Storytelling, Dramatic Readings, Voiceovers
Looking for a theatrical experience you will never forget?
Whether it’s my educational American Revolution show, one of my dramatic readings of classic Gothic literature, Washington Irving’s timeless Legend of Sleepy Hollow, or just some good, old-fashioned storytelling, I bring words and worlds to life.
Storytelling
From children’s favorites to timeless tales, I bring stories and characters to life for audiences of all ages. Perfect for an evening in front of the bonfire or inside on a dark and stormy night, I weave tales that thrill and chill and bring a smile to your face. I’ve performed at a wide variety of locations up and down the Hudson Valley and within the tri-state area, including the New York Botanical Gardens, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, The Poe Cottage, and the Hudson River Museum in addition to cub scout campfires, wedding receptions, school assemblies, birthday parties, private dinner parties, corporate retreats and more!
Check out my profile in Hudson Valley Magazine!
Have you seen me perform? Write a review on Gig Salad!
Dramatic Readings
I specialize in bringing the classics of Gothic literature to life. Each abridged reading is about an hour long and tells the full story of the work. Choose from one of my already-created readings or suggest one of your own!
current offerings
- Dracula
- Frankenstein
- Jekyll & Hyde
- Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
- Washington Irving’s Tales of a Traveller
- A Christmas Carol
- Washington Irving’s Old Christmas
One-Person Shows
I have created a number of one-person shows and specialize in bringing the audience into the story.
Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
(Great for large groups) Here I perform my 25-minute rendition of the classic story, followed by a discussion on the historical facts and inspirations of the story.
A Visit with British Spy Major John Andre
(Best for grades 6-8) My original, 45-minute one-man show recounts the life and trials of British Major John Andre during the American Revolution. Major Andre was intricately involved in General Benedict Arnold’s plot to betray Continental forces. His astounding misadventure–from receiving the plans to West Point from General Arnold’s hands in Haverstraw to his capture in Tarrytown to his ultimate execution–is filled with amazing twists and turns that together show how very close Arnold’s plot was to succeeding, an act which would have altered the course of the American Revolution.
I have created two shows based on the insanity-inducing works of New England horror author H.P. Lovecraft: H.P. Lovecraft’s Call of Cthulhu (a dramatic retelling of Lovecraft’s classic tale The Call of Cthulhu) and The Sacrifice of Randolph Carter (combining two Lovecraft gems: The Statement of Randolph Carter and From Beyond). Each show runs just under one hour and brings the audience inside the action, placing their own lives and minds in mortal peril! Perfect for the Halloween season!
The official website of author and storyteller David Neilsen! 