San Francisco Bay Area Artist wins National Storytelling Award

Online, January 18, 2010 (Newswire.com) - January 1, 2010, JONESBOROUGH, Tennessee- Kirk Waller, a San Francisco Bay Area professional storyteller and Director of Storytelling Programs at Oakland-based Stagebridge Senior Theater Company has been named the winner of the coveted 2010 J.J. Reneaux Emerging Artist Grant by the National Storytelling Network.

The Emerging Artist Grant awards $1000 and national exposure to a storyteller of major and unique performing talent who has not yet received wide public recognition. The award is bestowed to only one artist every two years. It is named in honor of J.J. Reneaux, a storyteller, children's book author, singer and songwriter who grew up in the South. She lost her battle with cancer in 2000.

Frequently applauded for his signature musical and movement-infused storytelling style, Waller says that this grant has special meaning for him. This award, "recognizes and validates a lot of hard work for me on a large scale," Waller says. "This is the most exciting and rewarding event of my storytelling career."

"Although there were other excellent candidates, the committee was unanimous in its selection of Kirk Waller," says the , J.J. Reneaux Emerging Artist Award's review committee. "We were struck by the commitment and passion he brings to his craft and the wide range of skills he possesses."

Waller plans to use the grant money to further his movement and music skills. For booking and additional information contact: Kirk Waller, tellin@kirkwaller.com or visit his website: http://kirkwaller.com.

About the National Storytelling Network

The National Storytelling Network, established in 1998, is a member-driven organization dedicated to advancing the art of storytelling through conferences, grant programs, resources and publications.