About Mary Davis Gage
Mary Davis Gage is the creator of Swinging On A Star Storytelling who specializes in local legends, funky folktales, and spooky stuff. After teaching in the North Carolina Public Schools for 30 years, Mary particularly loves to work with schools and children of all ages, using storytelling to enhance curriculum needs. Give Mary a storytelling challenge and she will rise to the occasion!
Mary holds a B.A. in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an M. A. in Communications and Storytelling Studies from East Tennessee State University. Based on a series of stories she used to tell her students, Mary is also the author of the children’s book Oval Man. Her daughter Anya illustrated the book when only 16 years of age. Mary lives in Western North Carolina with her hilarious husband Michael, artistic daughter Anya, and two rowdy dogs.
What is Professional Storytelling?
Storytelling is one of the most ancient of art forms. The need to hear and be heard has always been important to mankind. What it means to be a professional storyteller, however, can be confusing.
Often, audiences with small children are surprised when a storyteller shows up without a book in hand. In storytelling, we do not read from text; we use our own words and experiences; emotion and energy; insight and creativity to craft a story.
Interesting details about storytelling…
- Most professional storytellers design their tales for adult audiences, not children.
- Storytellers frequently tell true stories using personal and family experiences, as well as the arts, educational, political, religious, historical, or grassroots movements as inspiration.
- Storytelling performances are called “concerts”.
- Music and dance are sometimes incorporated into storytelling concerts.
- Some professional storytellers perform locally while others travel around the world.
- Storytelling is not always a live performance. Podcasters and YouTubers can be storytellers.
- Storytellers usually perform solo.
- Performers invited to large events such as the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN are called “Platform Storytellers”.
- Professional storytelling is more than performing in front of an audience. Storytelling is considered therapeutic and is, therefore, used in the medical field.
- The judicial system uses professional storytellers to prepare lawyers for trial or witnesses to give clear testimony to juries.
- The business community uses professional storytellers to refine product pitch or aid marketing strategies.
- Storytellers work in the film, music video, cartoon and many other forms of visual entertainment industries.
What People Are Saying
“An engaging and intriguing storyteller We love having Mary entertain our guests!”
–Merit Wolff, owner of Wine Sage and Gourmet
“Mary’s well-told stories provide listening fun and pleasure for all ages.”
–Mary Jane Swanson, Events Coordinator of Carolina Village Retirement Community
“‘How does she know so much about me?’ and ‘How does she know I do that?’ are questions children frequently ask
after a performance. Mary uses personal touch to draw children in while they hang on the edge of their seats.”
–Kristen Johnson, Media Coordinator Fletcher Elementary Schools
“Mary is an absolute delight. She is truly an original entertainer.”
–Jeremy Weber, Former Owner of Blue Ghost Brewery
“When she tells stories and sings, you could hear a pin drop in a room full of wiggly children or tired, hungry adults”
–Nancy Frady, Arts Coordinator, Brevard Elementary School
“Her stories draw you in so completely you are sad to have them end.”
–Toni Wooten, Librarian with Henderson County Public Library System
“Mary keeps her audiences on the edge of their seats through her passionate and engaging storytelling.”
–John Hart, Principal of Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School
Oval Man is the creative work of author Mary Davis Gage and illustrated by her daughter, 16-year-old Anya Davis.
Would your class like to hear about Oval Man?
3rd graders and art classes will especially love to hear more about Mary’s love of outer space and how to draw the characters from Oval Man.
Virtual presentations and readings are $100 per hour.
