“Washington Performing Arts Society had the pleasure of presenting Jon Spelman in the Kennedy Center Theatre. It was an exceptionally successful evening, with rave reviews and an ecstatic audience…Mr. Spelman’s performances are consistently filled with wit, intelligence, and pathos; as an actor and storyteller, he has an uncanny ability to enchant an audience in a matter of moments.” Washington Performing Arts Society
“In FACING THE BULL, Jon’s gifts as both performer and writer are in full flower. He takes us on a journey that begins as his alone but almost immediately includes and engulfs us, and becomes our journey too. His wonder at the world and his wonderful sense of the absurd guide us through a kaleidoscope of people and places in his inner city neighborhood, and on a sacred trek in Spain, as well as the US medical system and the vagaries of the masculine search for identity, all the while juxtaposing fear, resilience and fragility with his robust joy at just being alive.” – Jerry Whiddon, Freelance Director and Founder of The Round House Theatre
“A charismatic presence…the audience remains thoroughly rapt…beautifully written, very funny, and full of a rare sense of wonder.” Woolly Mammoth Theatre
“Master storyteller of international acclaim; wonderful tales told for all ages from all around the world. The Dean of American Storytellers.” Bluemont Concert Series
“Jon Spelman, noted storyteller and performer, gave an excellent and pertinent keynote address.” Joint Air Force/Navy Librarians Conference
“Polished and powerful; extraordinary versatility, humor, and wit…Mr. Spelman is an extremely gifted performer who is able to charm and dazzle audiences of all ages.” Wolf Trap Arts Park
“Not only did audiences and critics rave about the performances, but I found them to be the best of intimate theatre. I think your YANCEY ranks along-side Hal Holbrook’s MARK TWAIN. It is total delight.” Florida Studio Theatre
“One of the most extraordinary residencies we’ve ever had! When we first considered you for our artist‑in residence we had been immensely impressed by
your well‑rehearsed professional performances. What we didn’t know at the time was your amazingly varied repertoire…when you arrived at your final public performance at the end of the week, you had built an exceptionally large audience…and captured the rapt attention of groups of all ages…Thanks so much for a grand week!” Madison-Morgan Cultural Center
“Very, very good!” University of Texas
“A treat to watch and listen to…we were delighted at the enthusiasm of the standing room audiences you attracted…your magnetism drew and held me for 25 programs, and I was not the only repeat customer. Your ability to hold audiences on so many different levels is extraordinary.” Smithsonian Institution
“An entertaining evening…both thought provoking and a delight to all…we will plan for your return to our campus.” Elon College
“Jon did a magnificent job.” Eckerd College
“I wanted to write and let you know how delighted students, faculty, and staff were with your dramatic presentation…we look forward to an early return visit.” Thiel College
“You were inspiring, uplifting, and extremely appropriate. It is always a challenge to find programs that recognize the curriculum while holding the students’ interest, and your program did both.” Louisa County Middle School PTA
“Thank you for your wonderful work during your residency…your fee was money well spent.” Lawrence University
“His performances were absolutely stunning, and the series of workshops that he conducted were full of wonderful experiences.” Palm Beach Atlantic College
“You were superb. The students loved your performance.” Richard Montgomery High School
“He’s so good at telling stories that you feel like you’re in them.” Baden Elementary School
“First rate! Children need to learn that quality performers do not need to be slick. There are no gimmicks with Mr. Spelman, just spellbinding storytelling. I loved it!” Oakdale Middle School
“Thank you for a perfectly delightful afternoon. You are a gifted performer.” International Folkfair Society
“Jon captured the hearts and minds of all who saw him perform. He has a very special gift, and is a joy to work with.” Greeley Arts Council
“I must say that your residency made our first venture into storytelling a great success!…it is hard to say whether adults or children were more mesmerized…We owe to your reputation, and to a greater latent interest in storytelling than I knew to exist, the statewide public TV coverage…it was also a great pleasure to work with you…Thanks, Jon.” Visiting Artists Series
“All ages were delighted with his homespun humor and gentle manner. Jon has an ideal mix of flexibility and high quality of performance. He has that rare ability to draw an audience to him.” Duplin County Arts Council
“A marvelously entertaining evening of theatre and folklore…a magnificent piece of intimate theatre…Historical societies, colleges, universities, community theatre groups, schools, and senior citizen centers should all delight at the opportunity of having you share this excellent presentation.” Lee County Arts Center
“What a memorable teaching experience you offered my students! Your ability to capture an audience, and your messages about creativity, were exactly what we all needed to hear.” Einstein High School
“Outstanding educational outreach offered at a reasonable cost as part of your whole package creates a win-win situation for all concerned.” Purdue University
Jon Spelman, noted
storyteller and performer, gave excellent and pertinent opening
keynote addresses.