About Pam Holcomb

Pam Holcomb is a veteran when it comes to working with young people, having taught high school Arts and Humanities, Speech, Oral Communications, Drama, and Mathematics for 29 years. It is her desire for the preservation of the Appalachian culture that drew her to the performing arts, and developed her love of storytelling.

Storytelling inspires the imagination, heals the soul and challenges our beliefs. Storytelling can be an interesting pathway to discover how we came to be who we are as people, as families, and as sub-cultures within the larger society. Collecting remembrances from elders in the family helps to preserve family history in storytelling style. Each story is a thread in a huge tapestry that binds a family together. The memorable stories of our lives and of others in our family take on special importance because they are true, even if everyone tells different versions of the same event. These tales are heirlooms held in the heart not the hand. They are a gift to each generation that preserves them by remembering them and passing them on.

Pam Holcomb is just such a storyteller. She has entertained audiences of all ages with her fascinating tales. Pam specializes in mountain folklore, including family stories, Grandfather Tales, and stories collected from the adventures of interesting people she has met. With her dramatic flare, she brings to life stories from all facets of life. She can easily adapt her stories to any age, group, or occasion.

Accomplishments:

• Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Literature from Lincoln Memorial University
• Master of Arts in Secondary Education from Union College
• Rank I in Secondary Supervision from Union College
• Taught high school for 29+ years
• Directed over 60+ full length dramatic productions
• Participated in all areas of dramatic performances including acting, directing, speaking choirs, singing choirs, and storytelling
• Worked with various church and civic organizations to achieve a production
• Member of the Kentucky Association of Storytellers and National Storytelling Network
• Showcase Artist for the KY Center for the Arts
• Kentucky Arts Council Education Roster Artist
• A Kentucky Arts Council Performing Arts Directory Artist
• Listed on the Kentucky State Parks Performing Artist Directory
• Featured teller for several festivals including Poke Sallet, Swappin Meeting, Festival of the Mt. Masters, and Ohio River Valley Folk Fest.
• Recording artist of two storytelling cds, entitled This Side of Kingdom Come and Kingdom Come and Back Again
• National Storytelling Network Kentucky State Showcase Artist 2008