'World Folk and Fairy Tales':

James and Patti love folktales from down the street, across the American experience and around the world. From the Far East to the Middle East and everywhere in between, The Patchwork Players have a host of stories to share. From their own heritage they have a special fondness for American and European stories. Some of the folktales they tell from around the world include: Too Much Noise a Jewish Tale, Little Red Riding Hood from Germany, The Frog Prince from Germany, Three Wishes and a Sausage from Sweden, The Troll Bride from Norway, The Baby Coyote from American SW, La Llorona from Mexico, The Golden Arm from the USA, Ghost Soup from India, The Princess and the Pea from Denmark, and many more.

'Scandinavian Tales':

With names like Christensen and Nelson, how could we not enjoy stories from Scandinavia? We have performed for the House of Denmark, Vasa, and Sons of Norway events. James is also a member of The Fish Club Odin, a rowdy group of Vikings who celebrate Norwegian culture through song, food, drink and FUN. It has been said if Norway were to show the world a single work of art which would most truly express the Norwegian character, perhaps the best choice would be the folk tales. As Scandinavians, we have sometimes forgotten the wisdom that has been passed down from our ancestors, by folktale, myths and proverbs. As storytellers, we strive to preserve and pass on this important part of our heritage. Let us bring the joy of Old World Scandinavian tales brought to life to your group.

Scandinavian Programs include:

• Troll Tales
• Scandinavian Tales of Love and Marriage
• Norse Myths for the REST of us
• Hans Christian Andersen: Well Known and Little Known Tales

'True (and maybe not so true) Tales of California':

Truth can be stranger than fiction when you hear these stories about the Gold Rush, the Rancheros, and many other tales that come out of California history. People came to California from around the world, and brought their stories along with them. Also, James and Patti love tall tales, local legends, and other fun stories from the region. Whether telling true life ghost stories in the historic Gaslamp District of San Diego or learning stories from old timers about the early days of area towns, Patti and James love history and sharing those stories.

'Not Too Scary Stories':

It was a dark and stormy night . . .

Scary stories, of truth and legend, are popular with audiences all year around. The Patchwork Players have ghost stories and urban legends that will have the listeners on the edge of their seat. Their tales are great for sleepovers, campfires, evening programs, "real" haunted houses and of course, Halloween. Tales to send shivers down your spine, tickle your funny bone, and everything in between. BOOOO!!!! For the little ones who beg for spooky tales, but don't want the nightmares, we have our Not Too Scary Stories program. This is a series of gentler, often humorous stories. We also offer ancient storyteller lore about how to keep the monsters from creeping into your room at night...

'Modern Princess Stories':

These princesses are not the spoiled, prissy young girls from the familiar stories. These smart, brave heroines take charge of their lives and save the day. From Rapunzel to The Paper Bag Princess to The Princess and The Frog Prince, children and adults enjoy these old and new princess stories with a twist. This is a great for girls and boys; full of plenty of audience participation and fun.

'Got A Minute? Hear a Story':

Festivals and special events offer food, music, shows and attractions. Folks are always on the move, so much to see and so little time.

That's okay, a little time is all you need for The Patchwork Players Got a Minute, Hear a Story. We offer fast paced versions of favorite stories.

Whether you are standing in line for a corn dog or on the way to the art show, The Patchwork Players will be there to entertain you with a quick story or two...

We take the stories to the people.

We once stood in line for over an hour to make a special hat at a festival. We did not want to lose our place in line, but it sure GOT BORING-thus was born the Got a Minute? Hear a Story!

No group is too large or small. Some people may listen to one story or several. It's fun and entertaining to all. This may be just the touch your venue is looking for.

'Celtic Stories':

Celtic stories from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

The Patchwork Players perform Celtic tales Story Theatre style. James Nelson-Lucas is the proud inheritor of the Clan Grant storytelling heritage. His great-great-grandfather, for whom he was named, was a widely known storyteller. Together with master storyteller, Patti Christensen, they are modern day bards bringing ancient and not-so-ancient tales to life. James and Patti are entertainers and educators who bring unique theatrical experience to your event. They use improvisational acting and audience participation to bring these stories from Scotland, Wales, and Ireland to life.

Celtic Stories Stage Shows include the following:

• Legends of Tall Warriors, Wise Rulers and Old Enchantments
• Tales of old heroes and their adventures
• Saints Preserve Us: Celtic Tales of Ghosts and Spirits
• Spooky, scary (but not TOO scary) stories from the Isles.
• Fairyfolk and Tales of Magic
• Humorous stories of magical folk, luck, and misfortune

'Pirate Tales':

Dead men tell no tales...

. . . but The Patchwork Players do! Sometimes wild, sometimes whimsical stories about pirates. How do you get to be a pirate? What do pirates eat? What are pirates afraid of? What should you do if you meet a pirate? What if your MOTHER was a pirate? What makes even the toughest pirate cry? Could women be pirates? (Aye Matey, some of the most fierce!). Hear The Patchwork Players answer those questions and more with adventurous pirate tales. There may be a scare, there may be some smiles and maybe even a song or two. There will always be fun. When The Patchwork Players make port, it's a pirate's life for everyone!

'True Life Adventures':

Storytellers to the Rescue...

Whether rescuing frightened children from bears, escaping childhood bullies through wit and quick thinking, or traveling to far off places, James and Patti love to share their personal stories of true life adventures. We have stories appropriate for children, families, or adult only audiences. Laugh, cry, and gasp as truth is often stranger than fiction. Whether enchanting school children, adults at a workplace banquet, or elders at a Senior Center, The Patchwork Players True Life Adventures are a hit.

'Bringing Art to Life':

The Patchwork Players have brought their storytelling process and programs to many museum settings. Why bring storytelling to your museum? Storytelling in museums is a natural fit. A museum is a collection of stories. Who is that person? What is that object? How does that work? Why did they build that? Storytelling can answer those questions by creating a cultural and historical context and sparking imagination. Storytelling brings collections alive, making them more exciting and accessible to everyone. The Patchwork Players have performed at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, The San Diego Museum of Art, The Children's Museum in La Habra, The Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Vista and for many other museums, cultural, and historical groups.