 Cynthia
Watts
Email: watts-story@mindspring.com
Website: www.wattsinastory.com
Phone (404) 758-9873
Fax (404) 758-0800
Cynthia Watts first heard stories from her grandmother and great
great aunt. While many people have heard stories from their relatives
and forgotten them, Cynthia chose to look more deeply. In trying
to find her way in these turbulent times, she discovered these stories
could give much needed insights. Later she heard stories at the
National Storytelling Association. These experiences as well as
professional training as a college professor, encouraged further
exploration into the field of storytelling. She is still learning.
Her artistry has been recognized by the city of Atlanta; she was
selected as one of eleven artists to present workshops to inner
city school children. Through a grant she has had success in helping
delinquent children take a new look at their world via storytelling.
Through using insights from many cultures, storytelling helps audience
members transcend their own experience, time and culture for universal
truths which are life enriching. She refuses to talk at people,
but carefully involves audience members as imaginative, creative
listeners. Cynthia recreates the intimacy of the storytelling art
form which allowed its survival through the ages. The telling of
her tales speaks to our time.
PROGRAMS
Storytelling is as old as the earth, yet as fresh as the rain. In
my touring program I feature stories from the African diaspora.
The stories selected share universal truths. It is my goal to entertain,
educate and exalt the human spirit through my work. Each program
includes a minimum of three stories of varying lengths. The length
of the story is suited for the audience. During Kicks For Kids the
longest story will not exceed ten minutes. In Animals and Other
Folk the longest story is thirty minutes.
In school settings I prefer an audience that does not exceed two
hundred people, who are close in grade and age. Usually the groups
will be K-3rd grade, 4th-7th grade and high school audiences of
10th, 11th and 12th grades.
Each program begins with a storytelling song that sets the tone
of the program. As a teller I incorporate a lot of audience participation
which may include repetition of a phrase, finger snapping or some
other involving behavior. The program includes a range of emotion
from humor to pathos.
ANIMALS & OTHER FOLK
A one hour concert for adult audiences that focuses on universal
truths as told through folktales, song, and enhanced by audience
participation.
FUN FOR FAMILIES
A 45 minute concert featuring timeless ageless tales that involve
the audience in life and encourages the sharing of family stories.
For all ages.
KICKS FOR KIDS
A 30 minute show that features fun filled traditional tales that
build self esteem and explore the ways of the world. Ideal for K-3rd
graders.
KICKS FOR KIDS II
Thirty minutes of storytelling followed by a 15 minute forum. Ideal
for 4th-7th graders. Themes and content more mature.
MOVE, GROW, LEAP INTO THE FUTURE
A 45 minute show for young people featuring stories form the African
Diaspora that explores the child in each of us as we learn coping
skills that move us toward adulthood. Ideal for 8-12th graders.
LIVIN', LEARNING AND LOVIN' LIFE
Mature adults have had these experiences. Reflect with Cynthia as
she shares folklore and personal stories that speak to the profound
truths learned about love through living.
CONTACT CYNTHIA
Cynthia Watts
Email: watts-story@mindspring.com
Website: www.wattsinastory.com
Phone (404) 758-9873
Fax (404) 758-0800
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