Maine-ly Storytellers

Drawing on voice characters, audience participation, laughter and drama, Vernon grew up in Bar Harbor Maine where his love of stories began. As a parent raising his daughter Shanna in Orland he refined his tales at many a scout campfire. Vernon spent the third Saturday of every month as a reader and performer for the Buck Memorial Library’s Story Hour in Bucksport Maine.

As a volunteer for Girl Scouts and as a member of the Orland Volunteer Fire Department, Vernon Cox used his creative energies to help create memorable events and characters. Events like "Mystery Madness" and the "Haunted Smoke House" featured the likes of Ben Scaired, Buster the Muster Clown, Ira U. Dunn, and Eileen Dover.

He now lives in Westbrook Maine with his wife Bobbie and their golden retriever Daisy. Vernon is an Airfield Master electrician at the Portland International Jetport. (The day job that allows him to afford his storytelling habits.)

As story teller Learnin’ Vernon, he has entertained audiences from Presque Isle, Maine to Hollywood California.*

He has been an Air Force medic, cook, custodian, mental health worker, electrician, volunteer firefighter, E.M.T. and a lifetime member of Girl Scouts. It is through all of these memories that Vernon draws for his tales. He has learned that every day a new journey begins and a new experience unfolds.

That is why he shall always remain

a Learnin’ Vernon!

Photo by Carol Watier

*Hollywood!

Ok truth is I was there for a taping of the Pyramid show and they asked for talent between takes as an audience warm up. I told "Prinderella" to the delight of the studio audience which included its host. No money exchanged hands but my wife personally shook the hand of Donnie Osmond and that my friends was priceless!

Booking a Storyteller for a Perfomance

“Why do Storytellers charge for a storytelling performance?"

I am often asked “Why do you charge for a storytelling performance? My parents told me stories for free.”

I encourage everyone to tell stories to their friends and families. Storytelling is an art form anyone can share. Yet, some storytellers have exceptional talent and years of performing experience, which more than justifies their fees.

Consider this before you hire the services of any performing artist.

My little brother sings in the shower but you probably would not pay to hear him sing.

My older brother Gray sings at coffee houses professionally and is well worth the $10.00 cover charge.

You could pay $40-$120 per ticket for nationally known musical groups and celebrity performers without giving it a moment’s thought.

If I attend a concert given by a professional singer or musician, how might they react if I ask, “My little brother sings for free. Why do you charge?”

I encourage you to research the performer you are about to hire; you will find you do get what you pay for!

Job description and Responsibilities of a Storyteller

As a Storyteller it is my responsibility to provide both verbal and nonverbal interchanges with my audiences. These exchanges allow the listeners’ to actively create images, actions, characters, and events of the story in their mind. This will enable the listener to be the co-producer of the story which they hear.

To entertain and enlighten each individual with stories that can feed their soul and lighten a heavy heart.

To provide a client and their audience with enough humor and drama to that will allow them to escape from their present worries and realities.

To continue to provide quality services I attend workshops, artist directed coaching, and belong to the following Storytelling organizations.

Maine Organization Of Storytelling Enthusiasts

Moose http://moosetellers.ning.com

The Advancement of New England Storytelling

LANES http://www.lanes.org/

What are the costs of a live performance?

It is my goal to provide quality entertainment at a cost worthy of my talent while being respectful to my client's needs and their resources.

My fees begin at $200 per performance for multiple shows at the same venue, $300 for a single show, and up to $800.00 for a Day workshop or residency.

All fees are negotiable.

To book an Event:

Call 207-899-9299 or e-mail learninvernon@yahoo.com

What others have said about Learnin' Vernon

“With great energy, zest and poise, he drew his mixed- age audience into the spell of his words and held us.”
Anne Mundy
Head of Children’s Services,
Bangor Public Library

“With spindly arms and unbelievable facial expressions,
Learnin’ Vernon showed the art of storytelling
is alive and strong in southern Maine.”
Ms. Cathie Bunk
grade one teacher, Edna Libby School, SAD 6

“Thank you so much! We loved having you, you were great!!! Your personality with the crowd of pumpkin carvers was terrific and more than I expected! Really you made the whole festival sparkle!”
Susan Plimpton
Children's Librarian Southwest Harbor Public Library

“Vernon has the ability to take you anywhere his story is created. It may be in Baxter State Park, the streets of India, or even in a pond.
He has the gift to hold his audience in the palm of his hand.”
Christine Beckwith
Audience member of Tellabration ™ 2004 sponsored by *M.O.O.S.E.

“Thank you for lending your wonderful story telling skills to
our annual meeting last weekend. As always, people were
impressed with your ability to make the written word come alive.
I know our guests especially enjoyed hearing you for the first time.”
Sarah Medina
President Abnaki Girl Scout Council May 25,2000

“Vernon, thank you so much for your hilarious and engaging performance last night! Everyone had a grand time and the stories were appropriate for all ages.
We very much enjoyed meeting you. Best wishes to you, and we'll keep you in mind for future events!”

Judy Higbea
Principal of the Mast Landing School Freeport Maine