Jan Christiansen Smith
Storyteller-Educator-Workshop Presenter
Jan delights audiences using her knowledge, heart and experience as she presents stories with flair and humor.
Listen for laughter as Jan tells personal stories, as well as folk and fairy tales. She showcases award-winning children's literature and delivers engaging workshops.
Listen to an excerpt from a live performance of Jan's signature piece, "The Tall Tale," and laugh at her trials and traumas.
Curtain Calls:
"What a treat to feature Jan Smith at the Timpanogos Storytelling Festival! Her wit and humor keep you smiling while her stories explore life's foibles. From adults to children, a delight for any audience."
- Janet Low, Timpanogos Storytelling Festival
"With a twinkle in her eye, and also a sly wink, Jan focuses on the miracle of the everyday. She helps us realize that every life is important, that everyone has stories worth telling, and that in understanding simple things we can begin to understand the profound. Leading us carefully into our memories, Jan is a treasure hunter, gently helping us discover the nuggets we've hidden or forgotten. She encourages us to bring them out, and polish them up. And she makes us believe we not only can, but should tell our stories."
-Teresa Love - BYU Adjunct Faculty Storytelling an Drama in the Elementary School Classroom Director at Large
Open Window Entertainment
Touring Theatre for Children in Los Angeles
"You capture each child and transpose them into their imagination as you weave them into your story."
-Becky Evans, 2nd Grade Teacher, Oakdale Elementary
"Dear Mrs. Smith,
Thank you for coming to our class and telling us lots of stories. We really liked the way Pig Pig and Tai Shun and the Clay Boy stories came to life! "
- Thank you, Mrs. Hashimoto's Kindergarten
"I loved listening to the stories. At first I was watching the kids because their reactions ere so entertaining. Before long, I realized my jaw was open and I was just as excited as they were. It brought me back to my own childhood. I loved seeing the kids so engaged. They loved it and I did too!"
-Thanks Mrs.Heaton - 2nd grade teacher