Special to IFN
The Iredell County Public Library is preparing to present “Stories Are Magic,” a premier series of events featuring a talented ensemble of professional magicians, storytellers, and theatre artists bringing the wonder of stories to life.
Planned for this spring, this family-friendly series invites attendees to experience how stories can create magic in everyday life. Artists retained for “Stories Are Magic” include award-winning magician Dana Hill, internationally acclaimed storyteller Donna Washington, North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green, Caleb Sigmon of Sigmon Theatrical, Bright Star Touring Theatre, and Story Artist Yasu Ishida.
Funded by the Iredell Arts Council through their 2025-2026 Grassroots Grant cycle, the series underscores the importance of stories in community and brings accessible storytelling events
to all residents of Iredell County.
Scheduled Events
Seusstacular Spectacular
Presented by award-winning magician Dana Hill
Harmony Library: 3/9 at 10 a.m., Statesville Library: 3/9 at 1 p.m., Troutman Library: 3/9 at 4 p.m.
Step into a world of wacky words, wild wonder, and whimsical magic! Seusstacular Spectacular is a fast-paced illusion show inspired by the playful spirit of Dr. Seuss. Packed with colorful props, high-energy tricks, larger-than-life characters, and interactive moments, this show celebrates reading, creativity, and the power of imagination. Anything is possible when you let your imagination run free!
Register to attend
Storytelling With Donna Washington
Donna Washington is an internationally known, multiple award winning storyteller, spoken word recording artist, and author
Statesville Library: 4/20 at 4 p.m.
Join us and acclaimed storyteller Donna Washington for a magical experience.
Register to attend
What We Keep Keeps Us: Exploring Our Human Museums
A writing workshop with NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green
Statesville Library: 4/29, 4 to 6 p.m.
North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green will facilitate a creativity salon focused on What We Keep Keeps Us: Exploring Our Human Museums. As we think of ourselves as our own curators or personal anthropologists, we will explore what’s in our human museums and how these primary sources shape our lives, our values, and our creativity.
Workshop participants are invited to bring artifacts, photos, objects, heirlooms, or stories that hold special meaning for them. This session will include a writing exercise and discussion that examines the many narratives, memoirs, short stories, poems, novels, and legacies that are hidden in full sight… just waiting to be written.
Register to attend
Big Dino Show
With Caleb Sigmon of Sigmon Theatrical
Statesville Library: 6/12 at 11 a.m., Harmony Library: 6/12 at 2 p.m., Troutman Library: 6/13 11 a.m.
Buckle up for a ROARING good time as the crew at Sigmon Theatrical take you on a thrilling, interactive expedition through the wonders of the prehistoric world! This action-packed show features amazing creatures that will transport you back in time to the days where dinosaurs ruled the earth. We combine realistic puppetry along with a touch of theatrical magic to create an unforgettable and captivating experience for audiences of all ages!
Register to attend
Bright Star Theatre Presents: Spanish Folktales
With Bright Star Touring Theatre
Troutman Library: 6/17 at 10 a.m., Statesville Library: 6/17 at 1 p.m., Harmony Library: 6/17 at 4 p.m.
This show features a variety of characters from a wide range of cultures in stories that celebrate the various folk tale traditions of the Spanish-speaking world. Your young audience will love these high-energy stories being brought to life.
Register to attend
Japanese Storytelling & Origami
With Yasu Ishida
Statesville Library: 6/22 at 11 a.m., Troutman Library at 2 p.m.
Combining traditional Japanese theatre, music, origami, magic, and storytelling; Yasu Ishida will guide you to the enchanting land of Japan.
Register to attend | Study guide link
This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.