Hiring a StorytellerA storyteller tells from memory rather than reading from a book. The listener is very important in the storytelling process. For stories to live, they need the hearts, minds and ears of listeners. Without the listener, there is no story.
Choosing a storyteller
Storytellers of Canada-Conteur du Canada website provides a Directory of Storytellerswhere individual storytellers describe their repertoire, experience, travel availability, preferred age group and contact information. The booking agent decides which storyteller is best matched to particular needs.
The rate for performing artists set by Canada Council for the Arts is currently $250 per hour. This rate reflects the time to research, craft and learn a story as well as the experience and professional development involved. As speech writers estimate their time as 20 hours for a 20 minute talk, storytellers provide exceptional value for this performance rate.
Where community considerations warrant, the teller may negotiate a lower fee. The teller is obliged to state the approved fee.
Fees and expenses are negotiated with the storyteller. Payment is due on the day of the performance.
You may also find it helpful to consult the following documents:
Mar 1, 2009