Storytelling

Storytelling filled with love and laughter and sometimes tears.

Description of work:

I have shared stories with all age groups and had stories shared in return. For good times that feed hearts and minds, contact me for a performance.

Pat was born interested. She is the second of seven children in 10 years, an Iowan on both sides back to the 1840’s, and always open to stories of love and laughter and sometimes tears. She tells her own stories and those of all that family.

Pat says from "Love, American Style" in Hot Rod Magazine to "He Has a Boat" in Patrick's Bar in Elkader, IA to "Reflections and Revelations" from an icy drive across Iowa, I tell stories familiar to many hearts. It seems the listeners join me and we travel along together for a while.

Performances include festivals, conferences as keynote speaker and as entertainment, plus stories for community groups, schools, libraries, and college audiences.

Testimonials

"That wasn't worth a quarter!" said one of the fifth grade boys about his ticket to hear Pat Coffie's gruesome stories. "That was worth a dollar!"

Northlands Storytelling Network Conference 1985, Elkader, Iowa

"A lot of people can make people laugh. Only a few can let them cry. You can do both. Thank you." said the man after listening to 'Stories from Home' by Pat Coffie.

Waverly Democrat, Waverly, IA

"What a gift you have! I can't begin to tell you how many people have spoken to me about your storytelling. Our members loved it!..."

Lorraine Hallberg, New Horizons Club, Waterloo, IA


"Bawdy to Bizarre" by Patrick Pfundstein:
…if the first night, "Bawdy to Bizarre", is any indication, the variation in styles (intricately crafted (Richard Rousseau), honestly direct (Patricia Coffie), darkly creepy (Mike Speller), and personally revealing (Nancy Donoval)), and the uniformity in excellence means repeat visits are likely to be rewarded with a great show. Unleashed was a great end to a great night of Fringing!


"Such a delight" by Paula Nancarrow:
to see an organization that fosters storytelling throughout the Midwest showcase its talent… make SURE you catch Pat Coffie and Mike Speller before they leave town. Do ask Pat if she's somebody's mother. Do not ask Mike if he wants to play a game.


"story telling is a mind-to-mind performance" by Karen Cooper:
…Pat Coffie is just in town for the weekend, and her mousy librarian's take on today's arena rock concert is endearing and very funny…

From the 2007 Minnesota Fringe Festival

Contact:

For storytelling that offers

  • a chance to be heard
  • a chance to listen
  • a chance to share love and laughter and sometimes tears
  • a chance to grow and learn.

Please contact me by email at pat@patstories.com Be sure to give me all the relevant details about your situation. I'll email a response.

With each program or workshop inquiry, I offer a free page of suggestions for all inclusive stories, songs or techniques to be used in storytelling or puppetry—you tell me which and I’ll email it as I respond to your contact.

Awards:

National Storytelling Association Leadership Award presented to Pat Coffie for exemplary leadership and significant contributions to your community through storytelling, 1997.

In recognition of extraordinary service and extraordinary leadership to the Iowa library community the Iowa Library Association presents the 2005 Member of the Year Award to Patricia Coffie, October 2005.