Story Traditions
To Empower and Entertain...

Sylvia Payne grew up in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains listening to family stories told by her mother.

A professional storyteller living in the Hickory, North Carolina area, she presents multicultural folktales, stories of history, and North Carolina legends and stories that captivate adults, families, and students.

She finds that stories engage the imagination and the motivation of all ages. They can excite the young and interest them in the stories of their elders, while helping adults understand the significance of their own lives.

Her ability to combine captivating entertainment with important messages has made her a favorite for speaking engagements of all kinds, including conferences and celebrations. She also works extensively in churches, schools and libraries.

Mrs. Payne, a former children’s librarian who has organized and presented educational programs for over 25 years, has studied folklore and the art of storytelling with world renowned storytelling masters. Currently she serves on The Humanities Forum, a Speakers’ Bureau of the NC Humanities Council.

She is a board member of the North Carolina Storytelling Guild, serving currently as Membership Director and editor of the Guild's quarterly publication, Journal of Tar Heel Tellers.

She offers a free phone consultation to qualified organizations, to help them determine their needs for a presenter.

Sylvia Payne
1621 Nathanial Street,
Newton, NC 26858

© 2004 Sylvia Payne