Biography

"Whether performing at schools, coffee shops, nursing homes, historical sites, banks, parks, or on a train, Chris leaves you with an unforgettable performance. A member of The Riverwind Storytellers, The MO-TEL storytelling guild, Gateway storytellers, National Association of Interpretation, and charitable organizations, Chris has a diverse set of talents. Chris Sutton has worked as an interpreter & storyteller for the Saint Louis ZOO and as a storyteller & guide for the Missouri state parks. From Francis Scott Key to the Civil War to the history of the Dodo Bird, his brilliant and intriguing living history programs inspire and excite each listener. Chris performs children and adult stories focused on life lessons, living history, turn of the century, inspiration, nature based adventures, & twists of fate. Whether telling children's stories, twist of fate tales for adults, or bringing history alive, he brings a unique and gripping sense of awe with every presentation. Known as the Twist of Fate Tall Tale Turner, Chris was nominated for emerging storytelling artist of the year and continues to delight and captivate audiences of all ages."

Testimonials

"I am pleased to say that I have known Chris Sutton as a storyteller for a few years now. Chris is active in our local storytelling groups (Riverwind, Gateway, MO-TELL) as well as NSN. His comfortable, engaging voice both brings you into the story and makes you feel for the characters involved. He has a powerful, commanding presence in his style that make him very easy to watch and he can transport you to a time and place of his choosing by immersing you in every tale. His approachable and sincere demeanor allow you to connect with him and his stories immediately. Chris's unique mannerisms bring the historical events to life as if they are happening all over again. His passionate words and engaging voice make you forget where you are but allows you to remember every detail. I cannot do him justice by describing him with text, but I can promise that you have never seen anything quite like him and after you do see him perform, you will never forget him."
   - Sue Hinkle, Gateway Storytellers

"Chris Sutton is Francis Scott Key, among others I've seen him perform. I've had the privilege of filming a variety of storytellers, and Chris exemplifies the best they can be. When Chris is speaking to you in character, you believe in him and want more. His attention to detail is amazing, as I've seen him scrap a production and rewrite it because he found a possible historical inaccuracy. Chris puts heart in what he does. You've met those people who are so enthusiastic and positive about what they're doing that you, and others, just want to be around them. That's Chris, and he's more than happy to share that upbeat energy with everyone through his stories. No overacting, no talking down to the audience, just a real skill and a great voice for sharing the oral tradition. You might find another storyteller worthy of the award, but you won't find anyone more humble and gracious who will honor it with respect and a perseverance to be worthy of the title. Chris Sutton is the Storyteller of the Year."
   - David Clark, President, Clark Carroll Productions

"Chris Sutton is an engaging oral historian who immediately grabs your attention with his authentic period costumes. Then, he passionately takes you back in time, where you become an eye witness to historical events."
   - Jackie & "Papa" Wright

"I have had the pleasure of hearing Chris Sutton, Tales with a Twist, several times and I am never disappointed. I host senior activities at a local community bank and we invited Chris to "tell a tale" to our seniors as well as their grandkids on a recent Wednesday morning. His interpretation of the stories he told kept both the seniors and their grandkids on the edge of their seat the entire morning.

"I also invited Chris to a Fourth of July party for 100 people which was held at a hotel in downtown St. Louis, overlooking the Mississippi River. Right before the fireworks show began, Chris told the story of Francis Scott Key and his writing of the Star Spangled Banner. He told the story wearing period costume and you could literally feel and understand each word spoken that night. I will never sing that song again without thinking and feeling what Francis Scott Key felt at Fort McHenry and I have Chris Sutton to thank for that. He is truly a phenomenal storyteller!"
   - Susan Weber, Midwest Bank Center, Horizon's Club Director

"Chris Sutton has appeared here at the Missouri History Museum for me on several occasions. His programs are always professionally created and presented and easily understood by people of all ages and abilities. His portrayals of past historical figures has never failed to provide people the tools to a better understanding of their past and, in at least some small way, prepare them for the future."
   - Barnes M. Bradshaw, Educational Events Coordinator, Missouri History Museum

"I am so glad we have interpreters like you in our Region. Thanks for all you do for the art and profession of interpretation."
   - John Miller, National Association of Interpretation, CIT & Director

"His voice is attuned to the audience, he does this with the ease of the professional that he is."
   - Ron Adams, Teacher & Storyteller

"It is a pleasure to work with you."
   - Molly Postlewait, Senior Park Naturalist & Storyteller