Programmes In Schools, Museums & Libraries
The children were captivated by David’s imaginative and interactive stories and he totally involved the teachers as well as the children in the performances which were full of characterisations, actions and different places. David takes himself and the participants into each story and brings it to life.
"If you are looking for an artist to create stories in your school or venue I can’t recommend David enough, a gentle soul who enchants the audience with his slant on traditional tales. David brings all the props and bits and pieces to you so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy his professional story telling. " Juliet Martin, Arts Development Officer, Chelmsford Borough Council, Autumn
As well as being a dynamic and engaging storyteller and trainer , David Bash is a highly experienced primary school teacher. He works part of every week co-ordinating SEN support and Religious Education in a large multi-lingual London primary school. David is in regular contact with many children who face tough day-to-day issues, and who sometimes behave unacceptably. He believes that children's emotional and behavioural problems are often made worse when they find it hard to communicate their needs, have poor social skills and are out of touch with their creativity.
David is particularly interested in developing further, children's interactive oral communication skills (English AT1) and creative abilities across the curriculum. His programmes, drawing on storytelling, storymaking, drama and other creative art forms, have been widely acclaimed.
About Performances and Workshops
David Bash offers theatre-style storytelling of dramatic and humorous traditional tales from many cultures, modified where necessary to ensure the inclusion of everyone regardless of race, gender, faith or abilities. Through the varied and
animated use of his voice, facial expressions, and movement, David easily creates identifiable characters within each tale, giving his stories a life of their own. His work is interactive in that he always invites and encourages audience participation – so as to both deepen involvement and learning. He adapts his performances as necessary in order to make them appropriate for different age groups and abilities, from early years and special educational needs groups right through to discerning adult audiences.
David can equally use his teaching and training expertise to enable people to create stories themselves, act them out or create art work inspired by traditional tales.
Perfomances for adults, children or families
These include a number of stories and usually run for an hour (or longer by arrangement).
STORYMAKING PROGRAMMES FOR ADULTS CHILDREN OR FAMILIES draw on David's unique 'Right Brain Method' (using individuals' own words and pictures) to enable all participants to create their own fully fledged stories on particular themes. These sessions usually run for one and a half or two hours.
PERSONAL TALES a participatory workshop enabling people to find and tell their own family stories.
STORYTELLING TRAINING WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS, YOUTH WORKERS, LIBRARIANS AND PARENTS through experiential exercises and work within traditional tales, learn the art of storytelling.
3D SCULPTURE AND STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS for adults and children of all abilities. David will guide you through the process of creating stunning large 3D images (using 'withies' - pre-soaked willow sticks, gaffer tape, newspaper, paint and pva glue). He will then involve an entire group (of up to 30) in presenting a performance, rich in ceremony, visual pageantry, humour and narrative - comprising the parading of the images, acting, optional music making and his own inimitable storytelling.
Click here for examples of storymaking programmes.
