This performer database was created by the South Dakota State Library as a service to public libraries and other organizations that want to hire quality performers for their children's programs.
Inclusion in this listing does not constitute an endorsement of any individual or group listed. Not all performers work well under all circumstances and with every age group. The SDSL strongly advises all libraries and organizations to carefully check references before hiring.
- Bramble Park Zoo (Watertown) Outreach Programs
The Zoo Educator can adapt programs to inform students about the natural history, physical characteristics and adaptations of these chosen animals.
Travel: within 100 miles of Watertown, SD; For ages Preschool to School-Age children.
605-882-6269 - Great Plains Zoo ZooMobile
Kids of all ages can meet four ambassador animals in an engaging, interactive presentation from the Great Plains Zoo!
Regional Travel (up to 150 miles from the Zoo (SD, MN, IA, NE); For all Ages.
605-496-9162 - Zoo Man
The Zoo Man has traveled throughout the United States and Canada performing live animal programs for libraries, afterschool programs, and schools.
Statewide Travel; For all Ages
507-766-2523 - Dinosaur O'Dell
Dino is an award-winning songwriter, storyteller, author and teacher that loves a tall-tale. He is a former elementary and preschool teacher. For 20 years he has performed to the delight of legions of children all over the country.
Nationwide Travel; For ages Preschool and Elementary; Venues include School, Library, Outdoor, Indoor
816-309-7636 - MUSH with Noggin, the Sled Dog!
Karen Land-writer, public speaker, and three-time participant in the 1,049-mile Iditarod Sled Dog Race across Alaska-and her Alaskan husky. She loves providing MUSHING talks for always-eager students and enthusiastic library patrons.
South Dakota (Statewide), Nationwide, Virtual; For For Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Adult, Seniors (over 60)
406-459-5234
- Mike Artell: Author/Cartoonist/Musician
Mike Artell shows every student (and teacher) how to create great little cartoons and how cartoons can help improve reading, writing and thinking skills. EVERYONE DRAWS ALONG: little kids, big kids and teachers too.
985-789-3423 - Bruce Arant: Picture Book Author/Illustrator
Award winning author providing five different types of presentations, each tailored to age/grade groups from K-6.
Contact Bruce regarding Full-Day and Half-Day school visit fees, as well as Public Library visit fees. No Charge for mileage.
571-225-2799 - Julia Lyon: author of A Dinosaur Named Ruth
A Dinosaur Named Ruth is based on the true story of Ruth Mason, a pioneer girl in South Dakota who found dinosaur bones in her own backyard. She spent almost her entire life trying to figure out what they were until she finally got her amazing answer.
801-897-8834 - Jean L.S. Patrick, Author/Librarian
Dressed in a replica of a 1931 baseball uniform, children's author Jean Patrick dramatizes the true story of The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth. Upon request, she also shows the process of researching and writing a book. Jean's lively, interactive presentation emphasizes teamwork, encouragement, and perseverance.
605-770-7345 - Tim Read Illustration
Author and illustrator speaks to kids about the power of creativity and imagination.
- 605 Magic Art Bus
A mobile learning space and experience the 605 Magic Art Bus! We can accomodate 12 to 14 students on the bus for custom art activities. We also provide activities off the bus for large groups and can rotate them through the bus! Already have a classroom or event space? We can provide: large group art and craft workshops, face painting, henna tattoos, themed photo booths and more! - Bruce Arant: Picture Book Author/Illustrator
Award winning author providing five different types of presentations, each tailored to age/grade groups from K-6.
Contact Bruce regarding Full-Day and Half-Day school visit fees, as well as Public Library visit fees. No Charge for mileage.
571-225-2799 - Mike Artell: Author/Cartoonist/Musician
Mike Artell shows every student (and teacher) how to create great little cartoons and how cartoons can help improve reading, writing and thinking skills. EVERYONE DRAWS ALONG: little kids, big kids and teachers too.
985-789-3423 - Starr Chief Eagle: Lakota artist and hoop dancer
Starr Chief Eagle will provide a complete ethnic dive into Lakota Culture that will explore the language, art, and stories of the Lakota people in a fun, educational way. The Hoop Dance encourages the use of important values including respect, creativity, determination, and self- balance.
605-787-0210 - Termespheres
Dick Termes' workshops and lectures all show the interconnection between MATH / SCIENCE and ART.
Most of these workshops can be adjusted to fit whatever time is available.
605-642-4805 - Tim Read Illustration
Author and illustrator speaks to kids about the power of creativity and imagination.
- Balloon Hippie
Balloon artist.
harold.podhrasksy@jenzabar.com - Jay & Leslie: juggling and other nonsense
Jay and Leslie delight audiences with their circus skills, creative stories, and wacky humor. New show every year.
913-660-3162 - Mr. Twister
Mr. Twister is a full time children's entertainment specialist and a regional favorite. His shows are packed full of fancy twisted balloons, magic tricks, stories, audience participation and BIG FUN!
605-310-0365
- James Wedgwood: comedy, ventriloquism
Comedy Ventriloquist James Wedgwood performs the fascinating art of ventriloquism with lots of fun characters, hilarious audience participation and surprises. Audience members will be enchanted by Patrick McWiggins the wise cracking leprechaun and laugh out loud at Bill the Manic Prairie Chicken.
651-336-3663 - Swords and Roses
Adventurers must go through all parts of the cavern, solve the puzzles in each cavern within one-hour time in order to escape! Dungeons and Dragons Jr. meets Escape Room puzzles. Swords and Roses is a singing, sword-swinging, all female stunt show, dedicated to entertaining and informing.
217-341-3577 - Mr. Twister
Mr. Twister is a full time children's entertainment specialist and a regional favorite. His shows are packed full of fancy twisted balloons, magic tricks, stories, audience participation and BIG FUN!
605-310-0365 - Jonathan May, Comedy Magician
Jonathan specializes in family-friendly fun that makes the audience the stars of the show. Known for his "Happy Magic" and professionalism.
515-991-3695 - Duane Reichert: Backstage with a Rodeo Clown
Duane Reichert opens the dramatic, colorful world of a rodeo clown to audiences with the use of stylized make-up, traditional clown garb, comedy skits and animals.
(605) 484-7348
- Delacina Chief Eagle: Native American dance
Lakota Style Hoop Dancer: Mitakuye Oyasin - We Are All Related. The Hoop Dance is a Native American style of dance which symbolizes balance and unity within all walks of nature.
605-840-9209 - Starr Chief Eagle: Lakota artist and hoop dancer
Starr Chief Eagle will provide a complete ethnic dive into Lakota Culture that will explore the language, art, and stories of the Lakota people in a fun, educational way. The Hoop Dance encourages the use of important values including respect, creativity, determination, and self- balance.
605-787-0210 - Cirque Amongus: enrichment through circus arts
Cirque Amongus offers hands-on programs designed to build self-esteem, develop motor skills, and promote teamwork. Led by our project managers who are professional entertainers and skilled instructors, teachers and volunteers introduce students to the fundamentals of circus arts - juggling, movement and balancing - in a safe, fun-filled, and educational environment.
734-525-4335 - South Dakota Ballet
South Dakota Ballet exists to inspire, empower, connect and educate South Dakota's continuously diversifying communities through world class performances and educational outreach programming.
605-254-5303
- Daniel Lusk: Magician
A brand new show each and every year! Each new show is based on the Summer Collaborative Reading Program's selected theme. Every year the show has new effects, routines, and puppets.
317-213-4770 - Magic Joe Productions: Joe Barnett (Aberdeen)
With comedy at the core of every performance Joe has developed a unique show that includes illusions, mind reading, fire eating, hypnotism and mystery for all. Audience interaction plays a large role which helps make each performance new and exciting every time.
605-380-7573 - Magic of Travis Nye
Magic shows designed for any age group and any size. Highly interactive and capable of setting up in a small space with very minimal ask from the client.
702-249-5900 - Magic Zac
Midwest's Funniest Children's Entertainer! Step inside the Magic of Reading with a magic show that's all about the excitement of reading! Each year enjoy special additions to the performance to fit the summer reading program theme.
507-591-7733 - Jonathan May, Comedy Magician
Jonathan specializes in family-friendly fun that makes the audience the stars of the show. Known for his "Happy Magic" and professionalism.
515-991-3695 - Quad City Magician
A scheduled performance for groups of 10 to 500 will have your entire audience rolling with laughter together. This high energy audience participation show makes a huge impact at your event.
630-523-4810
- Jeff Quinn, Magician
Jeff Quinn does a FANTASTIC Summer Reading Program magic show that always fits with the current SRP theme. Shows are usually 40 minutes long and include lots of audience participation, family-friendly humor and (of course) amazing magic.
402-339-6726 - Mr. Twister
Mr. Twister is a full time children's entertainment specialist and a regional favorite. His shows are packed full of fancy twisted balloons, magic tricks, stories, audience participation and BIG FUN!
605-310-0365
- Mike Artell: Author/Cartoonist/Musician
Mike Artell shows every student (and teacher) how to create great little cartoons and how cartoons can help improve reading, writing and thinking skills. EVERYONE DRAWS ALONG: little kids, big kids and teachers too.
985-789-3423 - Phil Baker
Phil Baker takes children on a musical adventure that nurtures the imagination and creativity. Conga, limbo, freeze, swim and do the hug songs are featured.
605-321-9546 - Dallas Chief Eagle: Native American storytelling, music
Dallas Chief Eagle's hoop dance and storytelling performance invites audiences young and old to experience the heart and soul of his life works.
605-407-0677 - Jim Gill: music play
Jim leads energizing sessions – conference keynotes as well as training workshops for smaller groups – that are filled with music play and playful literacy activities.
708-763-9864 - Hank Harris
Illuminating the tales of songwriters, the historical context, inspiration and the writing process itself. Hank tells the stories of the storytellers and their journeys, and then play the songs and let them speak for themselves.
605-341-3247 - Gypsy Cowbelle: music, storytelling
This highly interactive workshop inspires participants to play along with classic Americana tunes on a wide array of simple and homemade instruments, as well as covering the basics of rhythm, band dynamics and origins of select pieces.
307-231-9252 - Rosie Cutrer: music, stories
Rosie's programs are a lively blend of stories and music (autoharp, banjo and ukulele). Some of her programs include: multicultural tales, spooky and spastic tales, "Happy Feet" tales, and pioneer tales which are appropriate for school age children.
785-640-8845 - Jammin' Randy: music programs
Fun Interactive Children's Music
785-623-9378 - Leonardo Music for Kids
It's time to go ROCKIN' and READING with LEONARDO. He is a Parents' Choice Award winning family musician from Chicago strumming into town with a humorous high energy musical program that inspires little rockers to become big readers!
888-826-6004 - Overall Buddies
Children and families alike will be sharing hearts in song with LoriLynn! We will sing, dance, clap, stomp, and hug our way through music!
402-630-7508 - Pint Size Polkas
Pint Size Polkas program rolls magic, comedy, and education into one fluid, high-energy, live musical performance package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike!
414-431-4683 - Swords and Roses
Adventurers must go through all parts of the cavern, solve the puzzles in each cavern within one-hour time in order to escape! Dungeons and Dragons Jr. meets Escape Room puzzles. Swords and Roses is a singing, sword-swinging, all female stunt show, dedicated to entertaining and informing.
217-341-3577 - Will Stuck
This show's a M.E.S.S. (Music, Education, Stories & Science) and filled with high energy, audience participation and comedy!
816-390-4176
- Fontenelle Forest
Our dedicated Naturalist Educators are ready to help your students and library patrons learn about the natural world through our interactive education programs.
402-731-3140 - Good Earth State Park (Sioux Falls)
Good Earth State Park southeast of Sioux Falls is an important cultural and historical site as well as a unique nature retreat adjacent to the most developed and populated part of our state. The site itself is one of the oldest sites of long-term human habitation in the United States.
605-213-1036 - SD Game, Fish, Parks Outdoor Campus - Rapid City
The purpose of The Outdoor Campus in Rapid City is to provide hands-on experiences in hunting, fishing and other outdoor skills.
605-394-2310 - SD Game, Fish, Parks Outdoor Campus - Sioux Falls
The purpose of The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls is to provide hands-on experiences in hunting, fishing, outdoor skills, and conservation science.
605-362-2777
- Absolute Science
Absolute Science offers SIX spectacular shows, to cover ALL your educational and entertainment needs!
309-945-3414 - LEGO Guy Curtis Mork
Giving kids a sneak peek at some of the things Lego is doing now and what they have done in the past. Story time, displays and building challenges revolving around LEGO.
(303)-775-5673 - Will Stuck
This show's a M.E.S.S. (Music, Education, Stories & Science) and filled with high energy, audience participation and comedy!
816-390-4176 - Termespheres
Dick Termes' workshops and lectures all show the interconnection between MATH / SCIENCE and ART.
Most of these workshops can be adjusted to fit whatever time is available.
605-642-4805
- Checkers Library TV
This fun and educational program was created as online programming for libraries, originally intended to run this summer, however with the current self-isolation, we have moved up the release date to allow libraries to reach kids and families across America during this crisis period with engaging, maximum impact programming content.
716-548-1212 - Dallas Chief Eagle: Native American storytelling, music
Dallas Chief Eagle's hoop dance and storytelling performance invites audiences young and old to experience the heart and soul of his life works.
605-407-0677 - Rosie Cutrer: music, stories
Rosie's programs are a lively blend of stories and music (autoharp, banjo and ukulele). Some of her programs include: multicultural tales, spooky and spastic tales, "Happy Feet" tales, and pioneer tales which are appropriate for school age children.
785-640-8845 - Gypsy Cowbelle: music, storytelling
This highly interactive workshop inspires participants to play along with classic Americana tunes on a wide array of simple and homemade instruments, as well as covering the basics of rhythm, band dynamics and origins of select pieces.
307-231-9252 - Jo Ho Storyteller
Delight all ages with collections of folktales, fairytales, holiday stories, and curriculum enhancement stories. Jo Ho spins tales year round at preschools, elementary and middle schools, libraries, museums, and festivals.
913-461-4504 - Joyce Jefferson: pioneer women storytelling
Yankton's Prolific Lyric Poet and Race Writer (Chautauqua). Enjoy Kate’s poetry as Jefferson interprets Mrs. Tillman’s work as if she were living today.
605-393-2680 - Michael McDonald, Storyteller of SD Characters
Singer/songwriter/story-teller of South Dakota historical characters
605-660-0756
- Julia Lyon: author of A Dinosaur Named Ruth
A Dinosaur Named Ruth is based on the true story of Ruth Mason, a pioneer girl in South Dakota who found dinosaur bones in her own backyard. She spent almost her entire life trying to figure out what they were until she finally got her amazing answer.
801-897-8834 - Jean L.S. Patrick, Author/Librarian
Dressed in a replica of a 1931 baseball uniform, children's author Jean Patrick dramatizes the true story of The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth. Upon request, she also shows the process of researching and writing a book. Jean's lively, interactive presentation emphasizes teamwork, encouragement, and perseverance.
605-770-7345 - Will Stuck
This show's a M.E.S.S. (Music, Education, Stories & Science) and filled with high energy, audience participation and comedy!
816-390-4176
- Butterfly Puppet Theatre
Butterfly is "people and puppet" musical entertainment. Leonard Running writes songs and stories to fit with Sue Hey's puppet and stage designs.
605-348-5345 - Dragons Are Too Seldom: puppet show
Dragons Are Too Seldom Puppets has been entertaining kids of all ages for over 40 years. Markie Scholz spreads joy and laughter every where she goes. Her shows and workshops are interactive as well as fun and educational. There are many shows available.
605-645-8985 - Elsenpeter Marionettes
The Elsenpeter program delights the young and the young-at-heart while stressing the importance of education and reading. The Elsenpeter Marionettes specialize in children's classics and adapt stories with which most children are familiar.
217-341-3577 - James Wedgwood: comedy, ventriloquism
Comedy Ventriloquist James Wedgwood performs the fascinating art of ventriloquism with lots of fun characters, hilarious audience participation and surprises. Audience members will be enchanted by Patrick McWiggins the wise cracking leprechaun and laugh out loud at Bill the Manic Prairie Chicken.
651-336-3663 - Roz Puppets
Children and adults alike enjoy our wonderfully handcrafted puppets as they journey through entertaining original stories with a humorous storytelling style that incorporates music and audience participation.
574-303-2001 - Theatre 605
Creating experiences that spark imagination and strengthen community.
605-255-4910 - Pockets Full of Fun
Lisa writes a new Library show based on the Collaborative Summer Library Program theme. Each show features ventriloquism, puppetry, magic and lots of FUN audience participation opportunities.
712-737-7760
Funding for this program is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the South Dakota State Library.
Youth Services Coordinator