Rona Leventhal

Rona Leventhal has been sharing her passion of the power of story for nearly three decades, putting laughter in the belly and smiles in the hearts of listeners. One person said of Rona's style, “Throughout the story I felt like I was watching a fully staged play with scenery and a cast.” Rona’s adult performances are dynamic, evocative, funny.....sometimes all at the same time! She stirs up a stew of folk and personal tales that allows you to taste the sweet and sour in our lives….with a little spice for good measure!

Rona has a one woman show, "The Prince of Pirates and The Witch of Wellfleet". It's an engaging, powerful look at life in puritan New England through the lens of story…..an interesting intersection between legend and history....and truths that are both factual and real. It addresses the history of the era, universal themes, "gang mentality" of the masses, hypocrisy and resilience.Appropriate for adults (age 16+).

With her back pocket full of multi-cultural stories, her family performances are participatory, engaging and lots of fun! She’ll have you tapping your feet, swaying in your seats, making funny noises, singing and laughing as she shares tales for the serious to the silly, from teh mysterious to the monstrous! Grades 6 and up enjoy a selection of more nuanced and sophisticated stories appropriate for the age group.

With roots in education, she calls storytelling “Living Literacy”(c), which develops what she calls “The Imagination Muscle”(c). A certified teacher and a specialist in Improvisational Theatre and Movement, she is passionate about offering an engaged approach to teaching using the arts, bringing a positive experience in language and learning to student and teachers. She offers performances, artist residencies, teacher workshops, family literacy nights and parent workshops. She is an approved Teaching Artist and Performing Artist with the Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Touring Roster and BOCES and is an approved Professional Development Provider with the state os Massachusetts.

Rona also works with organizations, using her skills in improvisation, storytelling and team building and coaching to help employees at all levels to work better and accomplish more in a positive atmosphere.

Rona is a Teller of Tales, Workshop Leader, Coach, Teaching Artist, Consultant and by all accounts, a mensch! She has two CD’s: “Into the Dark: Stories From the Shadows (Creepy Stories for Adults and Fearless Teens)”, Gold winner of the Storytelling World Awards, and “Raps, Rhythms and Rhymes: Stories to Tap, Rap, Shake and Sing” (for families). Coeditor: Spinning tales, Weaving Hope: Stories of Peace, Justice and the Environment. www.ronatales.com

Audiences: Adults, teens, families, elementary, preK

Genres: Folktales, personal stories, faith based stories, humorous stories

Awards: Storytelling World Honors for the book, Spinning Tales, Weaving Hope: Stories, Storytelling and Activities for Peace, Justice and the Environment; Co-author of article in the book: “Ten Reasons to Use Storytelling in the Classroom”

Libraries

"It takes a true storyteller to engage three year olds, eleven year olds and adults, too! I loved the whole program – I’d highly recommend you!” Librarian, Williamstown, MA

“Rona is everything a live storyteller should be: adaptable, funny, professional and never boring! Rona is an extremely lively and engaging storyteller. We were spellbound for the entire hour.” Librarian, Thayer Library, Braintree, MA

“Such wonderful stories retold with imagination and energy! Lots of audience participation - great fun! LOVED the Mitten Rap!” Librarian, Somerville, MA

Schools

“The kids LOVED your performances! I’ve heard from so many parents that their kids were excited to come home and tell them about the stories they heard from you! We look forward to having you again next year!” Teacher, Shorewood Hills, Madison, WI

"Wonderful Show! What a great idea having a storyteller..…Rona was engaging and the stories interesting! Thank you for the Family Fun Night! Excellent event and great presentation…we had a lot of fun! Do this again!” Parent, Four Corners School, Greenfield, MA

“I heard so many wonderful things from teachers and kids about your storytelling programs at our school. You really made an impact here!” Principal, Randall Elementary, Madison, WI

“You have a great way of bringing kids into the story.” New Hingham Elementary

Teens and Adults

"Rona told ghost stories to a group of about 30 teens at our library for Halloween. All of the teens were mesmerized by her performance, and you could have heard a pin drop in the room....until they all screamed, and then laughed hysterically! They all wanted to have her back again! Librarian, Colonie Library, NY

“Thanks so much for being part of our Summer Program Series at The Salt Pond Visitor’s Center. Visitors and staff had such great things to say about your performance. What I heard was, 'She's a fantastic storyteller!'” Cape Cod National Seashore

“I wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed your delightful telling on Friday night. You were awesome, a breath of creative-energy fresh air, innovative in your physicality and a joy to listen to. Im so glad I was in the audience!” National Storytelling Conference, Los Angeles

“Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories with us during the Tellebration! You made us realize the power of story. Your storytelling was inspiring and full of soul. Perhaps the answer to the ills of the world are as simple as telling stories! Whether it is or not, keep up the good work!” Telebration, Northfields, MA

Jewish (and General “Religious")

“I heard Rona tell "The Cottage of Candles" at Limmud Boston and I was riveted with her storytelling. She told with her whole being, transmitting the story's message with respect and integrity. She brought the listeners vividly into the experience because she was fully present! That's good storytelling!” Peninnah Schram, Limmud, Boston

"Rona has a gift for making the spoken word come alive.....her ability to weave stories and songs make her a natural born storyteller. She uses her entire body when sharing a tale, and often involves the audience so that they are totally in sync with her. Her warmth radiates and her knowledge of stories abounds!” National Yiddish Book Center. MA

"Thanks for basing a story or two on the parsha of the week for our adult members - that was a pleasant surprise! Fun and memorable!” Rabbi, Synagogue, GA

"We've had other storytellers, but after having you it's not the same. You're the best!" Caryn Resnick, Temple Beth El, Springfield, MA

"We're still on a high from the wonderful stories the Vav class shared with our community. The students did an outstanding job creating their stories about blessings and friendship. I must admit that I am sad to see your work with us come to and end. As artist in residence, you transitioned into our school with grace and ease. The kids loved working with you. You have a gift in working with children. You know how to encourage them to stretch themselves and to strive to meet their potential. You did this in a fun and non-threatening way. In addition to nurturing the individual, the experience helped to bring the students closer together as a class community. Everyone benefited from you presence. Thank you so much for sharing your love for the art along with your deep respect for each child.” Noreen Leibson, Education Director, Temple Beth Abraham Religious School, NH

Testimonials

Libraries

Schools

Teens and Adults

Jewish (and General “Religious")