Welcome
Welcome
It's all about the story.
I collect stories. Some are recorded in beautifully illustrated books. Others are scribbled on random scraps of paper or barely legible (no-longer-sticky) Post-It notes. Ancient tales, passed down from generation to generation, now reside in cyberspace, accessible at the click of a button on devices which the original tellers would consider magic. And of course countless yarns live in my head, happy to be spinning about until it’s their turn to be shared.
All these stories are eagerly waiting to be invited to a family reunion, an excited classroom, a lively festival...or anywhere a story can be told (which is everywhere). Often, puppets and songs tag along. I would love to come to your next event.
“Lona Bartlett engages audiences both large and small with a wide range of stories that entertain and delight. She is a storyteller and puppeteer and moves easily between adult and youth audiences evoking in both the many emotions of the human drama—laughter, awe, and wonder.”
About me
About me
I paint pictures with words.
I’m English, Irish, German, Dutch, Scottish, and Scandinavian; I grew up on a farm in the Catskill Mountains with parents born in the early 1900’s, so I have a special interest and insight into the past. My siblings and I loved hearing about the antics of our relatives, like the time Uncle Edgar built wings and tried to fly. Or what happens when you push a buckboard down the side hill with a passenger, without brakes.
My growing up years were filled with stories. Now I have the best job in the world, bringing these, and lots of other stories, to life—fantastical yarns, personal stories, Celtic legends, folk tales, fairy tales, Biblical stories, historical sagas, almost-scary stories and some creepy ones too.
“Lona Bartlett is funny, very expressive, and she really connects with her audience. She’s a real pleasure to listen to. And wait until you hear her moose call!”
Venues
Venues
Stories can go anywhere.
A good story can inspire, capture the imagination, teach an important lesson, transport listeners back in time, break your heart or tickle your funny bone. For over 30 years, I've been privileged to perform and teach throughout the U.S. and internationally. In fact, I often say I'll go anywhere I'm allowed on stage (and some places where I'm not). There's a story for every audience, every age, every venue—click below for examples of entertaining and educational programs I can bring to your school, library, festival, or special event.
“Thank you for the awesome stories you presented as part of our summer reading program. You not only entertained the children; the adults had just as much fun, if not more. You’re simply a hoot; I can only imagine what your family reunions must be like. Again, thank you for the fun, entertaining and educational program.”