Joy Through Story
Hi! I'm Rachael Harrington & I'm so glad you're here.
I'm a storyteller, writer/illustrator, and director who creates
stories and story experiences
that inspire people to
LIVE JOYFULLY.
Imagine filling your house, classroom, museum, arts venue, festival,
_(fill in the blank)_ full of people laughing together, deeply listening to each other, and sharing a profoundly human experience.
Imagine a school buzzing with excitement as students build literacy skills, STEM connections, social emotional learning, and empathy & respect.
This is what storytelling does. And this is how I can help you grow JOY in your community, school, or venue.
School Assemblies
Interactive, theme/curriculum tie-in
In-classroom
Cross-curriculum literacy a/o social emotional learning. Creative writing through storytelling.
Museums, Festivals, Arts Venues
Interactive, Exhibit tie-in
Libraries
Themed, Summer-reading, early literacy, family engagement
I am a professional storyteller who presents joy infused, community centered folktale and personal narrative performances and workshops for all ages in theater/arts spaces, museums, festivals, community groups, schools, and as a guest lecturer at Rutgers University.
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Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling
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The Story Center at The MidContinent Public Library
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Day of Water Festival, NYC
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San Mateo Public Library
Performance Highlights
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American Association of School Libraries
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National Storytelling Network Annual Conference
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NJ Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
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NYC Library Services Conference
Workshop Highlights
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NYC City Artist Corps
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NYC DOE Arts and Family Engagement Winner
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NYC DOE SWD Grant
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Stage Director Choreographer's Union Observership Program
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Clutch Productions Full Circle
Grants & Programs
Coming Up
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May 14th 2022: Storytelling Nature Walk with Second Nature Outdoor. Inwood Hill Park 4pm. Meet at Shorakappoch Rock. www.storytellingnaturewalk22.brownpapertickets.com
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May 21st 2022: Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art and Storytelling. 11am & 1pm.
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June 25th 2022: Tower Storyelling and Music Show featuring Shelly Bhushan at Cornerstone Center. 7pm. Tickets here.
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June 29th 2022: Rising In The Heights Festival with Lead Lights Ensemble at Word Up Bookshop/Liberìa Comunitaria. 5pm. Free.
In addition to my storytelling work, I am a director working in theater and film, with a focus on developing and directing imaginative and comedic pieces that transport audiences out of the every day.
Directing Highlights:
Don Pedro de La Cebolla at Interarts and Symphony Space, The Charleston International Film Festival, and The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Observership Program.
Training and Programs:
ESPA Primary Stages, SDC Foundation, UCB, The P.I.T., The Magnet Theater, Clutch Productions Full Circle Program
Rachael's Film Directing Reel
In addition to my storytelling work, I am a published illustrator who loves dreaming up wild characters full of vibrant color and pattern. She graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Art Education/Illustration, and has taught visual arts in the NYC DOE and as a teaching artist for non-profits and Scribble Art Workshop.
Why Storytelling?
EMPAHTY
SPEAKING CONFIDENCE
DEEP LISTENING
COMMUNITY &
HUMAN CONNECTION
CREATIVITY
Literacy, Writing, & Language Skills
What People Say
Parent of ELL Storytelling Workshop Participant
"For the first time in my daughter's life she could speak English publicly thanks to the storytelling, which was a great start point for her to face school life in a foreign country."
Donna Swift, Media Center Specialist
"Rachel Harrington holds her audience in the palm of her hand. Her stories are down to earth and accessible for all ages. She makes her characters come to life."
Francesco, HS Student
"From your presentation I learned that I should put all my heart in what I do, even if it is not a story."