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Tim Sample

& the Maine Humor Company

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Storytelling and the Oral Tradition

I developed this workshop in the spring of 1996 with the generous support of the Libra Foundation, the Mary Hatch Trust and The Marshall Dodge Foundation, under administration of Maine Arts. Since then, I’ve presented it in Elementary and Middle schools from Limestone to York to Calais. Arrangements for funding were made by the Rev. Robert Bryan, who, in addition to his duties as a clergyman, is a legendary New England storyteller. Along with his partner Marshall Dodge, Bob wrote and recorded the original Bert and I records which have become benchmarks in the Downeast storytelling tradition.

I was born and raised in Maine, and for the past three decades I’ve made my living as a professional humorist and storyteller. During that time my appreciation for the art of storytelling has increased and my awareness of the importance of the oral tradition in shaping our image of ourselves has deepened. Despite a tidal wave of electronic “stories” crashing over us via TV, radio, and the like, we continue to tell our own stories in our own way and those stories, in turn, tell a great deal about us.

It is my belief that to an attentive listener, the anecdotes told and repeated, one local to another at Saturday night bean suppers, represent a keyhole through which an entire community may be observed. In many ways, storytelling is the oral version of an archeological dig. The family tale passed along from one Thanksgiving dinner to another, generation upon generation, remains the mirror in which we glimpse the truest reflection of who we are, how we perceive ourselves and what we aspire to be. Through this workshop I have sought to share my belief in the importance of storytelling with Maine schoolchildren. I believe that our storytelling tradition is a vital part of our heritage which deserves, indeed needs to be explored, nurtured, and preserved.

The Storytelling and the Oral Tradition workshop began back in 1995 when a friend of mine who then taught English in the Wiscassett Elementary School asked me to address her Maine Studies class on the topic of storytelling and the oral tradition and it’s importance in the cultural and social life of our state. My presentation was well received, word got around and the following year several schools contacted me requesting that I make a similar presentation for their students.

I have been inspired and encouraged by the talent and enthusiasm of the hundreds of Maine schoolchildren and teachers I’ve met while presenting this workshop. Without fail, the presentation of this workshop and the engagement with our children are my favorite and most refreshing performances. While the funding from the above mentioned non-profit groups has run out, I’m still always looking for schools with bright-eyed, eager students willing to explore the history and heritage of our uniquely Maine way of life.

StorepicSharing the Gift of Laughter!

Here it is folks, one-stop shopping for the most complete selection of Tim Sample products available anywhere. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just tuning in you’ll find plenty of laughs. Why not replace that worn out cassette with a brand new CD of your favorite Tim Sample stories? While you’re here be sure to check out Tim’s latest books and CD’s hot off the presses. Would you like to have something autographed? We can make that happen. Enjoy!

EventspicCome to the show!

When was the last time you got a bunch of friends together and came out to see Tim Sample live onstage? If you can’t remember then it’s been too long. We’d love to see you. Keep in mind that all of Tim’s performances are guaranteed “family friendly”. There’s absolutely no foul language, no angry, mean spirited “jokes”, just a refreshing evening of laughter and fun for all ages.

NewspaperpicTim's Newspaper Column

I never planned to be a newspaper columnist. In fact, back in 2011 when I was approached by then editor Joe Gelardin about writing a weekly column for The Boothbay Register and the Wiscassett Newspaper I turned him down flat! “Not enough money.” I sniffed, “Plus, why would I want a weekly deadline hanging over my head?”

Fortunately Joe wouldn’t take no for an answer. My weekly column “Stories I Never Told You” turned out to be an excellent creative outlet. In 2013 it earned a First Place award from the Maine Press Association and in 2014 a collection of columns entitled “Answers to Questions Nobody was Askin’” was published by Down East Books. An audiobook version is in the works. Stay tuned.

BookingspicTim Sample At Your Event!

You’ve seen and heard Tim on stage, TV radio and recordings for years. Maybe it’s time to book him to speak at your next event. Here’s how to do it.
ArtGallery

Tim The Illustrator

I’ve always been handy with a pen, pencil or paintbrush. If you don’t believe me, check out the photo of my hand painted 1956 Chevy in the “Tim’s Scrapbook” section of the site.
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Tim's Scrapbook

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Tim Sample & The Maine Humor Company · 101 Murray St., Portland, Maine 04103 · 207-522-3347 · tim@timsample.com

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