Featured Speaker

Biography

Jim Weiss first presented for Core Knowledge some 17 years ago, and has been a featured presenter at many Core Knowledge events ever since.  In June, 1989, Jim decided to do something more with the craft that he had formerly practiced solely for pleasure. He and his wife, Randy, formed a production company, Greathall Productions, and have thus far produced 45+ storytelling recordings with enticing titles from classical literature and history like Greek Myths, King Arthur, Sherlock Holmes, Michelangelo, Galileo and Thomas Jefferson, and a multitude of unabridged recordings.  Jim's Greathall line is the recipient of 100+ major national awards.

Jim travels extensively throughout the United States, giving performances and storytelling/writing workshops at schools, stores, libraries, and community events. As a storyteller, Jim's performances have been described as exciting and dynamic.  Jim's connection to his audience is magnetic and interactive, proof positive that storytelling today rejuvenates one of the first and most personal forms of entertainment. Adults and children alike leave the performance feeling that they have really met characters from a wide range of classic literature and folk tales. Jim's presentations garner heightened respect for the art of storytelling and the literature itself.  He was born and raised in Highland Park, Illinois, graduated from The University of Wisconsin, Madison and resides in Charlottesville, Virginia with his wife, Randy. Jim says, "The storytelling recordings work precisely because we value the original sources and have tried to convey our love of the stories to a new generation of listeners and readers. Storytelling today rejuvenates one of the first and most personal forms of entertainment. Telling stories is pure joy."

Presentation

Title: Gone West! The Early Exploration of America

Storyteller and author Jim Weiss will take us on a thrilling journey in the company of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, their Native American friend, Sacagawea, and the hardy band of explorers known as the Corps of Discovery as they set out to cross an unexplored continent.  You’ll meet three U.S. presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe—and the Emperor Napoleon; witness the Louisiana Purchase; be present at the beginning of a nation stretching “from sea to shining sea”; and learn how the Founders’ values influenced and inspired all those who hung out the sign “Gone West".  Folowing this dynamic performance, Jim Weiss will hold an open discussion about the value of story telling and reading aloud in the classroom.  He will reveal basic tips for how to bring stories to life.