GREAT LEAP, INC. |
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GREAT LEAP : ARTISTS : SYBIL DESTA
Desta is a remarkable talent who radiates energy and poise while exuding a commitment to educate, entertain and enlighten with her one-of-a-kind original compositions. Desta’s performances are memorable visual experiences as well, primarily because this creative artisan designs the costumes which bring her characters to life. Audiences of all ages are captivated by the inspiring stories told by Desta - each bearing a unique message. She moves with ease from theater to classroom and enjoys conducting workshops on storytelling techniques. Currently, Desta is developing an instructional video for performers, educators and parents, demonstrating how storytelling techniques can be used interchangeably between the classroom and at home. Desta works with an impressive array of organizations. She is a performer/writer on Vignette Multimedia’s video, “Afro Classic Folktales, Vol. 1,” a delightful program in which she is featured with puppets and animation. Also, she regularly performs and teaches at the California Afro-American Museum and adds to her credit performances at Kidspace Museum, The Black Family Reunion, Second and Third Annual Literacy Fairs, Kidstuff Fair in Anaheim, CA, L.A. County Museum of Art, Barnsdall Art Park Theater, Watts Towers Art Center, William Grant Still Art Center, the African Market Place, Lotus Festival, and the International Festival of the Mask. Recently, she was featured in the UNICEF “International Storytelling Festival in Celebration of World Children’s Day” at the refurbished L.A. Central Library, “Take a Flying Leap” storytelling festival in Solvang, CA., and the “Solstice Festival” in Calabasas, CA. She has also performed in the Los Angeles Poetry Festival, Marla Gibbs’ Memory Lane, The Skirball Museum, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles Theatre Center, Southern California universities, parochial and public schools, government and private agencies, and religious and social organizations. Desta holds membership in the National Association for the Preservation and Perpetuation of Storytelling (NAPPS), and also works as a parent facilitator for the Language Development Program for African American Students with the Los Angeles Unified School District. Desta can be seen regularly on KCOP-TV’s “L.A. Kids,” and has been featured on KCET-TV’s “Storytime,” Black Entertainment Television’s “Telethon for a Free South Africa” and numerous local cable and radio programs. This gifted writer/performer has distinguished herself as one of the most highly acclaimed and sought after storytellers today! Desta is a featured performer with Great Leap’s touring production of “A Slice of Rice, Frijoles & Greens” through the Music Center on Tour.
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Sybil Desta is a prominent California-based storyteller and educator who is rapidly earning global recognition. As a graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago, she received solid preparation in the areas of education and instruction.