Testimonials
“The Man of a thousand faces…known for his humor and personality”
Brian Bemel, Director, Ojai Storytelling Festival

“Jim creates a dynamic storytelling experience. Inspired by history and legend, his performances also feature personal stories or traditional tales. He brings a zany presence to every tale he tells.”
Bay Area Storytelling Festival

“Within a single hour, the children and adults sitting on the floor and tables were taken from the jungles of Haiti to the icy igloos of Alaska, only to end up on Alabama’s Tombigbee River. They were riveted to the voices and sound effects that Cogan creates so seamlessly.”
Lesley Wright, Los Angeles Times

On the Millard Sheets Tapestry of Life Stories: "Using essays and other material written for the exhibition and personal interviews of family members and associates of Sheets’, Jim brought together an incredible life to share with visitors to the exhibit. Through the 18 days of the Fair Jim performed his stories 30 times, each time as exciting as the previous, all the while refining them so that each audience was enthralled."

Cris Martinez, Gallery Supervisor, Millard Sheets Center for the Arts

 

"With his creative use of sound and an animated physical presence, Jim Cogan transforms stories into dramatic and often hilarious adventures. Now the Getty Museum teamed up with this talented storyteller to offer a fantastic tale of a land ruled by bugs, inspired by a unique work of art in the Getty’s collection; John Baldesarri’s "Specimen (After Durer)". Alice a young, aspiring artist, is miniaturized in her own backyard and finds herself in a land of giant bugs. Jim Cogan not only entertains by weaving a delightful world of talking and singing beetles, but he also integrates art appreciation into the story."

Mike Winder, The Getty Museum

“I want to thank you for the incredible performances you gave at the Second Annual Modesto Junior College Storytelling Festival. I have received nothing but rave reviews from those who attended. You are an exceptional artist.”
Dr. Jim Johnson, Dean, Festival Director, Modesto, CA

“Jim Cogan creatively incorporates sound, movement, a myriad of facial expressions, and audience participation in this dynamic presentation.”
Orange County Performing Arts Center/Educational Programs

“He is nationally recognized for his work with students and literacy…using stories to teach history and drama.”
Ann Poore, Salt Lake Tribune

“Teaching is very much a reflection of life’s magic. That magic was evident in Cogan’s facial expressions, gestures and animated character voices as he drew his young listeners into tales of individual courage.”
Kathleen Mortensen, The Idaho Statesman (Boise)

“Renowned Storyteller Jim Cogan returned to Albertson’s College of Idaho last Wednesday…this is the third time Cogan has been to the campus and it most likely won’t be the last. He entertained the group for over two hours with three stories from very different genres, wrapping the audience in his storytelling spell each time.”
Julie Mitchell, The Coyote, Caldwell, Idaho

“We’ve gotten so much positive feedback on your program! From big kids to small, to all the adults, everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. You really have a way of captivating young audiences.”
Jan McKee, PTA President, Adams School, Riverside, CA