Performances
Laura combines ancient myth and symbolic story with personal narrative.
She creates an uncanny depth of engagement, bringing the ecomythic world into our everyday lives. Her voice, characterizations, presence and relationship to audiences of all ages are legendary. Her work is dedicated to excellence and compassion in the world.
These performances restore our joy and reconnect us with each other, and the world of spirit and nature. She offers full stage concerts, tailor made events, and performs for adult, as well as family and child audiences.
Storytelling in the World
Laura collaborates worldwide on projects that focus on storytelling as compassionate action, social justice, personal and community healing, gender equality, nonviolence, mindfulness, and ecological awareness. She has worked with a wide diversity of organizations including International Medical Corps, Mercy Corps, Norwegian People’s Aid, The Healng Story Alliance and The Constellation.
“Laura’s global influence in the practice of oral storytelling for peaceful means , healing, and community building is transcendent.”
~ Elinor Benjamin, President of Canadian Storytellers
“Laura Simms is a force for good in the world.”
~ Lance Brunner, director Contemplative Practices , UK
“I was in pain all the time, except when I was writing or dancing.”
- Sabrina D., displaced camp in Haiti
The Art of the Storyteller
Laura brings decades of experience to her teaching. Her courses and workshops are a revelation into the unique qualities of storytelling today. Her process provides a rare opportunity to understand how stories function as a bridge to a timeless sense of presence. Each course, whether an individual coaching session, extended mentorship or workshop are life changing, and practical.
Through our storytelling, we address the dilemmas of our times with profound humor and compassion.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned storyteller, a speaker, leader, writer, or actor, Laura will take you into the art of genuine oral storytelling.
“Irresistible… Laura Simms is a major force in the renaissance of storytelling in America.”
“Laura Simms is a great medicine woman. The stories she tells penetrate our hearts.”
“… Laura performs the essence and heart of storytelling.”
“One of the great storytellers of our time and an extraordinary teacher.”
Upcoming Events
for full schedule go schedule page
THE GREAT STORY IMMERSION returns in the New Year with a revisioning of Jack and The Beanstalk: FIVE BEANS AND A MILK WHITE COW
6 sessions. 11 am - 1 pm EST
Sundays, January 4, 18, 25 and February 1, 8, 15
Let's find and plant seeds that connect us with the world above and below,without and within, and retrieve the treasures that have been co-opted by Ogres. We explore the active instructions offered through the journey of this story. The tale of Jack and the Beanstalk has been recreated for children. It is however at least 5000 years old, of another time, another way of seeing the world we live in. We will delve into the images and unfolding tale while braiding personal narrative and revitalizing the story for our times. The process of uncovery is relevant for experienced storytellers, those starting out and in between, and healers, ecologists, educators and peace makers.
There is a sliding scale fee. $300 - $600
Each session includes commentary, exercises, breakout rooms and storytelling instructions.
Weekly assignments, suggested readings, and recordings are made available to participants. If you pay in advance before January 1, you recieve a 30 minute private storytelling coaching session with Laura
Please contact me at storymentor2010@gmail.com to receive a registration form.
6 February, Friday. 3 pm EST. Every first Friday. Join on my Patreon page.
STORY ALONE TOGETHER
The Holy Grail of Braiding Stories Parts I and II
Saturday, May 3, 8:30 am EST
I have been interweaving personal story into traditional fairytale and myth for over 4 decades. We will listen to a story and explore, through a contemplative writing practice, how our lives are reflected and touched by a story or image in a story.
Each participant will create their own braided story.
Recordings of Part I and Part II are available to purchase on my Patreon page.
The Heart of Storytelling Episode #43
I hope you will listen to this podcast. It is an interview with Australian storyteller Alyssa Curtayne on the unique
aspects of engaged storytelling in these times.
Listen to The Heart of Storytelling on Spreaker.com; I am in episode 43 (March 6 2025, titled Laura Simms and storytelling magic).
PATREON pages.
My Patreon Pages are flowering. I so appreciate the collaborative support of companions on the Path of Story. Requesting you to join my Patreon pages is a bit like tossing beans onto the ground and watching a winding large leafed stalk grow into the sky, connecting earth with treasures that we need to restore sanity to our world. I invite you to try it out. There are many tiers that let everyone participate as they can from $2 to $200 a month. There are essays, commentaries, readings, recordings and a free monthly Story Storm Jam. You are the first to hear about projects, podcasts and performances. Please take a look and join. The most recent post is titled: WORDS ARE LIKE BIRDS (a quote from novelist Elif Shafak).
ATLANTA STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
10-11 January, Saturday & Sunday:
Laura Simms is featured storyteller at the Atlanta Jewish Storytelling Festival at the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum
10 January, 7:00pm EST: “Rejoice, Regardless”
11 January, 10:30am- 12pm EST: Children’s Storytime
11 January, 2:00-3:30pm EST: “The Holy Grail of Braiding Stories”
11 January, Sunday, 8pm EST
Midwinter Mirth Fundraiser
LIVE on ZOOM!
Tickets $20-50 from Healing Story Alliance
SPECIAL STORYTELLING WORKSHOP:
IMAGE FORENSICS
17 January, Saturday, 12-2pm EST
Storytelling in Troubled Times #3:
Image Forensics
Contact Laura at storymentor2010@gmail.com for registration information.
THE GREAT STORYTELLING IMMERSION
Every Tuesday - 5-7pm EST
On Zoom. This has been a tremendous cource of inspiration for all involved. In these times, coming together is unequalled in benefit. It is an act of resistance. Story Alone Together is a dedicated time for pursuing creative and administrative work and tasks with support. Story Alone has proved to be a dynamic and enriching space to work and share and receive feedback and friendship with your peers.
$250 for year/$70 for 10 Tuesdays
For registration and information, contact storymentor2010@gmail.com
Podcasts and Recordings
SUDDEN STORY: NEVER NOT BROKEN
Stories of Peace in Times of War
Available Sale Download
"There is a big peace and a little peace.
There is no little war,
even a matchstick can burn down a village."
-Amadou Hampate Ba (UNESCO, 1948)
Tales from the Middle East, Russia, and Ukraine.
Play & Download at BetterListen!
Ongoing Events
PATREON CHAT
MIDWINTER MIRTH
Recorded and available for viewing:
Exploring the capacity to renew our lives again and again and transform what we consider damaged or wounded into revelation.
Storytellers Megan Wells,
Gavri Raje Laura Simms, & Lavanya Prasad.
