My neighbor, Connie Cazort, is loved by everyone for her infectious energy, spontaneity, and zest for life. She is especially adored by children who gather at her feet to hear her tell stories. Connie is a professional storyteller who tells, not reads, a story. With folk tales, fairy tales, classics, and stories she created herself, she captures her audience's imagination with theatrical voices, gestures, and expressive pauses. She growls, grimaces, chuckles, and gasps. Her body and soul participate in the story, creating a magical connection with her audience. “Storytelling tunes children’s ears to the music of our language,” she explains with passion. 

Historically, storytellers served vital roles in society, teaching morals, values, and lessons as well as spreading news through entertainment. “Children understand the world better through stories,” Connie says. “They enter the tale with their imaginations, picturing themselves in the situation while navigating character and conflict.” She views storytelling as an art with a deep purpose and advocates for its revival. 

Her latest project, Nana Connie’s Storytime, is an Instagram page featuring weekly reels of her storytelling. Recognizing the prevalence of digital media, Connie uses this platform to reach more families and promote her craft. These short stories, typically five to eight minutes long, aim to delight children and inspire parents to begin sharing their own stories. Parents can listen to the stories with their children and experience a true storyteller right in the palm of their hand.

Connie was born to tell stories, I think, but she credits her parents, both accomplished public speakers, as her primary inspiration. A native of Elgin, Illinois, she studied Speech Arts at Colorado Women's College and the University of Arizona. (In theater, education, and communications, speech arts refer to the study and performance of spoken language.) Certified in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, her storytelling remained central throughout her career. She spent a decade as a demonstration teacher at the UCLA Lab School and taught Readers Theater and Creative Dramatics at Lake Highland Prep in Orlando. Sixteen years ago, she moved to Fairhope and joined Bayside Academy as an enrichment teacher. “I loved every second of it,” she exclaims. She has performed at libraries, museums, schools, and bookstores across the community. 

At eighty years young, Connie has hundreds of stories in her head, recalling every song, chant, and phrase with precision. She doesn't just recite; she becomes the story. She includes gestures, body movement, voices, and excitement. She is committed to the story and to entertaining and teaching, and is incredibly good at her craft. 

Through her Instagram videos, a new generation can now experience her theatrical expertise and reignite a love of storytelling. By sharing her videos with your children and grandchildren, everyone will benefit and be delighted. For more information and to see her on Instagram, search for conniesstorytime, and be sure to like and follow her!