Chris Fascione: Bringing Literature To Life!

Description

Award-winning storyteller, actor and family entertainer Chris Fascione presents his fun, energetic and participatory one-man shows, "Bringing Literature To Life!", "Juggling Funny Stories!" and the multi-cultural "Around the World!" to schools, libraries and other family venues nationwide. Chris acts out children's books while playing a multitude of delightfully comedic characters, promoting literacy and motivating kids to read as he encourages his audience to find each book at the library and "Check 'em out!" Each show is specifically geared with age-appropriate literature for the audience and grade level watching. His ability to engage and hold captive children of ALL ages (as well as teachers and parents!) help to make him one of the most sought-after school assembly, Family Reading Night, Young Authors program and library performers in Illinois. Chris has been recognized for being able to both educate AND entertain through his unique and high-spirited performance style. Full of boundless energy, whimsy and humor, many have glowingly referred to Chris as "Robin Williams for kids." He delights students, educators and parents with his wondrously imaginative storytelling. "Chris Fascione is the most talented literature-based storyteller in America today. If you have one program in your school or library this year, make sure it is his - your audience will thank you!"  - Author Esme Raji Codell.

Work Sample

Video clips, program descriptions and feedback are at http://www.ChrisFascione.com

Once at my website, click on "Video Samples" to view the following: From the live-audience taping of the StoryWatchers Club DVD series outside Indianapolis a few years ago for 2nd through 4th graders, "The Vingananee" is an old Liberian folktale available for students to read from their school or local library. The story's positive morals include perseverance, standing up for yourself and your friends with an anti-bullying message, and each of us is special and unique in our own way - regardless of size or gender. This segment runs 6:26.

Also produced a few years ago from the live-audience taping of the video project, "StoryTime, AnyTime" through Governors State University and the Richton Park Public Library for preschoolers, "Too Much Noise/It Could Always Be Worse" is a Ukrainian/Yiddish folktale available for students to read from their school or local library. Positive morals include acceptance of each situation, tolerance and gratitude. This segment runs 2:56.

Part of my annual Mt. Prospect Public Library December holiday Teddy Bear Walk performance (with musician Mark Dvorak) recorded for Mt. Prospect Cable Television for a family audience.  Celebrating A.A. Milne's classic "Winnie-the-Pooh" with all of us pulling and working together! This segment runs 3:30.

Each "Bringing Literature To Life!" performance has me acting out 3-5 different children's books (three samples submitted) while promoting reading and literacy and encouraging children to find these books at the library to "check 'em out!"  Each show actively involves the audience through both call-and-response participation and with child volunteers on stage at times. Samples are meant to highlight the engagement of the audience throughout my shows, my energetic and high-spirited performance style, and the overall fun everyone experiences!

History

Chris Fascione’s greatest passion has always been performing for children and their families. He presents his one-man show, “Bringing Literature to Life!,” in which he acts out stories his audience can then check out from the school or local library, for schools, libraries and other family venues. Chris has been touring throughout the United States for over twenty years, performing over 300 shows annually. Chris has conducted workshops on storytelling and read-aloud techniques to educational professionals and has been the keynote speaker at numerous literary events.

Chris is a “Storytelling World” award-winner, has been featured through “Reading is Fundamental,” highlighted at the Connecticut and Illinois Storytelling Festivals, and has appeared on several children’s television programs.

As a professional storyteller/actor, Chris incorporates his acting, mime, juggling and comedic skills to both entertain and lead children into the world of books, promoting literacy and a love of reading. He received his theater training from Connecticut College and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and worked with several national children’s theater companies such as the Missoula Children’s Theater and Child’s Play Touring Theatre prior to developing his own show. Originally from Philadelphia, Chris makes his home in Oak Park, Illinois, where he lives with his two sons.

Artistic Vision

To engage, educate and entertain every audience through story performance as I bring literature to life through my participatory acting style that draws from my theater and improv experience and educational background.