In Marin, there's no shortage of really talented children's entertainers. One of them is Scott Urquhart, AKA Scott the Storyteller. A fixture at local preschools, farmer's markets, and bookstores, Scott and his lively stories—with the help from a supporting cast of captivating puppets—delight and enchant children of all ages (and adults, too).
We caught up with Scott and asked him a few questions about himself, his stories, and where he gets his inspiration to entertain.
What's your background and how did you get started as a storyteller?
Probably like many parents, I started telling stories to my kids when they were very young. Even before they could understand the words I would tell them stories with a lot of facial expression and voice inflection and it really captured their attention. When they were old enough to get the words I really enjoyed inventing stories for them, and often with them. My son called them “imagining stories”. We would create wonderful new worlds and characters in our heads where anything was possible. Then in 2006 my wife was talking with the director of Redeemer Preschool in San Rafae, who happened to be looking for a children’s storyteller as part of their enrichment program. I auditioned and got the job. That’s when I started doing it professionally and it’s been growing ever since. I now tell stories regularly at eight preschools, plus festivals, parties, etc. It’s really cool.
The Mountain School Early Childhood Center in Corte Madera presents a series of free puppet shows for young children this summer, with master storyteller Rebecah Freeling. Children will enjoy a story and puppet show followed by a simple craft project.
