Story Fest: dance, theater, music, puppets, and author Aaron Reynolds!

Celebrate the many ways stories are shared in this library-wide event. Enjoy interactive performances and hands-on story activities for all ages, including a special presentation and book signing from picture book author Aaron Reynolds. Books will be available for purchase.

Story Fest is made possible thanks to an endowment from former Barrington teacher Marge Luther, and was created to encourage and instill a love of reading in children.

Schedule:

Visit all the performances throughout the day, or choose a few favorites. Most performances will be offered twice, so you'll be able to enjoy as many as you'd like. Between shows, check out other activities throughout the first floor of the library.

Tickets for Author Aaron Reynolds will be available at the Youth Desk starting at 9 AM on a first come, first served basis. Scroll down to learn more about each performer/performing group.

Performers:

Aaron Reynolds is a New York Times best-selling author who has written many highly acclaimed books for kids, including Creepy Carrots!, Creepy Pair of Underwear!, President Squid, Nerdy Birdy, Carnivores and the Joey Fly, Private Eye graphic novel series. He regularly makes time to visits schools where his hilarious hands-on presentations keep kids spellbound.

Nationally-known story-performer Chris Fascione acts out the best of classical and contemporary children's literature and folktales in fun-filled, participatory shows tailored for family audiences. His unique combination of storytelling, mime, juggling and comedy creates colorful characters from literature who tell their stories as laughter abounds.

Hōkūleʻa Academy of Polynesian Arts
Kawika Acevedo and ʻAle Gabino are the owners of Hōkūle‘a Academy of Polynesian Arts, Chicago’s very own Polynesian entertainment company and dance academy. This husband and wife duo founded the island-inspired institution to stay true and respectful to the people and cultures of Polynesia. Since 2000 they have put all of their artistic energy towards learning the various dances, languages, and lifestyles of not only Hawai‘i but also Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand and other neighboring island nations. With authentic dancers, vibrant costumes, and fire dancers, Hōkūleʻa’s full Polynesian revue performs at schools, park districts, street festivals, and private parties year round.

Sea Beast Puppet Company
Founded in 2009, the Sea Beast Puppet Company is known as being a leader in puppetry excellence in the Chicagoland area. The Sea Beast Puppet Company will perform their show, “Shadow Puppet Conspiracy” which is an exciting adventure into the world of improvised shadow puppet performance. A storyteller, using audience suggestions, weaves an original tale as a group of bold and daring shadow puppeteers work together to create and perform the story right before the audience’s eyes. Always original, this show is high energy and hilarious. The Shadow Puppet Conspiracy is a great show for audiences of all ages!

Storytown Improv
From superheroes to undersea adventures, princesses to dinosaurs, Storytown takes you on an interactive, fully improvised adventure. The actors use audience suggestions and ideas to create a different story every time. Kids design the setting and help shape the story. The actors, artists, and musicians bring it to life. When the possibilities are endless, no two stories are ever the same.