a school visit to a festival, just a bit bigger. I will share my plans next week!
Great to read. I’d love to see one of your plans . I hope I get to the point where I get booked for children’s school visits . I think I’d be ok as I teach preschool and have done for years !
Oh yes, you’d be brilliant as you work with kids already. You are 100% qualified!
Haha! Thank you ☺️
Ah this is so good to hear, and so true! Looking forward to your masterclass on Monday, thank you.
See you at the masterclass!
My friend in Japan uses her artwork to produce narrative story telling linked to her pictures, called Kamishibai. This was a traditional form of street, you can see on her instagram feed that she is incorporating music as well. I like the idea of having images to support your performance.
https://www.instagram.com/murakami.shino/