How did I get started in storytelling? Before I answer that, the more accurate question would be, “How did I get started in drama?” And before I answer that, the more accurate question would be, “How did I get started in sacred dance?” And before I answer that, the more accurate question would be, “How did I get started in writing stories, poetry, and songs?”

The answer to the last question, which is really the answer to the first one, and, I suppose, the answer to all these questions is: There has always been a fire inside of me, a burning desire to create and to share that creation with others. Couple this with an equally burning desire to see others reach their potential. I’m a rah-rah, a “you can do it” cheerleader and coach. There has always been great personal fulfillment for me in teaching and encouraging others to become their best, especially in the area of the performing arts.

As I think about it now, it seems my family has been instrumental at several turning points during my journey through the performing arts. At the age of 12, my parents took an Easter poem I wrote for them and had it published in the local gazette. I sure felt encouraged by Mom and Dad. Other poems for other holidays followed, and I enjoyed rhyming so much I occasionally answered essay tests in couplets and stanzas.

My brother, Marcel, invited me in 1988 to join him on stage in a community theatre presentation of Li’l Abner. My drama experience began as he took the title role while I portrayed Earthquake McGoon. Taking me under his wing, he opened the door to possibilities I never would have tried on my own. After all, we considered him to be the “actor” of the family.

In 1989, I saw my sister, Debra, whirling gracefully with the sacred dance choir at her church. My heart leapt and I exclaimed, “I want that!” A year and a half later, after taking lessons from an internationally known Christian dance choreographer, Valerie Henry, I found myself dancing in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. What an experience!

By 1993, my wife, Jodi, and I were approached by our pastor to be the drama team leaders at our church, a position we served in for seven years. We took several drama workshops from Peculiar People, well-known leaders in the field, and so my abilities grew.

During those years, it seemed that I excelled in delivering monologues, a form of dramatic presentation where acting meets storytelling. I suppose you could say my first storytelling/monologue was “The Black Watch” performed in August 1994 in front of about 1500 people. An inspired and inspirational story, it remains a signature piece.

It was in February 2002, while seeking the Lord’s guidance in prayer, that I was very clearly directed to drop the dance and drama in order to focus entirely on storytelling. Needless to say, I have never regretted heeding His guidance.

Storytelling has proven to be the method of creating and communicating that suits me best. My style is obviously still influenced by my experience in drama and dance, not to mention by my Italian heritage, (That’s right, I have to use my hands in order to speak.)

As a teacher, exhorter, and, at times, mentor to those I am privileged to work with, I utilize various aspects of the art of storytelling to establish rapport and convey information. Storytelling is unmatched as a potent agent for promoting the building of character, self-esteem, and for equipping children and adults alike with effective life tools.

The performing arts allow us to communicate with vibrancy and beauty, with depth and meaning, in unique and personal ways, all that we are as a people and a culture, expressing our hopes and beliefs, our dreams and visions, in order to play our part in making this a better world.