Kuniko Yamamoto

Kuniko Yamamoto

A native of Japan, Kuniko Yamamoto received her Bachelor of Psychology from Otani University of Kyoto, Japan in 1983, then started performing professionally in her hometown of Osaka where she grew up studying traditional dance, music and theater. In 1985, she received national exposure performing Japanese Storytelling at the Silk Road International Exposition and on Kansai National TV. The following year, Kuniko traveled to the United States to study with Tony Montanaro, a highly respected mime and actor. Three years later, she toured with Leland Faulkner Light Theater where she helped present lavish stage illusions and brought ancient tales to life with shadows and magic. For the next five years she performed in theaters, schools, colleges, and festivals across the country.

In 1992, Kuniko left the Faulkner Light Theater troupe to move to Florida. She married Jon LeClair, a world-renowned magician whose books appear in magic shops worldwide. This helped her add subtle magic and mystery to her unique act.

Kuniko has performed in numerous venues of note such as:

The Kennedy Center (Washington DC)

Disney Epcot Japanese Pavilion

Seattle’s International Festival

International Children’s Festival in Canada

National Storytelling Festival

Over the last two decades she has presented her programs throughout the United States. Her work has been recognized by the Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina State Arts Council since 2000.

EDUCATOR CONTACT INFO

kunikotheater@gmail.com

http://kunikotheater.com

 http://www.facebook.com/OrigamiAir/

https://www.instagram.com/origamiairartstudio/

  1063 Patterson Dr, Sarasota, FL 34234

941-468-4049

VIRTUAL Storytelling: Japanese Folk Tales with Mask, Mime and Music

Program description

Teaching artist,  Kuniko performed her Japanese Storytelling show more than 2 decades at venues from The Kennedy Center to Epcot Disney. She will share her storytelling video clips with K-5 students to enrich the Language Arts Strand “Standards for Speaking and Listening”.

2 video clips are offered.

  1. Storytelling “Onigiri Hero” 12 minutes clip
  2. Storytelling “Stonecutter” 9 minutes clip

After each storytelling: Key details and cultural background will be explained.

Teachers can open a discussion and students will express their thoughts and ideas.

Tampa Herald Tribune described her as a “Magical Teacher!” Part of her magic comes from working with teachers closely. Prior to the showing of her video, Kuniko will ask teachers to have a short meeting via phone or Zoom (or simply via email exchange).

VIRTUAL MENU

Choose the style!

  •  Sandwich Style: Kuniko appears on Zoom before and after her recorded video watched. At the beginning she appears on Zoom to check with teachers & students, and introduce herself. After each storytelling, Kuniko appears again to discuss about the key topics, ask questions and help students to express their ides.
  • Lunch Box Style: Take it with you! The recorded tutorial video has the link to play. Whenever you need it, simply play and use it for the classroom activity.

Would you rather do video stream? You  got it! Please call or email Kuniko.

Kuniko’s Origami & Storytelling video — https://vimeo.com/user117902305

Website —http://www.OrigamiAir.com

Booking / scheduling contact

Kuniko Yamamoto

   941.468.4049

 kunikotheater@gmail.com

Program detail
Artistic discipline:
Cultural Origin: Array, Array
Program type: Online Virtual Exploration
Population served: 3-5, K-2
Subject: Language Arts
Bilingual: No
Location(s):

Online

Fees / Ticketing:

3

$75 per class (of 25)

Transportation

Is transportation needed for this exploration?: No
Is financial assistance offered?: No

Program info

Summer or Family Programs Offered?: no