Last Updated: 2/4/2012
Workshops
LIBBY
SKALA
Libby Skala HOME
Libby Skala HOMELibby Skala HOMELibby Skala HOME
Libby Skala HOME
Performer Writer
Artist Residency

Elementary School - Libby has worked with teachers and students to increase literacy content knowledge in the connections between storytelling, writing & performance. She is available to provide lecture demonstrations to kindergarten through 5th grade classes, and to  work with core groups of fourth and fifth graders on more in-depth storytelling projects.

Middle & High School - Libby is available to work with students on their World War II unit, sharing scenes from Lilia! and A Time to Dance directly related to World War II, and discussing with students the development process for her work. 
Press

Kids learn fine art of storytelling from expert
"Students at Black Mountain Elementary and Desert Arroyo Middle schools are enchanting each other this week through the art of storytelling..." (click to read article)
- Philip Haldiman, THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC

Feedback

"Last night, our ten-year old daughter, Cailan, described your work to my wife. Apparently she absorbed everything you told her class at Black Mountain Elementary School. Our family looks forward to your performance at the Fine Arts Center! You reached through to Cailan's mind and we want to nurture her growth. Thank you."
- Ian Cordwell, Parent, Black Mountain Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ

"Thank you for coming and teaching/acting for us.  When you told your stories, I was totally mesmerized, I got completely lost in them.  I loved every minute of it.  Thank you again!"
- Jess S., 8th Grade Student, Desert Arroyo Middle School, Cave Creek, AZ

"Thank you for coming to work with our staff and our classes.  Your exercises touched a special core of my heart.  I really appreciate your encouragement in sharing our stories, and I found it a bonding experience with my students.  You are very talented, and it was so delightful to see your work and get to know you."
-Debby Horton, 4th/5th Grade Teacher, Black Mountain Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ

"Thank you for coming to our school and telling us about writing. I love watching you act so well. I thank you for helping me think of my personal feelings. P.S. You're really good at explaining things."
- Jake, 4th/5th Grade Class, Black Mountain Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ

"I was just writing you to thank you for entertaining us. Your classes have shown me how to think about someone a different way and being able to share about someone I really loved.  I also liked watching you perform, it was amazing. I just wanted to thank you one more time. An amazing experience. P.S. I was the one with the grandma camera story."
- Barrett, 4th/5th Grade Class, Black Mountain Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ

"Thank you for taking your time to come to our school.  I had a lot of fun with things you have taught us and have been thinking about it since the assembly. You have made a HUGE impact on my life!"
- Alexandra N., 4th/5th Grade Class, Black Mountain Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ

"Thank you for coming to Black Mountain. It was a real treat for Mrs. Horton's class. You made me realize Max isn't all mean, but deep down he is cute, funny & nice. Thanks again.
- Regan A., 4th/5th Grade Class, Black Mountain Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ

"Thank you so much for coming to BMES. I really appreciated having you here, and with your help, I got a better writing score! This really made me think about my Grandpa Charlie and how much I try to be like him everyday. I will always remember what you have taught me as a writer."
- Jacqueline B., 4th/5th Grade Class, Black Mountain Elementary School, Scottsdale, AZ

"Thank you so much for your wonderful contribution to my class! You were a hit with the kids. Students in both classes mentioned how much they enjoyed it. The Holocaust is so challenging to teach to avoid being too trite or too overwhelmingly morbid. Your [play] excerpts, and, for that matter, your presence, kept in mind the true lesson of the Holocaust - that truth and love cannot be defeated. Thank you again for reminding us of that.
- Aaron Hull, Social Studies Teacher, Greenwich High School, CT
Photo by Meribeth Reeves