Prices

                     (good through 2009)

As any storyteller can tell you, we'd love to tell stories because, well, we love to tell stories. Unfortunately, that does not put salt in the puddin', There are so many variables that go into pricing. I have always hesitated to put it on my website. What seems high in one area...seems low in another. I travel a lot with my storytelling and I know that Southern Illinois does not pay as much as Chicagoland, and I want to paid commiserate with what you are paying the solo performers in your area. Then, there are other factors:  how far I travel, the price of gas, lodging, per diem, how long the performance, how many times, coordinating  with others to get a price break, etc. So, I have tried to give you a "general idea" of how much I charge. And, since storytelling has high and low periods...it never hurts to ask. Just tell me how much money you can afford, and I'll decide whether or not I can come for that amount.

How to Save Money

	Book more than one performance in a day at a nearby school or library
	Book a series of performances for two or more days
	Not-for-profits can apply with the Illinois Arts Council's ArtsTour (minimum 8 weeks notice) for at least 1/3 of the       cost covered by a mini-grant. Click HERE for guidelines. Click HERE for my information.

Where to Get Money

	PTAs and other service organizations will often pay a portion of the fees.
	Sponsors from surrounding businesses
	Sell the tellers' CDs and take a percentage
	Ask the local arts council for a mini-grant to cover a series of events...including storytelling
	Write a literacy grant and include storytelling
	In some schools, each child is asked to voluntarily bring in a dollar to help cover the cost

Gas Money or Mileage

	No charge for gas for my hometown of Fairview Heights and surrounding cities.
	I charge $25.00 gas money for a performance within a 50 mile radius of the St. Louis area.
	I change the state mandated mileage fee for anything over that amount.

Lodging

I don't mind staying at someone's home. I am not a smoker, but I'm not allergic to smoke or pets either. If the budget allows, I will stay at any reasonable and clean motel or bed and breakfast.

Food or Per Diem

I appreciate the host offering to take me out for lunch or dinner, when I have to travel, but I consider that a nicety.

Schools

My mainstay is schools during the school year. I prefer to tell with a max of around 200 students per 45 min. program. If the school is small, you can put grades together. A good, arbitrary break is K-3; 4-6;     7-8.

	Full day including an evening performance is $600.00
	School day - $500.00 (Four 45-minute performances)
	Half day - $300.00 (Two 45-minute performances)
	Evening performance - $200.00

Libraries

During the summers I offer special programming for libraries to follow the state or national summer reading program themes. The programs differ in length and preparation time:

	Stories 'n Stones with archaeologist Larry Kinsella - $450.00 first program, $300.00 each for two programs.
	Taleypo Tales - Storytelling program  - $300.00 first program; $250.00 each for two programs; $200.00 each for      three programs or more.
	Puppet Shows - $250.00 each. It takes a lot of effort to put on each show; No breaks for more than one show.

Organizations

This can be real tricky. I feel like part of me wants to give my storytelling freely to many fine organizations. So, I've selected a few (women's clubs, church groups, and charitable organizations) that my price covers my gas. Otherwise, the price starts at $150.00 - $400.00 depending on a multitude of factors.

Special Events

I like to be paid whatever the highest-rated, solo performer is being paid. When you have a special event, all performers should be paid the same.

Workshops

For a list of my workshops, click HERE

All day - $600.00

Half day - $400.00

One hour - $250.00

Booking

	I do most of my own bookings, and I have a contract that I will send electronically, if you can accept a Word doc..  If not, I'll send a personalized contract snail mail or you can copy the sample contract by clicking HERE. However, for the majority of my "close at home" jobs, I consider our emails to be our contract. You can email me at markinsella19@hotmail.com or calling 618/397-1377
	I also book through Elsenpeter productions. If you saw me at an Elsenpeter showcase or found me in his        brochure, you can book me through him by calling 217/335-3338

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