“One of the Hudson Valley’s Coolest Storytellers“
– Hudson Valley Magazine, January, 2015
Pamela Schembri grew up listening to her father tell stories. Some from his immigrant childhood in the Bronx, others from his wily imagination. Spellbound, she was transported to wherever his words took her.
For 33 years, Pamela has been an invited guest to conferences, schools and libraries, including the Ohio O.O.P.S Festival, The TriBeCa Film Festival, The Rockland Storytelling Festival and the Riverway Storytelling Festival.
She is the co-author of Second Grade Friends, a set of easy-reader books published by Macmillan.
She lives north of New York City.
33 years ago…
In 1991 I saw Joseph Bruchac, Eshu Bumpus, Judith Black and Tracy Leavitt perform at the Visions Storytelling Festival.
Attendance was required for an assignment in children’s literature. At the time, I thought I was fulfilling a requirement for a grade, but in reality, I had found home.
The storytelling was like magic for me. I was transported back to my childhood, listening to my dad spin tales at our dining room table. It seemed natural.
I returned to class and told “The Tiger’s Whisker”. I got an A, and I’ve been telling stories since.
I use my background in music to help enhance the stories I tell. The connection between story and song is so powerful – it creates electricity in a room. That feeling is the magic I once felt as a listener; now I help create it as a storyteller.
I try to choose stories that are not ordinary; I enjoy finding a little-known version of a well-known tale. When I work with children in schools I stress the importance of story selection. It's ridiculous to tell a story you don't love. I have added nearly forty folktales to my repertoire, and have developed personal stories which I enjoy telling. Storytelling bridges the gap in generations. It is my hope that people who hear my stories share them, especially within their families. We can learn so much from each other. Sometimes a story is the easiest way to begin.
Contact
Email me to get more information about storytelling performances, residencies and workshops.
Qualified and vetted for educational funding in schools.
Pamela Schembri 