Shayna Jones

Discipline: Storytelling
Homebase: Argenta
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley &, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island Lower, Vancouver Island Mid, Vancouver Island North, Interior, North, Remote, Kootenays, Virtual
Languages: English
Grant Eligibility: Eligible for 70% AIE

Shayna Jones is a multidisciplinary Spoken Word Artist, an award winning actress, a professional Performance Storyteller and Folklorist. She dedicates the majority of her artistic work to fostering the art of Oral Storytelling through African and Afro-diasporic folklore, true narrative, and song. As a trained actor, singer, and fine mover, Shayna brings the art of traditional Oral Storytelling to vibrant life. Audience Participation is lovingly required! Learn more about her work at her website: www.wearestoryfolk.com.

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Performance(s)

Tell Me the One About the Lion Skin

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Music, Theatre, Storytelling, Spoken Word
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 7
Duration: 40-50 minutes
Capacity: 400
Tech Requirements: The school will need to provide a PA system (speakers) capable of supporting a wireless mic and/or headset.
Available Formats: In Person

"Tell Me the One About the Lion Skin" is a wild medley that brings to vibrant life four Afro-diasporic tales. Each story circles 'round and 'round a single theme: to be at peace with ourselves. Housed within tales seemingly fit only for children, the wisdom found within each figure of folklore and fable will resonate no matter our season of life. Anti-bullying, equity, diversity and inclusion are all themes that are ripe within these stories. Inspire your students with the power of oral storytelling steeped in Afro-centric tradition.

They Say The People Can Fly

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Music, Theatre, Storytelling, Spoken Word
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: 4 - 12
Duration: 40 - 50 mins
Capacity: 400
Tech Requirements: I can provide my own wireless mics. The school will need a PA system (speakers) capable of handling a standard wireless mic/headset receiver.
Available Formats: In Person

"They Say The People Can Fly" is a sweeping oral storytelling performance rich with Afro-diasporic folklore, folk history, rhythm and song. Watch and listen as strength and healing reveal themselves in the most unexpected places and by the most unexpected means. Students will be left with evocative and symbolic imagery with which to build understanding of African North-American history and their own modern context.

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Testimonials & Reviews

Shayna Jones... can only be described as a force of nature. Lilian Jasper, Two Cents Two Pence Reviews, Vancouver BC

Shayna Jones has brought healing, art, beauty, empowerment and her many many gifts to our students and school, and we are so deeply grateful - especially in the times of COVID when the arts are so sadly missing from our lives. We are all feeling the profoundly positive effect of her presence and talent in our school. The energy has literally shifted and there is a buzz of joy rippling into the school. I do not say these words lightly; they are from my heart and soul. Sylvie Mazerolle, Principal of École des Sentiers-alpins, Nelson BC

“Jones is an artist who clearly studies the art and craft of traditional storytelling, and does so with great love….her sensuous style is incredibly rich and vivid.” - Robyn Grant-Morin, Parton and Pearl Reviews, Toronto, ON

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