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Donna Marie ToddStoryteller, Writer, Teaching Artist, Retreat Leader

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If she was a professional athlete, this dynamic storyteller would be known as a “triple threat” because she not only tells great stories but she also writes her own material and sings with a voice that’s been described as:

“Liltingly beautiful,” “Magically versatile” and

“The best sound I’ve heard a human voice make.”

She also loves to share her wealth of knowledge about storytelling, writing and the use of the human voice with others, whether that is in a school residency, retreat or workshop.

What A Friend.mp3

About the Artist

Donna Marie Todd's vocal performance training and experience is obvious from the first word to the last note.

Her original stories are full of humor, music and a deep love of people. They acknowledge the fragile dance of life that brings us face to face with fear and let us discover our bravery and the work that is uniquely ours on this earth.

She studied at the renowned Peabody Conservatory, where she trained with Metropolitan Opera soprano Marilyn Cotlow. She has performed in theater, opera, comedy, television and radio since she was sweet sixteen.

She is also a writer and the former publisher of LifeDesign magazine and current editor of The Biblical Storyteller magazine for the Network of Biblical Storytellers, Intl.

A great storyteller makes you forget that a particular person is standing before you and you are transcended somewhere else. You are truly a vessel. Not a gesture or word was wasted it was all purposeful!

-Carey Cannon, Providence Baptist Church

Programs

Conferences
Workshops
Retreats
Concerts
School Residencies
Festivals

Conferences Donna Marie is a dynamic and experienced performer, keynote speaker and workshop leader. She has worked with conference centers of every denomination and presented biblical storytelling for worship, classes in storytelling and story sermon and story concerts as conference entertainment. Here is a brief list of conferences where she’s provided leadership: PAM Worship and Music ConferenceMontreat Women’s ConferenceHouse of Bishops, Kanuga Conference CenterYMCA Christian Leadership ConferenceSouthern Baptist Camp AssociationRidgecrest Conference CenterMontreat ElderhostelsAlliance of Baptists ConferenceFoothill Writers’ ConferenceInternational Festival Gathering of theNetwork of Biblical StorytellersUnion Theological Seminary, Cont. Ed. “She is a talented and dynamic storyteller, a gifted and patient teacher, and a beautiful person with an incredible voice!” -Tracy Taylor Bailey, Conference Manager, Montreat Conference etner “She can size up your audience and give them something from her repertoire which seems appropriate for that particular group…top rate from first to last.”-Lawrence Webb, Foothill Writers’ Conference

Conferences

Workshops Donna Marie teaches workshops in creative writing, story crafting, vocal performance, creative process and visualization and combinations of these. Each workshop includes materials and lots of hands on experimentation. These workshops are highly interactive explorations of each participants possibilities. Her workshops are designed to meet your goals and to be sensitive to the special goals or needs of your group or organization."You are an extremely sensitive prober of the human emotions, their inter-relationships and what they trigger. I will be better in the future because of your shared insightful knowledge.Thank you."-Al Harter, Montreat Storytelling Student"Thank you for last weekend. You helped me take another big step on the story sermon road. Thank you also for writing such a powerful Lords Last Seder drama."-Rev. Dr. Michael Foley, FL."Your love of learning and sharing is impacting the lives of others in ways that you can never imagine."-Ethelene Edwards, NC"We were all charged up from your GREAT, entertaining, informative, eye-opening, soul-searching, look-at-things-through-new-eyes workshop!"-Jim Payne, Wild Acres Participant"I learned the value of sensory language in story and how to use the sensory wheel as a tool for building a story. We now have tools we can draw upon in storytelling."-Union Seminary/PCSE Continuing Education Participant

Workshops

Retreats There’s nothing like a retreat to relax your body and mind and open your heart to new possibilities! GROUP RETREATSExplore storytelling and find your voice during an inspiring retreat with Donna Marie. Retreats are designed with your needs in mind and include participant handouts and a story concert or two!She has worked at many conference centers including Montreat Conference Center, Ridgecrest Conference Center, Blue Ridge Assembly, Kanuga Conference Center, The William Black Lodge and others. “Thank you for last weekend. You helped me take another big step on the story sermon road. Thank you also for writing such a powerful Lord’s Last Seder drama.” -Rev. Dr. Michael Foley, FL.LA PETITE RETREATSWork One on One With Donna Marie"Come to the mountains, stay in my well equipped apartment in the historic district of the artsy downtown of Black Mountain, less than a block away from great restaurants and unique shops, and let’s work together to build your skill sets for a post-literate world through imaginative process and storytelling. Perfect for storytellers, pastors, teachers, business leaders, advertising executives and creative types of all kinds! Two day minimum, includes lodging and continental breakfast with sitting room, king size bed, coffee bar, mini-fridge and private bath." - $250 a day.Accolades: “You are an extremely sensitive prober of the human emotions, their inter-relationships and what they trigger. I will be better in the future because of your shared insightful knowledge. Thank you.” -Al Harter, Montreat Storytelling Student“After coming home on Sunday and processing the retreat, I decided that I would work with you any day, under any conditions – you are a joy and a blessing.” -Rev. Susan Verbrugge, Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, VA“She is a talented and dynamic storyteller, a gifted and patient teacher, and a beautiful person with an incredible voice!” -Tracy Taylor Bailey, Conference Manager, Montreat Conference Center, NC

Retreats

Concerts Enjoy an evening of delightful entertainment filled with story and song. Donna Marie's original Story Concerts weave beloved songs in and out of her original stories. Funny, poignant and just plain fun to listen to, her concerts are available at all times of year for all types of audiences. If you're looking for an evening unlike any other, contact us for more information about specific concerts and fees. "I was able to visualize the old house and the mountain man as if I were thereI loved your description of the snake handlers and the holleractually ALL of it!"-Diane Garrett, KY."You are a wonder beyond compare! Nostalgia and reverie that enthralled and delighted us all!"-Ladye Margaret Arnold, TN

Concerts

School Residencies

“Writing scores improve when kids get excited about their ability to use language. I tell a story and then let the kids be the critics and take it apart to see how writing works. My residencies are fun, interactive and let students discover how to think like a writer instead of a character on a computer game.” “Mrs. Todd, I really appreciate you teaching us how to see and feel something that is not there and to act.” Sincerely, your student," -Makayla Ledford, NC“In her drama camps, parents are always astonished at what their child has learned in such a short period of time. Her preparedness and leadership is always professional and challenging.” Rita Vermillion, Black Mountain Center for the Arts“She levels the playing field to allow all students, regardless of their abilities, rise to their highest level of creative thought.” -Jim Griffin, NC
Character Trait Residency with Jim Griffin copy.jpg

Character Trait Residency with Jim Griffin copy.jpg

Festivals An experienced Festival performer, Donna Marie has been at festivals across the South East including:Tellebration on the Blue Ridge ParkwayThe Starburst FestivalHagood Mill FestivalThe Do-Tell Festival The Festival Gathering of the Network of Biblical Storytellers.“Donna Marie is an excellent workshop presenter and performer. The singing portions of her stories are so beautiful and eloquent that the listener can hardly believe what they are hearing.” -Jane Sims, Past Co-President, Florida Storytelling Association and Asheville Storytelling Circle, FL.

Festivals

Contact Us

Send us a message by email below or call us at 828-664-1657.

Listen to Samples

GoTell It

ComeThou Fountain

What A Friend

Master Page 1