Performances for Children and Families
Wherever children gather, Katie can design developmentally-appropriate performances to meet your needs. Expect stories and chants, mostly from folklore, that actively engage the audience and promote kindness, bravery, respect, responsibility, acceptance and perseverance.
Sample programs:
Brave, Smart & Persistent: The Untold Stories of Women in Folklore
We’ve all heard stories about dainty princesses waiting around to be rescued by handsome princes, but those don’t sound like a lot of the girls we know! Come hear stories of ferocious females who use their minds, hearts, muscles, and sheer determination to solve problems and save the day. Girls and boys alike will enjoy these adventurous stories that reflect the strong, capable women they know and love.
Around the World and Back Again
From a Russian witch in the woods to a bilingual Mexican mouse in a kitchen cupboard, these global stories will give you a taste of other cultures and countries. How would you deal with a huge, growling dog or a bear with an attitude? No matter where you go, kindness, generosity, perseverance, and ingenuity are key. Maybe we’re not that different after all.
Little Ones Doing Big Things
Feeling small? Come hear stories about tiny characters who save all the animals from a drought, unearth a giant turnip, grant their own wishes, and even befriend a lion! These interactive folktales remind young listeners that they are powerful and capable, just like the unlikely heroes of these stories.
Way Up High: Stories in the Sky
The sky is a magical place with flying creatures, twinkling stars, a glowing moon, and a scorching sun. Meet characters that live in this mysterious place and others that go there for the first time, including a child a lot like you.
Wiggle, Giggle, Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!
This program, designed for the littlest listeners, will have parents and children dancing, chanting, clapping and stomping their way through stories, poems and songs. Katie can't do all of that by herself, so she will bring along some of her puppet friends to help.
Design Your Own Program
Do you have a theme or idea that is not included here? No problem! Katie custom-designs most of her programs. Simply contact Katie to design the perfect program for your audience.
Stories for Children & Families
Stories for Children & Families
Lion and Mouse told by Storyteller Katie Knutson
Katie Knutson-Why Bear has a Stumpy Tail
The Magic Pinecone told by Storyteller Katie Knutson
Performances for Teens
In this magical place between childhood and adulthood, teens will revel in scary stories, true tales, and some of the folktales we don't tell to children.
Sample programs:
Brave, Smart & Persistent: The Untold Stories of Women in Folklore
Sick of those stories of dainty princesses waiting around to be rescued by handsome princes? Those don’t sound like a lot of the girls we know! Come hear stories of ferocious females who use their minds, hearts, muscles, and sheer determination to solve problems and save the day. Girls and boys alike will enjoy these adventurous stories that reflect the strong, capable women they know and love.
Watchful Eyes and Creaking Floorboards: Scary Stories
You want ghost stories? Are you sure? These shiver-inducing stories will have you on the edge of your seat or hiding behind it. This show can be customized based on the age of the audience.
The Grimmer Side: Classic Stories for a Modern Time
You think folktales are for kids? Think again! Your bedtime books probably didn't include murderous stepmothers, cannibalistic fathers, girls who cry blood, and heads rolling across porches. (And that is just one of the stories!) Hear some of the darker fairy tales that were never intended for little children.
Coming Soon! Around the World and Back Again
Whether you have traveled the world or just dreamed of it, Katie will share personal stories and folktales from around the globe. These international stories will give you a taste of other cultures and countries while exploring what it means to be human. Maybe we’re not that different after all.
Coming Soon! NORMal?
What is Normal? We are becoming more open to those who break societal norms, from strong women leaders to proud LGBTQ+ community members. It is easy to think of this as a new phenomenon, but our history says otherwise. These gender-bending folktales help us all learn to find our own place and root for protagonists in all forms.
Design Your Own Program
Do you have a theme or idea that is not included here? No problem! Katie custom-designs most of her programs. Simply contact Katie to design the perfect program for your audience.
Stories for Teens and Adults
Stories for Teens and Adults
Naked Truth told by Storyteller Katie Knutson
The Magic Pinecone told by Storyteller Katie Knutson
Excerpts from The Squire's Bride. Sept, 2024
Performances for Adults
Whether you are looking for a night of ghost stories, folktales, or personal tales, Katie will design a show to match your audience that draws from her years performing in fringe festivals and story slams.
Sample programs:
The Grimmer Side: Classic Stories for a Modern Time
You think folktales are for kids? Think again! Your bedtime books probably didn't include murderous stepmothers, girls who cry blood, cannibalistic fathers, and heads rolling across porches. (And that is just one of the stories!) Hear some of the darker tales that were never intended for little children.
Ferocious Females: The Untold Stories of Women in Folklore
From books to movies, and even on the stage, it can be hard to find women who are free to be human, with all the flaws, strengths, desires and ambitions of the male characters portrayed across genres. We’ve all heard stories about dainty princesses waiting around to be rescued by handsome princes, but those aren't necessarily the boxes we want to be put in! Come hear stories of ferocious females who use their minds, hearts, muscles, and sheer determination to solve problems and save the day. These adventurous stories reflect strong, intelligent, capable (and sometimes subversive) women who aren't afraid to rise up.
Watchful Eyes and Creaking Floorboards: Scary Stories
You want ghost stories? Are you sure? These shiver-inducing stories will have you on the edge of your seat or hiding behind it. Leave the kids at home as we explore the truly creepy.
Coming Soon: Around the World and Back Again
Whether you have traveled the world or just dreamed of it, Katie will share personal stories and folktales from around the globe. These international stories will give you a taste of other cultures and countries while exploring what it means to be human. Maybe we’re not that different after all.
Coming Soon! NORMal?
What is Normal? We are becoming more open to those who break societal norms, from strong women leaders to proud LGBTQ+ community members. It is easy to think of this as a new phenomenon, but our history says otherwise. These gender-bending folktales help us all learn to find our own place and root for protagonists in all forms.
Design Your Own Program
Do you have a theme or idea that is not included here? No problem! Katie custom-designs most of her programs. Simply contact Katie to design the perfect program for your audience.
Pricing for Performances
Fees vary depending upon many factors, but here are some rough guidelines to help you plan your budget:
Performances for 200 people or less
$450 for the first performance
$200 for the second performance on the same day in the same location
$100 each for the next three performances on the same day in the same location
School Day Special: Book up to 5 sessions with Katie on the same day for $850. This can include up to 3 performances and 0-5 classroom workshops for a total of 5 sessions.
Additional Travel Fees may apply (see below)
A sound system is required for all performances
Performances for over 200 people
$650 for the first performance
$300 for the second performance on the same day in the same location
$200 each for the next three performances on the same day in the same location
School Day Special: Book up to 5 sessions with Katie on the same day for $850. This can include up to 3 performances and 0-5 classroom workshops for a total of 5 sessions.
Additional Travel Fees may apply (see below)
A sound system is required for all performances
Discounts
Discounts are given for multiple days and for booking other gigs near your location.
Preschool Special: A 15-minute toddler performance is included with each 30-45-minute PreK show. (Performances must be on the same day, in the same location, with no more than 30 minutes between performances.)
School Day Special: Book up to 5 sessions with Katie on the same day for $850. This can include up to 3 performances and 0-5 classroom workshops for a total of 5 sessions.
School Week Special: Book an entire week (5 days) of sessions with Katie (up to 5 sessions/day) for $2,500 for the first week and $2,000 for each additional week.
Additional discounts may be available. (See "What if I cannot afford these fees" below.)
Additional Travel Fees
If your location is less than 50 miles from Bloomington, MN, add mileage at the national rate.
If your location is more than 50 miles from Bloomington, MN, add mileage, lodging and per diem.
If your location is more than 150 miles, add airfare, local transportation, lodging, and per diem.