Clearinghouse of Professional Information

Performers Recommended by Libraries

SOLS used to compile a directory of performers as well as organize "mini-contacts" events, but over the years, some of our services were discontinued as our mandate changed. Valuable information, great ideas and amazing brainstorming sessions happen at SOLS Workshops and at Children's interest groups meetings. However, no one has been recording any of this information to fill in the gap and make sure that all can profit from each other's experience and contacts.

As a number of our libraries have expressed the need to update their children's programming binders, SOLS initiated a list-serv dialogue on this subject, and  is compiling the various suggestions for performers, and/or other resource persons you recommend. These are posted on the website "verbatim".  You may continue to submit your comments to the OLSLIB-L@library.on.ca if you are already registered. You may also simply send your recommendations to the

See also Public Services Resources - Programming for general resources

From Cindy Buhne, Children& Youth Services, Bracebridge Public Library (08/05)

From Robin Page, Fergus Branch, Wellington County Library (09/03)
see also  Robin's earlier list of suggestions

Mr. Oh! - Owen Anderson - Magician  Very funny, excellent performer  owena@interlynx.net/
1-888-208-1888. Cost: $275.00 inclusive (2003 price)

Robin Muller - Illustrator -  Robin's presentation is unique, entertaining and refreshing. More information in the Writers' Union OAC Writers in the Schools Program Booklet of participating authors (.pdf) . You can reach Mr. Muller at 416-461-1508

From Janet Coulas, Children’s Services at Petawawa Public Library (08/02)

Janet has been collecting these ideas since 2001 when she received suggestions from other colleagues. 
We are including there suggestions ***  under their own names and libraries. 

The Duke of Magic: Luc Leduc - An experienced bilingual performer who has entertained all ages and groups  from 20 to 2000 people. He does a wonderful show, is very professional and spent extra time with the children after the show. His magic tricks are of a professional quality. I asked the children and adults after the show for their opinions and they were all positive. He has a lot of equipment and was at our library from 1 am to 4:30 pm. The show was from 2pm - 2-2:45 pm. He also spent extra time with the children after the show. You can contact Mr Leduc at 1-613-726-9025 or write to  lucleduc@lucleduc.com 

Ottawa Storytellers - This is a fantastic group. They will tell stories for all ages and occasions. We have used them for annual Christmas storytelling. We have had Ruth Stewart-Verger & Dean Verger telling stories. I use them every year. Prices range from $125/hr plus GST and travel costs depending on how many shows they do. This is one of my favourite groups to get. You can contact them at 1-613-722-8402 or Ruth_Stewart-Verger@ocdsb.edu.on.ca

Cindy Cook from Polka Dot Door  – We did a summer show with Cindy called "Sing and Spell" approx. 45 min. The children loved it. It was geared to a younger audience up to 8 years. Cost was $400 if there is more than one booking.  You can contact Cindy at 1-416-487-2225  

Mad Science – they are a great for all ages. There are lots of hands on activities. 2 staff are available and the program ran from 12-2 pm. This type of program is great for larger scale events the library may be hosting. We used them for our Town Summer Festival to bring sightseers into the library. It is costly $900 plus gst but worth it. You can contact them at 1-613-860-8525   

Erewhon Theatre – They do performances based on popular titles such as; Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Oliver Twist, Charlotte’s Web and more. We had Charlie & the Chocolate Factory which was performed by Santo Cervello. He used props and puppets to round out his act. Children were chosen to participate. The children loved the show. The show lasts about 45 minutes and a 10 minute follow-up workshop. Cost $645 +gst and discounts for more than one show the same day.  You can contact them at 1-416-241-5407  or at  erewhontheatre@rogers.com

From Andrea Avis, Children's Department, Fort Frances Public Library, On  (07/02)

Teddy Bear's Picnic - Rodney Brown in Thunder Bay and Jake Chenier Winnipeg

We have used both these guys for our annual Teddy Bear's Picinic, great crowd pleasers and affordable. Our Teddy Bear' sPicnic is set up as a carnival. With booths for Face Painting (faces painted as teddy bears) Teddy Ears, Tatoos (scooby-Doo), Dr. Booth, Teddy Tales (Teddy Bear paws, Fortune telling), Cupcakes (donated by Storytime Moms), Parachute Games, Bubble Booth, Teddy Toss & Fish Pond. A charge of $4.00 each helps offset the costs. $750.00  corporate donations help pay for the performer. 2002 saw  508 people attend. We used Teddy Bear Stickers as Tickets. Population of Fort Frances is under 9,000.
Rodney Brown website  and  Jake Chenier website

 Suppliers: Smile Makers - great place for small prices, stickers, pencils. Packaging Alternatives - 1-800-807-7860  Book bags. Reasonable prices, quick delivery

From Jackie Vaz, Huron County Public Library, Seaforth Branch (07/02)
From Sheila Bauman from Kitchener Public Library to Janet Coulas (07/01)

Erick Traplin - I'd like to recommend Erik Traplin. He's a children's musician whom we've welcomed to the library twice so far. You'll find more about him by checking his website at:  

From Sheila Bauman, Events Planner, Kitchener Public Library (07/02)

Chris McKhool. His performance is an eco-friendly, musical message witha variety of instruments he has collected from his travels. Chris is represented by Prologue 1-888-591-9091  chris@chrismckhool.com

Lemon Productions. This is an AMAZING puppet troupe (brother and sister). The puppets are simliar to the Muppets and their shows are very proessional. I look forward to watching the careers of these two talented, energetic siblings.    Telephone: 519-537-8417    puppet@oxford.net

James Gordon is an area musician with CDs that are well known by children and their parents. A wonderful family music program. Telephone 519-837-3757. 

Smudge Fundaes is a musical trio that sings and acts many original wacky songs. telephone:  1-905-704-0550    smudge@mergetelcom

Robert Davis & the Snapping Toes. A wonderful, wacky duo with titles like "There's a Hole in Daddy's Haircut".  1-905-576-6896    snapping@interlog.com

From Ottawa Public Library (Patricia Clements, Kanata)

Circus Delight (Roy R. Campbell)  1-613-728-5050. Price about $350.00

Little Ray's Reptiles.  613-822-8924. Price range from $160.00 depending on the size of reptiles you would like them to bring along.

Chris Pilsworth, illusionist. 613-592-86-72. Price about $350.00 but depends on the number of shows. When I hired him for three libraries his price went down to $168.00

From Robin Page, Fergus Branch of the Welington County Library

Highly recommended entertainers submitted by Robin Page, Fergus Branch of the Wellington County Library. August 14, 2002 

From: Yolande LaPointe, CEO/Librarian, Leeds & the Thousands Islands Public Library (03/02)

Rob Driscoll Magic Productions. As part of the summer program package we included a magic show on August 28 at our Lansdowne location. Rob Driscoll from ROB DRISCOLL MAGIC PRODUCTIONS entertained children and adult of all ages. When asked if Rob was to perform again would they come back to see him? Yes was the answer. Audience participation plays a major part in his presentation and contributes to its success. Rob remarkably identifies with his audience delivering more than a magic show. He is a keen performer, denotes great flexibility in customising the show to your requirements. We intend to book another show with him next year.  Rob supplies his own sound system.

 For booking information call Rob at (613) 546-7951 or email to robini@on.aibn.com.

From the Norma and Miller Alloway Muskoka Lakes Library in Port Carling, Ontario  
Here is our list of successful programs held this past summer. Lorna MacFarlane. (10/02)

Sciensational Sssnakes!!  We have had Jeff Hathaway and Jenny Pearce of Sciensational Sssnakes!!  do live, hands-on presentations at our libraries for the past two years. They are quite the dynamic duo and the audience loved them! Their primary focus is on snakes and changing the general negative attitude toward snakes, but they also work with turtles, lizards and amphibians. Very reasonably priced and they always pack the house.

The Magic Suitcase  Judy Halpern judy@magicsuitcase.on.ca and her Magic Suitcase full of adventures linking literacy, books and the natural world is a great library program. She does tailor made programs for both adults and children. Very enthusiastic, professional and FUN!! Although the name sounds like it might be a magic show, it has nothing to do with magic. She also presents professional programs for educators incorporating the school curriculum.  The Magic Suitcase (519) 578-054 (fax) www.magicsuitcase.ca

Crock of Laffs / Mark & Chester-Ventriloquist P.O. Box 264, Nobel P0G 1G0 crockoflaffs@hotmail.com
Chester is a silly puppet and Mark is the ventriloquist. The show will keep you in stitches for sure! Great for all ages. Audience participation. Very professional.

That Magic Guy  Peter Mennie, That Magic Guy is great! Very reasonable rates. He agreed not to charge us anything up front. He took the admissions up to $300 and then whatever we took in over and above, we kept...no risk! Contact:  Office 519-438-4003, Cell 519-872-5785, Fax 519-438-2696

Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters. P.O. Box 2800 Peterborough, Ont. K9J 8L5 Phone 705-748-6324 Fax 705-748-9577 brought a fabulous program to the library this summer. Two great young men, Marty and Greg, presented a short slide show about fish identification and each fish's habitat preferences. Then they walked down to the shoreline where Marty and Greg used seine nets to gather some species of fish. Each fish was talked about, shown about and then gently released. Then, each child was given a fishing rod and reel and the fishing began! Wonderful program!

From Anne Bray, West Lorne Branch, Elgin County  Public Library (10/02)

Dickie Bird (aka Richard Knechtel) He entertains chidlren of all ages. Fast-paced, upbeat musical performance with lots of audience participation including the jugband, magic tricks and the bubble machine. Thoroughly enjoyable. Price $300.00 for approx 1hr.  Phone 519-881-3583, Box 434, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0

From Kimberly Sutherland, Kingston-Frontenac Public Library (01/03)

Richard Thompson is the author of several picture books, as well as collections of draw-and-tell stories. Storytelling with sand stories,  draw and tell stories.