The National Storytelling Network (the largest storytelling membership organization in the world) inducted Doug into their Circle of Excellence for “exceptional commitment and exemplary contribution to the art of storytelling.”
Doug’s stories derive from his unique lifestyle as well as his deep interest in plants, animals and people. Since humanity’s beginnings our connections with the natural world have defined us and made us who we are. Elliott’s stories explore and celebrate the rich diversity of that special human connection to nature. His programs are textured by his use of traditional lore, regional dialects and accents, and enhanced by his soulful harmonica playing.
Storytelling and education go hand-in-hand. For millennia, storytelling has been an invaluable tool for passing information, values and wisdom from one generation to the next. Doug’s storytelling performances are infused with educational material, and his educational programs are packed with stories, anecdotes and lore. These presentations can be tailored for young, mixed-age or adult audiences.
“Some stories seem to be made out of whole cloth. Others are like Tennessee quilts. They weave past, present, fact and fiction in a tight design both dazzling and unforgettable.”
-Smithsonian
A program could be on stage in a concert hall, a school assembly, a classroom visit, a slide show or an excursion into a natural area (even a vacant city lot.) The topics and program titles vary, depending on the audience, location and situation. They might include personal true stories, traditional tales, ancient legends, Native American stories, natural history, folklore, poems, riddles, music and songs.
Watch Doug!
Here’s a fun 12 minute PBS UNC-TV video that features some storytelling, along with possum wrestling, snake charming, a peek at Yanna’s garden, and the surprise guest appearance of a hickory horned devil.
Here’s a fun video piece, producted by the folks at Herb TV, with useful information, songs and stories: Dandelions, Groundhogs, and Poison Ivy
