About Paul Akert
Biography:
Although his family will say that Paul has told stories all of his life, Paul officially became a story teller in 2013 when he retired after a long career as a Registered Nurse. Much of his nursing career was spent working with children and families. Paul's last job was in schools with pre-school through high school students. He advocated for students and families with Special Education and 504 accommodations. His Public Health Nurse career included care for immigrant families and high risk infants. As a Behavioral Health Nurse, he worked in facilities that focused on the behavioral health of children, adolescents, and their families. Paul is a parent and grandparent who tells, with delight, a variety of stories at family gatherings. At the suggestion of his youngest son, he took up storytelling professionally after retirement and has a variety of characters. His wife of 45 years claims, "I can sleep with a different character every night." Paul takes his role as a performer seriously and all shows are family friendly. He has furthered his education and experience as a performer by being part of several professional organizations. Northlands Storytelling Network has provided annual storytelling learning sessions. Christmas Performers Workshop (CPW) provides ongoing events to enhance the work of storyteller Santas. Paul continues to participate in activities that enhance his performances.
Professional Organizations:
Organic Arts, Ltd.: http://www.performingartsmilwaukee.com/
MAST (Milwaukee Area Storytellers)
MRAG (Midwest Renaissance Actors Guild) https://mrag.webs.com/
Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School Midland Michigan https://www.santaclausschool.com/
Sierra Club (founded by John Muir) https://www.sierraclub.org/
Wisconsin Storytelling https://wisconsinstorytelling.com/directory
Ongoing and Past Venues:
Ongoing:
Bristol Renaissance Faire: 2014 to present - Toymaker/Storyteller
Discovery World Museum: Story Time 2017 to present - Various Characters
Wisconsin Club: 2014 to present - Santa
Gift of Wings, Greendale, WI: 2014 to present - Santa
Omaha Children's Museum: Virtual Visits 2020 to present - Santa
Midwest Renaissance Actors Guild Events 2018 to present - Various Characters
Various Church Groups: 2015 to present - Various Characters
Retirement Facility Venues: 2013 to present - Various Characters
Ruckus & Glee, Wauwatosa, WI 2014 to present
Brunch With Santa: 2013 to present
Corporate Parties 2013 to present - Various Characters
Past:
Delafield Library: 2022 - Pirate
Chippewa Falls WI Public Library: 2021 - John Muir
New Berlin, WI library: 2019 - Dumbledore
Urban Ecology Center: 2019 - John Muir
Retzer Nature Center: 2019 - Johnny Appleseed
IKEA: 2018 - Santa
Boerner Botanical Gardens: 2017-2018 - Various Characters
Milwaukee Public School: 2016 - Artist in Residence Teaching Storytelling
Wisconsin Club: 125th anniversary 2015 - Alexander Mitchell
Greendale, WI Festival: 2015 - Story teller