Erim Akpan, Theatrical Storyteller
About the Artist:
Erim Akpan is a storyteller and jester who delights in weaving arts with curriculum content to help students build skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, literacy, and vital social-emotional learning. Her stories have been seen live and virtually by over 45,000 students across the United States. A prolific writer, she has amassed over 40 publications and currently serves as a staff writer for Chatham Life and Style Magazine. She enjoys creating safe spaces where students can share ideas, tap into their inner genius, and collaborate as they engage in the creative process. Erim is an A+ Fellow for the NC Arts Council’s A+ Schools Program, a research-based, nationally recognized whole-school transformational model that empowers schools to develop a creative culture in which curriculum is taught through collaboration and multi-discipline integration, with the arts woven into every experience.
Teaching Statement:
As a teaching artist, I aim to create a classroom where structure and creativity coexist. I clearly communicate expectations from the start, establishing norms like raising hands, listening attentively, and avoiding distractions. These guidelines foster a safe, respectful environment where everyone can contribute.
To reinforce positive behavior, I praise students who follow instructions and model respect. This encourages a sense of community and shared responsibility. I also use call-and-response techniques, like saying “flat tire” and having students respond with “ssshhhhhh,” to regain focus during transitions.
I believe learning should be participatory and empowering. I incorporate group activities that promote collaboration and allow students to explore their ideas. I also offer choices—whether in materials, project direction, or presentation style—to encourage ownership of their learning.
Ultimately, my goal is to create an environment where students feel respected, engaged, and inspired to take artistic risks. By balancing clear expectations with flexibility and fun, I strive to make every workshop meaningful and memorable.
Minimum number of performances and/or workshops required for travel or hire:
2 same-day programs at the same school (2 performances, 2 workshops, or a performance and a workshop)
WORKSHOP: Royally Responsible
Program Description:
Have you ever faced a sticky, tricky, icky situation where you didn’t know what to do? “Royally Responsible” teaches students a simple repeatable process for making good decisions to solve tough problems. Students play the role of fictional (and historical) leaders facing difficult decisions, then collaboratively create their own skits about fictional or historical rulers solving problems. Students will feel inspired and confident, ready to face challenges head-on and make decisions with courage and clarity. The workshop is highly adaptable to curriculum standards and can be aligned with learning goals as requested, in collaboration with classroom teachers. For example, the workshop integrates well with History, Social Studies, and English Language Arts.
Grade Level: K-8 (Elementary, Middle)
Program Length: 45 minutes
Max number of students: 30 per class
Requirements: Whiteboard, projector or smartboard in a standard classroom. There must be an approx 10 x 5 space clear for student showcases at the end (can move desks to create).
Pricing: $350 per workshop when booked with an assembly performance, up to 2 in the same day as the performance; pricing without a show is $750 for the first program, $1200 for 2.
View the sample lesson planNC Essential Standards:
Theater— 1.C.1, 1.C.2, 1.A.1, 2.CU.2; 2.C.1, 2.C.2, 2.A.1, 2.CU.2; 3.C.1, 3.C.2, 3.A.1, 3.CU.2; 4.C.1, 4.C.2, 4.A.1, 4.CU.2; 5.C.1, 5.C.2, 5.A.1, 5.CU.2;
ELA— RL.1.3, RL.1.4, RL3.3, SL5.2, SL5.3, SL5.4
Social Studies - I.1.7, I.1.9, I.1.10, I.1.11; 1.E.1, 2.E.1; 1.B.1, 2.B.1, 3.B.1, 4.B.1, 5.B.1, 6.B.1, 7.B.1;
Guidance— 1.C.1, 1.C.2, 2.C.1, 2.C.2, 3.C.1, 3.C.2, 4.C.1, 4.C.2, 5.C.1, 5.C.2ASSEMBLY PERFORMANCE: Royal Dilemmas
"Royal Dilemmas: A Tale of Tough Choices" is an engaging and interactive performance where students step into the shoes of fictional and historical leaders, facing pivotal moments that could change the course of their world. Through live-action skits and audience participation, students experience the challenge of making difficult decisions, learning how the choices of rulers shaped empires, and exploring the complexity of leadership and personal responsibility. This performance brings history and decision-making to life, highlighting the simple yet powerful process of making wise, thoughtful choices and helping students discover how to apply responsible decision-making skills to their own lives. This performance is highly adaptable to different learning goals and grade levels, connecting to History, Social studies, English Language Arts, and more.
Grade Level: K-8 (Elementary, Middle)
Program length: 45 minutes
Maximum number of students: 250
Requirements: A sound system with two microphones, preferably one being hands-free, and music-playing capability. The performance may be placed in an auditorium but not a gymnasium or stadium.
Pricing: $750 for one show, $1200 for 2 shows (same day, same school)
NC Essential Standards:
Theater— 1.C.1, 1.C.2, 1.A.1, 2.CU.2; 2.C.1, 2.C.2, 2.A.1, 2.CU.2; 3.C.1, 3.C.2, 3.A.1, 3.CU.2; 4.C.1, 4.C.2, 4.A.1, 4.CU.2; 5.C.1, 5.C.2, 5.A.1, 5.CU.2;
ELA— RL.1.3, RL.1.4, RL3.3, SL5.2, SL5.3, SL5.4
Social Studies - I.1.7, I.1.9, I.1.10, I.1.11; 1.E.1, 2.E.1; 1.B.1, 2.B.1, 3.B.1, 4.B.1, 5.B.1, 6.B.1, 7.B.1;
Guidance— 1.C.1, 1.C.2, 2.C.1, 2.C.2, 3.C.1, 3.C.2, 4.C.1, 4.C.2, 5.C.1, 5.C.2
