Kuniko Theater: Press Kit

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BIO

A native of Japan, Kuniko Yamamoto received her Bachelor of Psychology from Otani University of Kyoto, Japan in 1983. Started performing professionally in her hometown of Osaka where she grew up studying traditional dance, music and theater. She has received national exposure performing Japanese Storytelling at the Silk Road International Exposition and on Kansai National TV in 1985. The following year Kuniko traveled to the United States to study with Tony Montanaro, highly respected mime and actor. Then three years after began touring with Leland Faulkner Light Theater where she helped present lavish stage illusions and brought ancient tales to life with shadows and magic. For the next five years she has performed constantly in theaters, schools, colleges, and festivals across the country.

In 1992, Kuniko left the Faulkner Light Theater troupe to move to Florida. Married to Jon LeClair, a world-renowned magician whose books appear in magic shops worldwide has been helping her add subtle magic and mystery to her very special act.

In such venues as;

The Kennedy Center (Washington DC)
Disney Epcot Japanese Pavilion
Seattle’s International Children's Festival/ Giant Magnet
International Children’s Festival in Canada
National Storytelling Festival
LA Music Center /Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County

In the last two decades she has been presenting her programs throughout the United States, also recognized by the Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina of Arts Council since 2000.

REVIEWS

Saskatoon International Children's Festival ---- BY THE STARPHOENIX (SASKATOON) Yamamoto had her audience oohing and aahing at her origami and bamboo feats, while she slipped in lovely lessons about life.
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More RAVE REVIEWS

Her performances were excellent and powerful. Ms.Yamamoto was at all times the professional artist and educator, capturing genuine student interest and excitement. She promotes cross-cultural communication and understanding, needed in educating young people for their future in a global society.

Keiko Witsil Teacher/ Clearwater High School

Magical Teacher!
Tampa Tribune

She was flexible and had an absolutely wonderful sense of humor!

Diane Hoffbauek, Director

Alaska North Slope Borough School District

The content of your program was beautifully developed and exquisitely executed.

Jill Vines

Mahaffey Theater of Performing Arts

The show was very insightful, challenging the notions we westerners have about other cultures and our own.

Abbi Ball/ Program Coordinator
University of Florida

Did you enjoy Kuniko’s show? YES 99%
Did you learn a lot about Japan because of the show? YES 90%
Student Survey Form/Bushnell Elementary

Wonderful!

Carol Todd, Ph.D.
New College

I would recommend you for colleges and universities as well as elementary and secondary schools because I have seen how you adapt for each audience with new material.
Sally Maguire Deming

President/ Florida Theater Education Association

Your performance at World City was truly engaging and magical!
Barbara Leonard – Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles (CA)

This was an all around positive experience.Ms. Yamamoto was a joy to work with and the performance was truly beautiful.
Jennifer Hinners, Arts/Events Coordinator
University of Wisconsin

STUDY GUIDE

Kuniko's show content is aligned with grade appropriate standards and offers the educational materials such as lesson plans, resources.