SD Performer's Database

Bruce Arant: Picture Book Author/Illustrator

Features three presentations that are available to libraries:

Statewide, Nationwide Travel; For all Ages (birth to 100+);
Venues include Schools, Libraries, Virtual

Art, Author, Workshops

Cartooning with Mike Artell

Cartooning for Kids with Mike Artell! Kids draw along as Mike Artell shows them how to draw people, animals and objects. Basic cartooning for younger children, more advanced cartooning for older kids. Cartooning tips and tricks too. FUN!

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages;
Venues include Schools, Libraries, Outdoor/Indoor, Virtual

Art, Comedy, Storytelling

Backstage with a Rodeo Clown

Duane Reichert transforms himself from street clothes to the unique, outlandish costume, makeup and mannerisms of a professional rodeo clown. With the use of short comedy skits and animals, he shares the dangers, the comic relief, and the suspense surrounding his life.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Comedy, Storytelling

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.

Statewide, Nationwide Travel; For all Ages;
Venues include Schools, Libraries, Indoor/Outdoor, Virtual

Music

Bramble Park Zoo: Outreach Programs

What a great way to add hands-on, inquiry-based activities to your curriculum! 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.

Animals

Butterfly Puppet Theater

Butterfly is "people and puppet" musical entertainment. Leonard Running writes songs and stories to fit with Sue Hey's puppet and stage designs.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages

Music, Puppetry, Storytelling, Theater

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.

For all Ages; Virtual

Animals, Art, Comedy, Magic, Science and Storytelling

Dallas Chief Eagle

Pre-performance hoop-dance workshop (200 hoops provided), and Grandpa Rock storytelling exercises have become favorites to participants who will join Dallas in the pubic performance.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages

Dance, Historical, Native American, Music, Storytelling, Workshops

Delacina Chief Eagle

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.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages

Dance, Historical, Native American, Music, Storytelling, Workshops

Starr Chief Eagle

Lakota Artist and Hoop Dance Extraordinaire. Explore the language, art and stories fot he Lakota people through a fun and educational way. The Hoop Dance encourages the use of important values including respect, creativity, determination and self-balance.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages

Dance, Historical, Native American, Music, Storytelling, Workshops

Cirque Amongus

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.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages;
Venues include libraries, schools, preschool, arena, and Virtual

Comedy, Juggling, Magic, Workshops

QC Clown Around

Balloon Storyteller, Balloon Artist, Magic and more!

Kids magic and puppet show including a 40 minute comedy magic show. Booking options may include face painting and air brush tattoos.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages including Preschool and Elementary.

Balloons, Clowns, Comedy, Magic, Puppetry, Workshops

Rosie Cutrer

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.

Eastern South Dakota Travel; For all Ages

Animals, Comedy, Magic

Dakota Players

Dakota Players makes it possible to share theatre with young people in communities of all sizes throughout our region. Kids get the opportunity to explore their creativity through games, songs, dance and theatre with programs tailored to the needs of each communities. This dynamic program takes high quality theatre education programs to over 1600 kids a year throughout the region.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages;
Venues include Schools and Libraries. Funding opportunities are available.

Music, Theater, Workshops

Dinosaur O'Dell

Whether he's fixing spaceships, counting monsters, or swimming in peanut butter, a Dinosaur O'Dell show is always a fun, interactive journey.

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

Comedy, Music, Storytelling, Theater, Animations

Dragons are too Seldom

Live Stream Summer Reading Program! "Quest for the Junkyard Dragon" is available for live streaming to your library! Call for more details!

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. Each year the Dragons create a special show for the Summer Reading Program. Check out their website for more details.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages;
Venues include Indoor, Outdoor, Virtual

Puppetry, Storytelling, Theater, Ventriloquism, Workshops

Duke Otherwise

Witty Wordplay, Superb Music, Tap Dancing! With his guitar, tap shoes, and distinct baritone, Duke Otherwise performs a hilarious, charming and interactive musical program for all ages. He writes original songs bursting with clever wordplay and fun ideas relatable to both kids and adults.

Nationwide Travel; For Ages Preschool and Elementary

Dance, Music, Storytelling

Elsenpeter Marionettes

The Elsenpeter Marionettes are a professional full-time performing Marionette company who has entertained millions of school children in live shows for over 139 years. Besides performing more than 200 plus programs nationally each year, Mr. Elsenpeter will write, produce, create and carve an entirely new program annually. The Elsenpeter Marionettes specialize in children's classics and adapt stories with which most children are familiar.

Each program is specially written for the Marionettes theatre. Every detail has been carefully designed to achieve a perfect dramatic production in miniature. Richard's skillful manipulation of the Marionettes transforms the 2-foot tall, hand carved, wooden dolls into living characters with definite personalities.

The Elsenpeter program delights the young and the young-at-heart while stressing the importance of education and reading. Our goal is to give children an outlet for their fantasies while making a lasting impression on them.

Nationwide, Travel; For all Ages;
Venues include School, Library, Outdoor, Indoor, Virtual

Puppetry, History, Storytelling, Theater, Ventriloquism

Jim Gill

An author and musician, Jim Gill's most recent book, A Soup Opera, received an award from the American Library Association in 2010. Jim Gill is unique in his ability to combine his artistry with advocacy for early literacy development. He shares both at each inspiring and joyous event.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Music, Storytelling, Workshops

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

Animals

Gypsy Cowbelle

Children of all ages (infants to seniors!) discover their own inner song as they "Join the Band!" with the Gypsy Cowbelle in her signature Homespun Instruments program. 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.

Additional performances include: concerts focusing on Homesteading, Women's and Western history; an Amelia Earhart portrayal; and an introduction to leatherwork class.

All Ages (Birth to 100+); Statewide (South Dakota), Nationwide; Venues include School, Library, Outdoor, Indoor, Museum, festival, parade, remote

Music, Storytelling, Workshop

gypsycowbelle.com
artscouncil.sd.gov
sdhumanities.org
Miss V - The Gypsy Cowbelle
Thermopolis, WY 82443
1-307-231-9252

Hank Harris

Mostly known for his musical talents, Hank Harris is a South Dakota legend. He has played with The Red Willow Band, DD and the Fayrohs and many more bands over a career that has spanned decades. When it comes to musical diversity, Hank Harris has cornered the market.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages

Music

James Wedgwood Comedy, Ventriloquism and More!

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. Over the years James has performed at literally hundreds of libraries where he has gained the reputation as "The Most Fun You Can Have Without Moving Your Lips."

Nationwide Travel; All ages;
Venues include Virtual, School, Library, Outdoor, Indoor

Comedy, Puppetry

Jammin' Randy

Fun Interactive Children's Music

Nationwide Travel; Preschool, Elementary; Venues include Virtual, School, Library, Outdoor, Indoor

Music, Workshops

jamminrandy.com
1-785-623-9378

Jay & Leslie

"Jay and Leslie delight audiences with their circus skills, creative stories, and wacky humor. The Kansas City duo have performed over 6000 shows in 36 states and 7 foreign countries.

All ages enjoy Jay & Leslie, and they will tailor their program to any audience.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages;
Venues include Schools and Libraries

Comedy, Juggling, Storytelling, Theater, Workshops

600,000 Silent Voices: Jim "Two Crows" Wallen

Jim had 17 ancestors who fought in the Civil War. He will tell the stories of his ancestors while sharing artifacts from the conflict.

Nationwide Travel; Elementary, Middle School, High School, Adult, Seniors (over 60); School, Library, Outdoor, Indoor

History & Native American, Storytelling, Workshops

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.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Storytelling, Theater, Workshops

Joyce Jefferson Creates Stories in Song

Black Hills Sheroes, tells of pioneer African American women who opened Dakota Territory during and after the Gold Rush Days. This 40-minute program tells the stories of three pioneers of the early days of the Black Hills in Dakota Territory. In period attire, Jefferson sings and tells the stories of Sarah Campbell, the first documented non-Native woman to come to the Black Hills with the Custer Expedition of 1874, Lucretia Marchbanks who came to run boarding houses for the many prospectors of the 1876 Gold Rush, and Mary Kercherval who joined her sons to homestead on Centennial Prairie in Spearfish. Black Hills Sheroes is a South Dakota Touring Artists program.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages

Music, Poetry, Storytelling

The LEGO Guy

Story time, displays and building challenges revolving around LEGO.

Statewide/Regional Travel; For all Ages;
Venues include libraries, indoors.

Storytelling, Workshops

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!

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Comedy, Music

Julia Lyon: Picture Book Author of "A Dinosaur Named Ruth"

Julia Lyon will share the story behind the nonfiction picture book "A Dinosaur Named Ruth," based in the Badlands of South Dakota. She will talk about how she discovered, researched and brought to life the story of Ruth Mason, a pioneer girl who found dinosaur bones in her own backyard. This educational, eye-opening and fun presentation is appropriate for elementary age children and can be tailored to different age ranges. Children will learn how books are made and why reading is so important.

Virtual; Venues include School, Library, Indoor; For ages Preschool, Elementary and Seniors (over 60);

History & Native American, Storytelling, Author

Magician Daniel Lusk

Online virtual magic show custom themed to the summer reading national theme.

Nationwide Travel; Preschool and Elementary ages;
Venues include School, Library, Indoor, Virtual

Magic

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.

Nationwide Travel; Audiences include Elementary, Middle School, High School, Adult, Seniors (over 60); Venues include School, Library, Outdoor, Indoor

Magic

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.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Balloons, Comedy, Magic, Storytelling

The Martika Show

Internationally renowned and motivationally captivating, Martika hails from Kansas City, MO. This delightfully dangerous daredevil uses circus arts, fire, escapology, and a slew of sideshow skill sets. Eleven years under her belt she entertains with a wide variety of programs and hands-on workshops.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages;
Venues include Schools, Libraries, Outdoor/Indoor, Virtual

Dance, Motivational Speaking, Variety Shows, Stunts, Workshops

Jonathan May - Professional Magician!

A professional magician with over 400 shows per year! Jonathan specializes in family-friendly fun that makes the audience the stars of the show. Known for his "Happy Magic" and professionalism, Jonathan has become a Midwest favorite for families, churches, schools, and libraries. Every year is a different performance. It is the same quality and professionalism with a unique magic show to keep everyone engaged and entertained.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Balloons, Comedy, Magic

Michael F (MAC) McDonald

Singer/songwriter/story-teller of South Dakota historical characters

Statewide and Nationwide Travel; For all Ages; School, Library, Outdoor, Indoor

History & Native American, Music, Storytelling

Slim McNaught, Cowboy Poet

In 2004 Slim McNaught started performing live on stage and since then has entertained at many local gatherings. He is currently Cowboy Poet "Lariat" for CBSI Radio in Spearfish, South Dakota. In 2015 Slim started a program called, "COWBOY POETRY/TEXAS TRAIL HERDS: Origin, History & Development", which is primarily utilized by elementary educational instructors for grades five through eight, but available for all grades and also adult programs.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages

Historical, Storytelling

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, Noggin, are excited to return to South Dakota public libraries and schools this year!

Since 2000, Karen Land has given over a thousand talks in almost every state. She loves providing MUSHING talks for always-eager students and enthusiastic library patrons. Dogs, the sport of mushing, and Alaska inspire a diverse audience, making the event fun and interesting FOR ALL AGES. Dog mushing, a traditional mode of arctic transportation, is a unique subject perfect for every classroom. From STEM (climate and environmental studies) to literature (Gary Paulsen and Jack London) to the Fine Arts and physical education, the options for exploration are endless.

South Dakota (Statewide), Nationwide, Virtual; For For Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Adult, Seniors (over 60);

Requirements include preference to book a week's worth of talks for the state/area. If venue has electricity and projector/smart TV available, may include a presentation.

Animals, History & Native American, Music, Storytelling

The Noiseguy

Charlie "The Noiseguy" Williams is a vocal sound impressionist, comedian, illustrator and author who shows how to use onomatopoeia to enhance reading, writing and storytelling.

Imagine the story of the Tortoise and the Hare being told with the sound of cars racing past or Jack chopping down a beanstalk using a chainsaw! Hear the sounds of Lewis and Clark paddling upstream, and practice the ABC's of Onomatopoeia!

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Comedy, Storytelling, Workshops

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! Families and teachers will learn some valuable early literacy tips along the way, with a handout to take home after the event. Your circulation will improve with Lori Lynn's book topic suggestions from your catalog as literary extensions to her songs.

Nationwide Travel; For Early Childhood,

Author, Music, Workshops

Page Turner Adventures

Storytelling, Comedy, and Virtual Programming!

SuperSized Stage Shows Online: At Page Turner Adventures, we're known for our SuperSized Stage Shows where everyone in the audience becomes the HERO of the story. But…we're also an Emmy, Telly and iParenting Award Winning Video company that's been producing educational and social-emotional content for schools and television for over twenty years, including the Travel Channel, Scholastic, and PBS.

Nationwide Travel; Preschool, Elementary;
Venues include Schools, Libraries, Outdoor/Indoor, Virtual

Comedy, Juggling, Storytelling, Theater, Workshops, Author Interviews, Special Guests

Jean L.S. Patrick, Author

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.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages

Historical, Storytelling, Workshops

Pint Size Polkas

Pint Size Polkas with Mike Schneider: The happiest music on Earth plus magic and comedy promises tons of fun for the whole family!

South Dakota (Statewide) and Nationwide Travel, Virtual; For All Ages (Birth to 100+), Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, Adult, Seniors (over 60); Venues include Indoor, Outdoor, Library, School;

Requirements include one electrical outlet; a performance space of at least 8' wide by 6' deep. To keep my fee at or under $400 per show with expenses, I would need a minimum of 12 shows over a stretch of four or five consecutive days. However, there are times I'm driving through South Dakota when I may be able to offer similar pricing for fewer shows. Please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Comedy, Dance, History & Native American, Magic, Music, Workshops

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.

Statewide/Regional Travel; For all Ages

Magic, Music, Puppetry, Ventriloquist

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.

Statewide, Nationwide Travel; For all Ages;
Venues include Libraries, Schools, Fairs/Festivals, Virtual

Comedy, Magic

T.J. Regul

Programs filled with the highest energy and most audience participation in your area. A family friendly magic show that will have the children and adults at your library literally rolling on the floor with laughter. This show has more smiles, more laughter, more energy and more results than you have ever had before!

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Balloons, Comedy, Magic

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. We make events fun, furry and unforgettable!

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages; School, Library, Indoor, Preschools, Day cares, businesses, special events

Puppetry & Ventriloquism

South Dakota Ballet

Founded by Madeleine Scott in May 2019, South Dakota Ballet is the state's first professional ballet company. South Dakota Ballet exists to inspire, empower, connect and educate South Dakota's continuously diversifying communities through world class performances and educational outreach programming.

Statewide Travel; For all Ages and Abilities;
Venues include Schools, Libraries; Indoor, Outdoor, Virtual

Dance, Music, Workshops

Will Stuck

This show's a M.E.S.S. (Music, Education, Stories & Science) and filled with high energy, audience participation and comedy!

Nationwide Travel; For Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School;
Venues include School, Library, Indoor, Virtual

Comedy, Juggling, Magic, Music, Puppetry & Ventriloquism, Storytelling, Workshops

Swords & 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.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Specialty, Stunts

Library Lectures on Termespheres

Termes has been painting on spheres for over 50 years. He would like to do a video lecture with your library on his Termespheres with zoom for you. This program works best with one hour, but can be adjusted to fit your time schedule. Mr. Termes will show examples of his Termespheres, polyhedra paintings and the total photos. He uses short videos in this presentation. It is like a slide presentation but he uses a video program he can control of many of his spheres. Questions can be asked all through the program. He explains why and how he painted these pieces and also has fun stories to tell about his work.

Statewide (South Dakota), Nationwide; Middle School, High School, Adult, Seniors (over 60);
Venues include School, Library, Virtual

Storytelling

Toby KID

Toby showcases his 40 years of comedy family performances as he literally unpacks more than you can imagine from his little case of hilarity. Through all the goofiness Toby expresses the importance of his differences being the catalyst for perusing his lifetime goal of making others happy. Showcasing our differences encourages attendees to bring out the YOU in YOURself. If we were all the same, it would be boring, so embrace what makes you weird. A professional goofball and all-around weirdo, Toby brings you unparalleled laughs in his show Silly Adventures!

Toby opens this forty-five-minute theatrical experience by opening his little case. What comes out will amaze on confound his audience. On-stage volunteers perform real amazing magic and aid in solving some silliness with Toby's assistance. The audience helps with an original sing along of balloon twisting hijinks. There is a (fake) furry rodent and Toby even flies during the show. All this in more are stirred into a recipe for utter silliness.

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Comedy, Juggling, Magic, Puppetry & Ventriloquism, Storytelling, Theater, Workshops, Balloons, Clown

Traveling Lantern Theatre

Educating and entertaining children all over the country since 1985. Traveling Lantern Theatre's mission is to bring great stories to children and draw them into an active theater experience, while also providing high quality, low cost arts programming to schools and libraries.

Specializes shows to complement library summer reading themes. 2022: Camp Ocean.

Nationwide Travel; For ages PreK-8th grade, families.

Comedy, Storytelling, Theater

Mr. Twister 2025 Feature

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! (Mr. Twister can also be hired to twist balloons for all the kids at your special events!)

Nationwide Travel; For all Ages

Animals, Comedy, Magic

Dennis Warner

An energetic blend of music and humor in a special concert just for kids (age 4-12) and others who like to have fun! Dennis's show is fast-paced, high energy and full of audience participation. Dennis will also read from his children's book and song lyric, "Beads on One String" and perform the uptempo song with the kids.

Nationwide Travel; For classes preschool through 5th grade

Music

Z*stonish

South Dakota's Favorite Comedy Hypnotist and Magician! Enter the untapped mystery of the brain with mind-blowing mental illusions. Weaving comedy, hypnosis, and showmanship - prepare to not only be astonished but zstonished!

Nationwide Travel; For teens and adults

Comedy, Hypnosis, Magic

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

Animals