Performances
Laura combines ancient myth and symbolic story with personal narrative.
She creates an uncanny depth of engagement, bringing the ecomythic world into our everyday lives. Her voice, characterizations, presence and relationship to audiences of all ages are legendary. Her work is dedicated to excellence and compassion in the world.
These performances restore our joy and reconnect us with each other, and the world of spirit and nature. She offers full stage concerts, tailor made events, and performs for adult, as well as family and child audiences.
Storytelling in the World
Laura collaborates worldwide on projects that focus on storytelling as compassionate action, social justice, personal and community healing, gender equality, nonviolence, mindfulness, and ecological awareness. She has worked with a wide diversity of organizations including International Medical Corps, Mercy Corps, Norwegian People’s Aid, The Healng Story Alliance and The Constellation.
“Laura’s global influence in the practice of oral storytelling for peaceful means , healing, and community building is transcendent.”
~ Elinor Benjamin, President of Canadian Storytellers
“Laura Simms is a force for good in the world.”
~ Lance Brunner, director Contemplative Practices , UK
“I was in pain all the time, except when I was writing or dancing.”
- Sabrina D., displaced camp in Haiti
The Art of the Storyteller
Laura brings decades of experience to her teaching. Her courses and workshops are a revelation into the unique qualities of storytelling today. Her process provides a rare opportunity to understand how stories function as a bridge to a timeless sense of presence. Each course, whether an individual coaching session, extended mentorship or workshop are life changing, and practical.
Through our storytelling, we address the dilemmas of our times with profound humor and compassion.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned storyteller, a speaker, leader, writer, or actor, Laura will take you into the art of genuine oral storytelling.
“Irresistible… Laura Simms is a major force in the renaissance of storytelling in America.”
“Laura Simms is a great medicine woman. The stories she tells penetrate our hearts.”
“… Laura performs the essence and heart of storytelling.”
“One of the great storytellers of our time and an extraordinary teacher.”
Writing & Market & Projects
Upcoming Events
for Laura’s full schedule go
schedule page
5 Sundays, September 27 to October 25 12 Noon - 2 pm EST.
A NEW GREAT STORY IMMERSION
THE JUNIPER TREE
We are working collaboratively on The Juniper Tree - a story that PL Travers (Mary Poppins) called one of the most beautiful stories. It is challenging and rich. The class is half full (please consider joining for this remarkable journey into the heart of storytelling). 5 sessions. Suggested readings and assignments. Collaborative conversations. Dedicated web page. 2 hours. Sliding scale fee.
The Grimms’ text is an old story rooted in a far older oral story. It is more event than message. When the world is out of balance, a catastrophic event shakes our lives and awakens inner resources that have been forgotten. Bones, tears, fire and words transform a cruel act into a much needed regenerative act of love restored.
As storytellers we constantly ask how do we tell a difficult story and why? In the Immersion we uncover the actual events of the story, going beyond chronology and text, to discover how and why a story can rejuvenate the heart essence of our lives and reconnect us to the natural world and the unseen forces that ceaselessly open into joy.
The course is relevant and inspiring, practical and informative for beginners, and those who have been involved in storytelling for decades.
Deepen your storytelling and change your life
Five Sessions; Collaborative conversations, retellings, braiding stories, deep research and storytelling clues.
Platform: Zoom. Each session is recorded on our webpage.
Sliding scale $250- $500
September 27 through October 25
5 Sundays. 12 - 2 pm.
To register please contact Laura Simms at storymentor2010@gmail.com.
OCTOBER
Mondays, Oct 5- Nov 9. 7pm - 8:30pm
Smile at Fear: Awakening the True Heart of Bravery
with Laura Simms, Bryan Wade, adn Naoko Kojima
This online course is inspired by Chögyam Trungpa’s book of the same name, which offers a roadmap for working with fear and arousing our innate courage. We will explore practical and profoundly compassionate ways to transform our relationship with fear.
Saturday, October 17, 3 – 5 pm EST
birdstory birdsong
An afternoon of storytelling, dance, and music with Laura Simms, Michael Pestel, Dan Yashinsky, Annemarie Cabri
814 Broadway, New York NY
$20 or pay-what-you-can
Registration: please write to dan_yashinsky@hotmail.com.
Limited seating.
More information here.
SEPTEMBER
Saturday, September 26, 9am EST.
Laura Simms’s interview with Alison Palmer:
The Old Woman at the Crossroads: Storytelling as the Restoration of the Feminine
At The Annual Crone Summit 2026: Crones, Hags &
Elder Wise Women of Power
Conference dates: Wednesday September 23 - Wednesday September 30
My interview will be available to view for free for 48 hours.
Register here.
SECOND FRIDAY. of each month.
3 pm EST. Every first Friday. Join on my Patreon page.
A time to engage in a creative and insightful converation about storytelling
STORY ALONE TOGETHER
Every Tuesday - 5-7pm EST
On Zoom. This has been a tremendous source of inspiration for all involved. In these times, coming together is unequaled in benefit. It is an act of resistance. Story Alone Together is a dedicated time for pursuing creative and administrative work and tasks with support. Story Alone has proved to be a dynamic and enriching space to work and share and receive feedback and friendship with your peers.
$250 for year/$70 for 10 Tuesdays
For registration and information, contact storymentor2010@gmail.com
New Podcasts and Recordings
Ongoing Events
PATREON CHAT
Storyteller Laura Simms Interviewed by Caraid O'Brien
Caraid O'Brien interviews Laura Simms about her work as a storyteller and her views on the path of the mystic-artist. She talks about the influence of jazz and dance, studying with Joseph Campbell and her chance encounter with a famous psychic that led her to her Buddhist mentor.
Inside the World of Storytelling With Laura Simms
OBO Vinyls Global presents Episode 2 of an insightful conversation between Dr. Janardan Ghosh and internationally acclaimed storyteller Laura Simms.
In this episode, Laura Simms explores the transformative power of storytelling and its profound impact on human connection, culture, and imagination. She reflects on how storytelling has evolved over time and discusses the changing diction and expanding landscape of contemporary storytelling in today’s world.
