There was once
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There was once 〰️
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
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STORY SPEAK SERIES
Tuesday 10 March 2026, 7:30 pm EST
Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education, 213 North King Street, Shepherdstown
UNLOCKING NINE LOCKS is a riveting weaving of story within story in and out of an almost ignored Grimm’s fairytale called THE GLASS COFFIN. Braided stories include Hearing Nina Simone when I was sixteen, a new telling of Jack and the Beanstalk, Laughing with women in a camp in Haiti, and the homeless woman who was an Alphabet. We begin with a single Note in a Taxi, and end with the end of a story from the Caucasus. Transformation is possible when we expose the roots of rape and fascism. Without condoning cruelty, we release the radiance of joy and wakeful kindness, unlocking the exuberance of engagement and true celebration.
To view the live stream, purchase tickets here. For in-person attendance, purchase tickets at the door.
Great Story Immersion: HELEN THE ALL WISE (FULL)
What happens when we unlock a stone tower, not knowing what is within, and discover the path toward awakening and retrieving the feminine into the world? An extraordinary Russian Fairytale.
4 sessions. Our first session is Friday March 13th New York time at 7-9pm. For Australia that is Saturday March 14th starting at 7-9am Perth time (Queensland 9 - 11am, Adelaide 9.30 - 11.30am, Sydney and Melbourne 10am - 12pm, New Zealand 12pm - 2pm.)
From there we are meeting monthly - In the Southern Hemisphere - Saturday April 11th, May 9th, June 13th. And in New York Friday April 10th, May 8th, June 12th.
THE JUNIPER TREE
A step by step collaborative exploration; to climb inside a story that we think we know to find out what is actually taking place. Let us uncover the life enhancing and life saving alchemy of the boy, his bones, the tree and a song.
4 sessions + 1 TBA. Sundays April 5 - 24 2026 || 11 am - 1:30 pm EST.
Assignments, break out rooms, half hour break and unexpected insight that leads to braiding personal story and dream).
Sliding scale $300- $500
To receive information and registration write to: storymentor2010@gmail.com
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STRONG LIKE BAMBOO
3-4 May 2026
San Francisco, CA. Produced by EthnoTec Theater Company
Seven diverse storytellers share stories of resistance, and compassion. Conversation and powerful dialogue follow.
THE KINDNESS OF STORIES
Sunday, 8 May 2026 || 7 pm- 8:30 pm EST
Laura curates storytelling and social justice concert: THE KINDNESS OF STORIES
Produced by the Healing Story Alliance.
Free! Click here to register.
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STORYTELLING RETREAT
July 5-11 2026
A storytelling retreat with storytellers of Czech Republic in a forest outside of Prague.
More details TBA.
STORYTELLING EVENING with Lily Asch, and WORKSHOP in Budapest
July 15-20 2026
More details TBA.
National Storytelling Conference in Texas
24 July 2026
Laura will offer a public coaching, and a workshop as a featured speaker.
More details TBA.
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).
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
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.
