The Storytellers of San Diego
The Storytellers of San Diego is a non-profit, public benefit corporation of storytellers and storytelling enthusiasts dedicated to promoting storytelling as an art form in the San Diego area. Their goals include increasing awareness and appreciation for storytelling, providing oportunities for others to participate through encouragement and a source of information.
Come along on a magical journey with the Tales of the Nine Worlds!
Join our friendly storytellers as they share exciting tales of brave heroes, mischievous gods, and legendary creatures.From frosty adventures to daring quests, discover the wonderful world of Vikings through stories that will spark your imagination—everyone is invited to join the fun!”
Meet our Storytellers
Aunt Li-Anne is a captivating storyteller, actor, and healer with 16 years of experience bringing stories to life on stage. Through her “Aunt Li-Anne’s Story Garden,” she offers engaging programs that delve into traditional lore, from enchanting tales of fairies and myths to thought-provoking narratives of conflict resolution. A specialist in Creative Dramatics and a founding board member of the Storytellers of San Diego, Aunt Li-Anne is sure to transport audiences of all ages with her vibrant performances.
Catherine Bonin is a professional storyteller from Carlsbad, California, and a proud member of The Storytellers of San Diego. Known as “The Minister of Happiness,” her performances blend ancient wisdom, myths, and folktales with humor and powerful life lessons. She is renowned for her engaging retellings of stories, from epic Norse legends like Brynhilde to whimsical Scottish and Irish folk tales. Catherine’s storytelling is an uplifting experience that reminds us of the magic found in both old traditions and new beginnings.
Kvasir – James Nelson-Lucas is a seasoned storyteller who embraces the power of oral tradition. Beyond simply telling tales, James is a versatile performer who integrates voice artistry and improvisational skills into his captivating presentations. His passion for performance ignited as a child, and he continues to share his unique blend of talents. A dedicated member of the Storytellers Association of California and the Storytellers of San Diego, James brings a rich tapestry of experience and a vibrant, engaging style to every story.
The Patchwork Players, featuring Patti Christensen and James Nelson-Lucas, are a dynamic Story Theatre duo that has been bringing stories to life for 25 years at Fairs and Festivals throughout Southern California. They are also proud artists-in-residence at Rady Children’s Hospital. Combining the best of storytelling, improvisational theatre, and lively audience participation, the Patchwork Players promise a once-in-a-lifetime show that will captivate audiences of all ages.
Marilyn McPhie is a distinguished professional storyteller who has been enchanting audiences since 1985. Known for her career choice to trade scrubbing toilets for spinning tales, Marilyn has captivated festival, school, and corporate audiences across the country with her engaging, witty, and culturally diverse repertoire, including Norse myths and Scandinavian folktales. A prominent leader in the storytelling community, Marilyn is the current President of the Storytellers of San Diego and a former Pacific Region Director for the National Storytelling Network. We are delighted to welcome her to the 2026 Vista Viking Festival stage.
Lissette Ryan is a multi-talented musician and storyteller, specializing in early music. A mezzo-soprano, she plays instruments like the harp and hurdy-gurdy as part of the Renaissance group Courtly Noyse, and also performs Morris dancing and traditional storytelling. Known for blending her tales with music, she is a member of the Calafia Bardic Guild and the San Diego Storytellers, captivating audiences with her retellings of myths and legends.