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.
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
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.
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!
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
Kuniko Yamamoto
941.468.4049
kunikotheater@gmail.com
Online
3
$75 per class (of 25)