In 2006, Katy began to work with the all-women Japanese-American performance ensemble Shin3.  Together they created “The Story Drum,” a program of Japanese performing arts: taiko, storytelling, kamishibai, and traditional folk music and dance.  The thunder of large taiko drums animates traditional legends and stories.  An elaborate hand-carved mask dramatizes the shishimai (lion dance).  Gentle illustrations illuminate kamishibai (paper theater).  Puppets and narimono (percussion instruments) enliven the program.

The members of Shin3 are Elaine Fukumoto, Audrey Nakasone, and Joyce Layne.  Together, they have over thirty-four years of taiko experience.  As members of different groups, they have performed at the Japan America Theater, The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, UC Riverside, UCLA, Claremont College, and Pomona College, in Hokkaido, Japan and at the Otaiko festival in Fukui, Japan.

"The Story Drum" has been presented at Los Angeles Public Libraries, Culver-Palms United Methodist Church, Walden School, and the University of San Diego.

Kamishibai, which means paper theater, is a form of storytelling from Japan.  Immensely popular in the decade after the end of World War II, a traditional kamishibai storyteller traveled by bicycle.  When he arrived in a neighborhood, he parked his bicycle and set up his stage.  When he was ready, he clapped together his hyoshigi (wooden sticks), and the sound echoed through the neighborhood, bringing children from their homes.  After he sold candy to the children, he told stories.  The stories were accompanied by painted pictures displayed on a wooden stage.

Katy has studied kamishibai for years.  In 2001 she performed in a Tokyo library and at the Kamishibai Conference in Tokyo.  She can bring this dramatic Japanese storytelling technique to your school or library.

For more information, see www.Kamishibai.com.

“You were outstanding.”
            Principal, Santa Monica Blvd. School, CA

“Katy Rydell was illuminating.  She radiated.  The kids didn’t take their eyes off her.”
            Ms. Morton, Teacher, Shirley Avenue School, CA

“You were sensational!”
            Principal, Rio San Gabriel School, CA

“Your delivery and choice of materials appropriate to the different grade levels were excellent.”
            Principal, Griffin Avenue School, CA

“Katy Rydell knew just how to hold the children spellbound.”
            Long Beach Press-Telegram, CA

“Everyone just raves about you.”
            Rev. Tom Kurai, Director, Taiko Center of Los Angeles, CA

“Your presentation was superb and very much appreciated.  Everyone had such a good time and left with a sense of enjoyment and excitement.  I overheard several of the educators mention that they were very excited about sharing your storytelling concept (puppets) with their students.  I heard another say, 'She’s really good.'”
            Eleanor Flores, Production Assistant, Long Beach Symphony Association, CA

“Alton Chung and Katy Rydell were FAB!  The children were talking about their stories all day!”
            Edna Hussey, Teacher, Mid-Pacific Elementary School, HI

“All of our students truly loved your storytelling.  The teachers were really impressed with your skills and ability to bring literature to life for children. 
            Judy Lazzarini, Principal, Solano Avenue School, CA

“I’ll never forget your stunning performance in Seattle…the depth and humor and graciousness and joy.”
            Cathryn Wellner, Storyteller, Seattle Storytellers’ Guild, WA

“Katy Rydell is exceptional.  My staff loves her and so do I.  She has single-handedly brought excitement and joy to our circle time part of the day.”
            Bettina Pittman, Director, Cornerstone Academy, Los Angeles, CA

“You rock, and you rock the house at the World Stage always.”
            Imani Tolliver, Poet, The World Stage, CA

“Thank you for your wonderful performance here last month.  The stories you told were terrific.  I know that the audience loved them!  You are so great with children and involving them in the telling.”
            Pamela Greene, Children’s Librarian, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA

“What a perfect way to celebrate Children’s Book Week.”
            Librarian, Whittier Public Library, CA