Elaine Muray - Elaine Muray’s Embodied Voice StoryArts
elaine@embodiedvoicestoryarts.comhttp://www.embodiedvoicestoryarts.com/
Introduction 
Using movement and narration as the foundation of her work, Elaine Muray’s Embodied Voice StoryArts explores the use of a synthesis of art forms in storytelling, including music and magic. Her selections of material are adaptations of folktales from around the world as well as original material, suitable for both children and adults. Elaine has studied with the masters of physical theater including Tony Montanaro. Since 2003, Elaine has been under the personal direction of Paata Tsikurishvili, artistic director of Washington D.C’s Synetic Theater, winner of multiple awards for direction and choreography. Elaine has been a featured performer at the Australian Storytelling Festival and in 2008 was selected to perform at the National Storytelling Conference. Elaine has a Bachelor’s in Social Work and is a certified ESL Instructor. She is a member of YES (Youth and Educators in Storytelling). Elaine returns to her roots in the Washington, D. C. area 4 times a year to perform.
Programs Offered
For the young at heart, watch and listen to animal characters brought to life in tales with meaningful morals.
A collection of stories from Asia and the Pacific Rim.
A Trip on the 4 Winds
An ever-growing body of work that provides a view into the richness of stories from cultures around the world.
A Light in the Dark: Stories on Keeping Safe
A performance and post-performance exploration of stories that teach children how to identify unsafe environments and situations and provide them with tools and skills to keep them out of harm’s way.
E-Bully! ME Bully: Stories to Help, Nurture and Heal
This performance workshop presents bullying with its cast of characters, such as the taunted victim and the silent onlookers; through its plots and storylines, e.g., online bullying, and with solutions for a happy ending. Stories address such issues as courage and encouragement, diversity, empathy, respect and self-control.
Moving Easily Into ESL
Combining Elaine’s 10 years teaching experience as a certified ESL instructor for both adults and children at public and private schools, this program provides lesson plans to use for pre- and post-show activities for ESL audiences.
Stories in Stone, Bone and Soil
A collection of stories that have been found or referenced in findings from archeological digs and other unearthings. A great launching point for history and science lessons.
Ugh! Bugs!
The children won’t be screaming; they’ll be beaming, as they learn, through story, the very special attributes of the insect world. Great addition for science classes!
Teen Warriors and Goddesses: Our Youth at Risk (Grades 9-12)
A carefully selected montage of stories that address conflict resolution, issues of self-esteem and even young love!
Cinematic Storytelling: You Got to Move It, Move It! (Grades 4-12)
A streamlined hands-on offering of physical theater basics including combining narration with movement, use of space, character development and basic mime techniques. This program can be expanded to include work with selected text for solo or ensemble school performances. For grades 4-12 in drama, physical education or English classes.
Clients
Testimonials
“The project focus was on creative movement and the retelling of stories, which Elaine brought to the forefront by engaging students to think and physically express character personality, as well as story sequencing. I found the four day residency with Elaine Muray to be exciting, insightful, creative and productive.” — Renee Seay, Claremont Immersion Elementary, Arlington, VA
“…Ms. Muray’s performance is stunning, exciting and boundlessly entertaining. I highly recommend it.” –Kevin Daly, Executive Director, Children’s Theater Association
“Elaine Muray’s stories are fit for the eye as well as the ear. Her audio-kinetic tapestries weave energetic mime and movement with lively speech, holding the children’s attention through sight as well as hearing.” — Donn Murphy, National Theatre, Washington DC
“…she has captivated young and old and has helped make our park’s programming a success.” — Martin Ogle, Chief Naturalist, Potomac Overlook Regional Park, Arlington, VA