My name is Christopher McBrien, I am a trained motivational speaker, fine-arts teacher, classically trained comic actor and variety artist with performance experience spanning the US and UK.
I put my message first and foremost.  Yes, your students and staff will have a LOT of fun!  They'll also experience a UNIQUELY ONE OF A KIND program that is SIGNIFICANTLY EDUCATIONAL AND EXTREMELY MEMORABLE.  The program will also keep their attention the entire time!
Also, my programs address a number of your state's Social and Emotional Learning Standards and will compliment your existing character program!
Your students will be truly impacted by a significantly educational message that will stay with them for many years to come and affect them immediately.
I specialize in 375 yearly programs for:

Primary, Elementary, Intermediate and Middle School / Junior High School Assemblies

Please scroll down to read about our educational programs for:
Character Counts * Reading * Drug Free * Anti-Bullying/Teamwork * Red Ribbon

Teaching Tools Used During EACH Assembly:
* Significantly Educational, Impacting Information at Their Level
* Powerful Motivational Messages They'll Understand
* Tons of Respectful Audience Participation
* Hysterically Funny Comedy for Students and Staff
* Zany Ventriloquism Puppet Characters Full of Laughs
* Amazing Sleight-Of-Hand Magic and Illusions
* Theatrical Storytelling that will Enthrall

Ask about our special GROUP RATES. You may already qualify!
ALL PROGRAMS ARE %100 SATISFACTION INSURED!
Character Counts School Assembly
"It's not what we SAY, it's what we DO."
Make a difference in your school right now!  This school assembly program emphasizes  "walking the walk, not just talking the talk" when it comes to how we treat others, ourselves and why every choice is important.
We emphasize the 6 Pillars of Character:

TRUST * RESPECT * RESPONSIBILITY * FAIRNESS * CARING * CITIZENSHIP

We also emphasize:

* Citizenship means working together to make great things happen!

* Whatever we say and do we OWN, and have to be responsible for.  It's also how people see us!

* Appreciate Your Teachers!

* Every choice you make MATTERS!

* Don't do what is easy...do what is RIGHT.

* You don't have to take the worst behavior of others as a standard for yourself.  You can choose to be better than that.

* Honesty + Caring= RESPECT

* Bullying is never acceptable, comes in many forms and hurts everyone involved.

* Diversity is a gift, not a barrier.

* We're different, but EQUAL.

* The payoff for having good character is that it makes you a better person, helps dreams come true and makes the world a better place.

* Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Respect Property

NOTE: All Promotional Materials Provided!

* Ask about our upcoming: "Diversity University"TM Program!

"I just wanted to let you know how much our students enjoyed your assembly today.  I have taught in the elementary grades for over twenty years, and this was one of the best character education assemblies we have ever invited to our school.  The presenter was obviously experienced with young children.  He kept them attentive, entertained, and maintained excellent audience control while delivering his character message.  This program was well worth our time!"

Cathy Wittrock, Third Grade Teacher
Cedar Springs Elementary, House Springs, MO

"Chris did a great job with our students.  The were very into his magic and message the whole time he was in front of them.  I have often seen students lose interest in a program and didn't see that at all.  I heard many positive comments from our teachers and students. Everyone really enjoyed it!  He did a great job, I'll be contacting Chris again I'm sure!"

Cathy Tucker, Teacher
Lake Hamilton Schools, Lake Hamilton, AR

"Your show was great!  Your message fit perfectly with what we're teaching!"

Officer John Ithal
Gary D. Jewel Middle School, North Aurora, IL

"The assembly was great and appropriate for the students.  Chris had good control, high interest and great participation from the audience.  Thanks for kicking off the Character Counts theme! 
I was impressed with his crowd control and also felt he nicely got the point home to our students.  Also...I want his puppets!!!"
Teachers
Gower West Elementary, Willowbrook, IL

"One of the best programs we have ever had!"
Dr. Connie Brawley, Principal
Spoede Elementary, St. Louis, MO

"The Magic Storyteller is a high-energy show that keeps the children's attention during the performance.  The storyteller's moral message reinforces our school's character education!"

Dr. Gayle Crawford, Principal
West Frankfort Intermediate School, West Frankfort, IL

"I just wanted to say "thank you" for coming to our school.  The students truly enjoyed your presentation.  This was on of the most effective Character Education Assemblies I have ever seen.  Your interaction with the students was brilliant.  I was amazed to see all of our students leaving the gym in such a quiet, polite manner!  The students were still talking about your assembly days after you were here!  Thanks for making that hours so enjoyable and productive for students and staff!"

April Hertenstein, School Social Worker
Buford Intermediate, Mt. Vernon, IL

"The Magic Storyteller's character concepts were perfectly aligned with what our elementary school practices each day.  The students felt comfortable due to the consistency of his program in regards to ours, but his message came from a fresh face (and voices) which gave our building an invigorating shot in the arm!  Positive comments came throughout the day from students and adults alike, and we could not have asked for any more than what we received that day.  Thank you so much, Chris, it was a blast!"

Mike Adair, 5th  & 6th Grade Teacher
Northeast Elementary, Goose Lake, IA
Team: Bully Free! Anti-Bullying School Assembly
A school assembly program about the dangers of bullying, how to identify bullying, how to stop bullying and how working together as a team and respecting others can help your students have the best, most successful lives possible.

Bullying is a hard topic for many schools as it can be very difficult for children to "fit in" in our world today.  The last thing a child wants is to be "singled out", picked on or have to live in fear.  Children often do not realize that bullying is not only physical but also verbal and comes in many forms not often openly recognized.

How do I know about this problem?  Besides my formal training on the topic, I was bullied in school both verbally and physically.  I remember fearing to go to school, not knowing how to deal with being picked on and the overwhelming sadness that came with not being accepted.  My confidence became non-existent, my grades suffered horribly and my problem only seemed to get worse!

So how did I solve my problem with bullying?

Let me show your school how I overcame my problems with bullying through "Team: Bully Free!", a program devoted to inspiring students to see their differences as gifts, to work together to accomplish their dreams by creating a safe environment they can thrive in and how to deal with bullying in a safe yet productive way that helps both those being bullied and the bullies!

Team Bully Free Goals:

1. Promote safe schools.
2. Reduce bullying in schools.
3. Reduce school violence.
4. Provide tools for victims.
5. How NOT to be a bully.
6. Threatening Vs. Teasing.
7. Promote "No Bully" teams.

* NOTE: Students will be given a review sheet and a promise contract that they will sign promising that they will not bully anyone and that they will work together to promote a safe school environment!

Also emphasized:

* Listening, talking and the desire to help others creates lasting friendships.

* It's what inside you that really counts, not the outside.  What we wear and where we live are not important.

* Everyone deserves to be appreciated and respected for who they are.  Everyone has feelings, everyone matters.

* We can all achieve our dreams when we work TOGETHER AS A TEAM.

* Diversity should be viewed as an opportunity, not a barrier.

* Students learn REAL LIFE KEYS TO STAYING BULLY-FREE THAT WORK!

NOTE: All Promotional Materials Provided!

"Thanks so much Chris for the great show!  I think it was enjoyed by ALL!  I hope you had a safe trip home and hope to do business with you again in the future.  What a great program!"

Ann Wall, PTO Event Coordinator
DeWitt School, DeWitt, IA

"The Magic Storyteller, Chris McBrien, had a great message about bullying for the students.  His magic and storytelling kept their attention, taught them a message and had them wanting more!  His show was very entertaining!"

Gary Wise, Principal
Molden Elementary, Troy, IL

"We really enjoyed your show.  An important message sent in a unique and positive way!  You kept my kindergarten classes entertained, too, and that's hard to do!"

Kristal Badon, Teacher
Oaklawn Visual & Performing Arts Magnet, Hot Springs, AR

"Now THAT is what I call an assembly program!"

Steve Fuglsang, Principal
Camanche Elementary, Camanche, IA

"I had teachers coming up to me after the program saying that you were "AWESOME"!" You do a wonderful job and have a great message!"

April Braddock, PTA President
Arlington Elementary, Arlington, TN
"Be Drug Free" (Red Ribbon Week) School Assembly
The goal of this school assembly program is to educate students on the benefits of being drug free and the dangers of doing drugs, both to oneself and to others.  This program also incorporates many Character Counts elements since these subjects are inevitably intertwined.  Material is age appropriate and is simple to retain and understand for maximum positive impact on your students about a very important topic that will affect them the rest of their lives.
Chris is the originator of the highly-acclaimed anti-drug & rules of safety formula "NO, GO, TELL & YELL" and yearly brings his amazing program to Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and Wisconsin!

Also emphasized and covered within the program:

* The dangers of drugs, alcohol, smoking, strangers and peer pressure.

* Being drug free is a positive choice that will help you achieve your goals.

* Repeated emphasis on the magic words "No, Go, Tell & Yell", what they mean, why they work and clear ways to implement them every day!

* Being drug free will help you help others.

* Positive character qualities will help you steer clear of drugs.

* Being drug free will help you lead a healthy, happy life!

* Real world steps and methods to help you stay away from drugs and the dangers they bring, FOREVER.

* Teachers activity guides to bring the discussion to the classroom in fun, creative and educational ways.

NOTE: All Promotional Materials Provided!

"We enjoyed the message, humor and magic!  We liked the way you incorporated the positive message into your act.  Chris was very professional and easy to work with!  The Be Drug Free Show was fun and entertaining as well as educational for our students.  It sent a positive message in a creative way!"

Neeley Curtis, Social Worker
Belle Valley North, Belleville, IL

"I was really impressed with how attentive our at-risk class was during the assembly.  The program was great!"

Mike Morriss, Principal
Freedom Elementary, Waynesville, MO
Read (and Write) to Succeed School Assembly
The Reading and Writing Assembly that really WORKS!
One of the most important skills not only to know but to practice daily for the sake of achieving one's goals: reading.

One of the most important skills not only to know but to practice daily for the sake of helping others achieve their goals: writing.

The Magic Storyteller will come to your school and empower your students with the inside scoop on why "KNOWLEDGE IS POWER" and reading and writing have everything to do with making their dreams come true!!!

"Read to Succeed" has proven itself as a program that truly motivates young readers to read more AND to write daily!

"Read to Succeed" is considered by hundreds of teachers, principals and librarians throughout the Midwest as one of the best reading and writing assemblies EVER CREATED!

Not only do children absolutely LOVE this show, so do parents, teachers, librarians and principals!  You'll see them laughing and being inspired right along with the kids!

Also emphasized:

* You can achieve amazing goals when you read.

* You should read every single day.

* You should write every single day.

* Writing helps everyone and gives us a record of who you are and things you've learned.

* Reading teaches us about amazing cultures, animals, history and ourselves.

* Reading teaches us to respect others.

*Reading helps us become positive role-models, or "leaders".

NOTE: Chris does literally 200 plus of these shows every single year in schools and libraries across the Midwest.  He was St. Louis County's Spotlighted Performer this Summer (and last) with the "Read to Succeed" program!

NOTE: All Promotional Materials Provided!

"Magic Storyteller was an exceptional and engaging assembly for our students.  They were enthralled with the puppets and Chris has a wonderful way of telling stories that left the children talking about it for days afterward.  Fantastic Job!  We will definitely call upon Chris in the years to come."

Angela Stallion, Principal
Pioneer Path Elementary, Channahon, IL

"You were exactly what we wanted!"

Diane Renda, Principal
Mesnier School, St. Louis, MO

"He related well with all age groups, brought the importance of reading into his performance and had wonderful student involvement!  Great show!"

Ruth Ann Tobey-Brown, Principal
Denkmann School, Rock Island, IL

"Wonderful program, great message.  We really enjoyed it!"

Matt Andrews, Principal
Mary W. French Academy, Decatur, IL
Terrific Test Takers "Through Time" School Assembly
Inspire your students to do their absolute BEST academically, especially on those all-important assessment tests!  This school assembly program motivates students to believe in themselves and the "why's" of doing their best on yearly school assessment tests!
Students discover why it's their.  "Time to Shine" and are inspired to use what their instructors teach them to show their SCHOOL SPIRIT during the time of the all-important assessment tests!
Students go on a voyage of great inventors, leaders and innovators to discover why believing in yourself, doing your best no matter what, listening to their teachers and following directions can help them achieve their dreams and help your school show it's spirit through high test scores!

Also emphasized:

* A great attitude means you are more likely to pass.

* What matters: Doing Your Best!!!

* How to have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE and why it's IMPORTANT!

* TAKE YOUR TIME.

* BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, YOUR SCHOOL and YOUR TEACHERS!

THIS YEAR, motivate your students and have the TEST RESULTS YOU WANT!

NOTE: All Promotional Materials Provided!

"The presentation was very funny, interactive and kept the interest of the middle school students.  The message was excellent and it was just what they needed going into testing.  I'm very proud to say that thanks to our excellent teachers and MAP incentives team our district just met AYP for the third year in a row!  There were only two districts who achieved this success and we were one of them! Thanks!"

Eileen Roth, Teacher
New Haven Middle School, New Haven, MO

"The most powerful, effective, educational and entertaining program we have every seen.  We'll definitely have him back again!"

Tracie Donnelly, PTO
Jordan Elementary School, Centralia, IL

"I highly recommend the Magic Storyteller for all audiences!  Chris McBrien is entertaining, and the show holds everyone's attention.  The classroom visits were a highlight seldom offered by other shows.  We enjoyed having Chris in our building.  It was time well spent!"

Dana Sprinkle, Principal
Ell-Saline Elementary, Salina KS
(Speaking for both Team: Bully Free and Terrific Test Takers School Assemblies!)

We are looking forward to serving your school with our school assembly programs!
Simply call our toll free number or email us for more details.

 
We return calls within the day or early next!
Please leave your name, title, school, location, dates desired and telephone number. Or email us at:


Sincerely,

Chris and Jill McBrien, Co-Owners
The Magic Storyteller Educational Entertainment Company






We Offer Character School Assembly / Assemblies for these areas:
Missouri : St. Louis O'Fallon St. Charles Chesterfield University City
                Arnold House Springs Barnhart Manchester Columbia Creve Coeur
                Springfield Kansas City Branson Fort Leonard Wood Hannibal
                Cape Girardeau Sikeston Poplar Bluff Farmington Wentzville
Illinois : Chicago St. Louis St. Charles Naperville Aurora Plainfield Lisle
             Downers Grove Crystal Lake Rockford Moline Galena Hinsdale Minooka
             Channahon Quad Cities Chicago Heights Palos Heights Coal City
             Fairview Heights Marion Metropolis Jerseyville Collinsville Glen Carbon
             Alton Troy Mt. Vernon Marion Belleville Minooka Channahon
             Jacksonville Springfield Decatur Chester Frankfort Hinsdale Aurora
Iowa : Quad Cities Goose Lake Muscatine Clinton DeWitt Davenport
          Des Moines Sioux City Bettendorf LeClaire Dubuque
Kentucky : Louisville Radcliff Paducah Burlington
Tennessee : Nashville Memphis Chattanooga Germantown Arlington Collierville
Kansas : Kansas City Overland Park Olathe Topeka Wichita Salina
Indiana : Indianapolis Merrillville Valparaiso St. John Santa Claus Mt. Vernon
Wisconsin : Milwaukee Appleton Kenosha
Arkansas: Hot Springs Little Rock

Iowa Character School Assembly Assemblies
Missouri Character School Assembly Assemblies
Illinois Character School Assembly Assemblies
Kansas Character School Assembly Assemblies
Wisconsin Character School Assembly Assemblies
Kentucky Character School Assembly Assemblies
Tennessee Character School Assembly Assemblies
Indiana Character School Assembly Assemblies
Arkansas Character School Assembly Assemblies

School Assembly Magic Puppets Ventriloquism Comedy Mime Audience Participation
Theatrical Storytelling Mime