Willy Claflin - Storyteller

APPLAUSE

Media praise for Willy Claflin

Willy
Photo: Photo: Tom Raymond (freshairphoto.com) "An irresistible play bill that sets kids and adults singing, clapping, imitating and bursting into side-splitting laughter."
~ Hawaii Tribute Herald
"Beware his rat chorus!"
~ San Francisco Chronicle
"Claflin's performances reflect an astute ear for the incongruous and a blithe love of the absurd. This is an irreverent folkie who kicks the stuffing out of museum pieces."
~ The Boston Phoenix
"Willy Claflin was the biggest hit at the National Storytelling Festival. Every event that he appeared in was packed with standing room only."
~ Denton (TX) Record Chronicle
"This is art in service to humanity."
~ Boston Globe

Principals and Headmasters: Does Willy Claflin make a difference? "Yes!"

Willy
Photo: Photo: Tom Raymond (freshairphoto.com) "I would recommend you and your wonderful strorytelling to any school for students and adults of all ages. And a special thanks to you from me for the many hours of fun I have had with my children listening to your stories on the tapes I bought for them!"
~ Brad Kerwin, EdD, School Director Punahou School, HI
"Willy's thinking is so quick and his facility with language so good that our students learn to write better stories almost instantly. On the first day he was supposed to arrive at school this fall, I encountered three fifth grade boys skipping down a path, arm-in-arm, singing 'Willy's coming! O, Willy's coming!'"
~ Bruce Shaw, Director Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA
"It has been a great week for our children, and teachers are already sharing with me how much they have learned from observing and working with you. Assembly today was a treat! Our children just loved each and every moment of your presentation."
~ Robert G. Peters, EdD, Headmaster Hanahauoli School, HI
"The students were amazed at the improvement in their oral presentations after working with you in only one brief session. The teachers continue to use your suggestions in current lessons to hone students' performances."
~ Shirley Ann Fukumoto, Principal, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, HI
"Willy Claflin has been entertaining campers and staff members at our international performing and creative arts camp for more than twenty years. He has consistently proven to be the most engaging performer we have ever hosted. Most significantly, all of our campers - second graders all the way up to teenagers - have the same overwhelmingly positive response to Willy's performances."
~ Peter Kassen, Director, Hidden Valley Camp, ME
"Our teachers applaud the versatility and appropriateness of the music, images and language he brings to his art. I wish all children could have the privilege of seeing Willy perform and working with him in a classroom."
~ Parker Damon, Principal, McCarthy-Towne School, Acton, MA

Librarians proclaim Willy a "Master Storyteller"!

Willy
Photo: Photo: Tom Raymond (freshairphoto.com) "Willy Claflin is a master storyteller."
~ American Library Association
"An inventive style and wacky humor infuses Willy's 'altered' fairy tales in a way that will grab listeners and not let go."
~ School Library Journal
"You are such an extraordinarily talented storyteller and musician, and your material cracks me up like no one else's...you are far and above my favorite."
~ Carolyn Potter, Fairfax Library, CA
"I want to thank you for your GREAT performance at the Willow Glen Library. I was very pleased that all ages, from preschool to adult really enjoyed themselves."
~ Susan Eby, Children's Librarian, Willow Glen Library, San Jose, CA
"You are magical! You were able to treat the children and their parents to a program full of creative storytelling, puppetry, music and mirth."
~ Robin Hunter, Senior Librarian, Children's Youth Services, Inglewood, CA

What teachers say about Willy:

Willy
Photo: Photo: Tom Raymond (freshairphoto.com) "His remarkable creativity touched everyone, students, faculty, staff and parents. Willy has a natural rapport with children; he immediately builds a bond of trust which allows them to safely take risks and venture into the world of imagination through creative communication. He is truly a master of his trade."
~ Marsha A. Cabbab, Teacher Hanahauoli School
"Whatever the type of story he is weaving, Willy Claflin elevates his storytelling to an art form. His unique ability to teach, entertain, and completely mesmerize audiences of all ages are ample proof of that."
~ Brooks School Newsletter, North Andover, MA
"A gifted performer, puppeteer and storyteller, Willy is also a sensitive and creative teacher...I highly recommend the workshop to schools who might be lucky enough to encounter this unique and gifted teacher."
~ Mary Goodkind, third grade teacher, Juana Briones School, Palo Alto, CA
"Willy represents the very best!"
~ Chris Stevenson, PhD., University of Vermont

Awards