Shayna Jones

Discipline: Storytelling
Homebase: Kaslo
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley &, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island Lower, Vancouver Island Mid, Vancouver Island North, Interior, North, Remote, Kootenays, Virtual
Languages: English
Grant Eligibility: Eligible for 70% AIE

Shayna Jones is a multidisciplinary Spoken Word Artist, an award winning actress, a professional Performance Storyteller and Folklorist. She dedicates the majority of her artistic work to fostering the art of Oral Storytelling through African and Afro-diasporic folklore, true narrative, and song. As a trained actor, singer, and fine mover, Shayna brings the art of traditional Oral Storytelling to vibrant life. Audience Participation is lovingly required! Learn more about her work at her website: www.wearestoryfolk.com.

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Performance(s)

Hambone & Redfish Don't Lie

School Year: 22-23
Discipline: Storytelling
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: 4 - 12
Duration: 40 - 50 mins
Capacity: 400
Tech Requirements: I can provide my own wireless mic. The school will need a PA system (speakers) capable of handling a standard wireless mic.
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

"Hambone and Redfish Don't Lie" is a sweeping oral storytelling performance rich with Afro-diasporic folklore, folk history and song. Watch and listen as strength and healing reveal themselves in the most unexpected places and by the most unexpected means. Students will be left with evocative and symbolic imagery with which to build understanding of African North-American history and their own modern context. "Hambones and Redfish Don't Lie" is available in person as a 40 - 50 minute dynamic performance with student engagement worked right into the experience, or online as a 30 minute pre-recorded show with a live-streamed Q&A available with Shayna following the viewing.

Popping Toads & Lion Skins

School Year: 22-23
Discipline: Storytelling
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 6
Duration: 30 - 45 minutes
Capacity: 400
Tech Requirements: I can provide my own wireless mic. The school will need a PA system (speakers) capable of handling a standard wireless mic.
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

"Popping Toads & Lion Skins" brings to vibrant life four short stories that circle 'round and 'round a single theme: to be at peace with ourselves. Housed within tales seemingly fit only for children, the wisdom found within these figures of folklore and fable will resonate no matter our season of life. Anti-bullying, equity, diversity and inclusion are all themes that are ripe within these stories. Inspire your students with the power of oral storytelling steeped in Afro-centric tradition. "Popping Toads and Lion Skins" is available in person as a 40 - 50 minute dynamic performance with student engagement worked right into the experience, or online as a 21 minute pre-recorded show with a live-streamed Q&A available with Shayna following the viewing.

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Testimonials & Reviews

Shayna Jones... can only be described as a force of nature. Lilian Jasper, Two Cents Two Pence Reviews

Shayna Jones has brought healing, art, beauty, empowerment and her many many gifts to our students and school, and we are so deeply grateful - especially in the times of COVID when the arts are so sadly missing from our lives. We are all feeling the profoundly positive effect of her presence and talent in our school. The energy has literally shifted and there is a buzz of joy rippling into the school. I do not say these words lightly; they are from my heart and soul. Sylvie Mazerolle, Principal of École des Sentiers-alpins, Nelson BC

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