Preparing for a major festival performance is an exciting and demanding process. The Montreal Children’s Festival is one of the most prestigious events on my calendar, and this year was no exception.
For a large audience of 500+ children, story selection is crucial. I focus on tales with strong rhythmic elements, opportunities for call-and-response, and universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries. This year, I chose three stories from West African tradition, each adapted for different age groups within the audience.
Unlike intimate classroom settings, festival performances require a different energy. I spend weeks refining my gestures, voice projection, and timing. The use of traditional instruments—djembe drums and shekere—adds musical layers that keep children engaged throughout.
There’s nothing quite like the moment when 500 children lean forward in anticipation of what happens next. Their collective energy transforms the story, making each performance unique. This connection between storyteller and audience is what makes live performance irreplaceable, even in our digital age.
If you’re interested in bringing this magic to your own event, learn more about booking a performance.