A Day with Darren Sardelli
by Joseph Falank (Author / Teacher / Comedian)
Back in the fall my wife worked to get
a children's author who wrote funny poetry to visit her school. We'd
seen an article about the author, Darren Sardelli, in a local mailing from the
school district we live in. The article praised Sardelli and his workshops with
the kids so we looked him up. In doing so I remembered (and that's
key for me) that I had seen him before - I had caught the tail-end of one
of his assemblies at the school where I work after-school care. I didn't
remember much about his assembly because it was just wrapping up when I
arrived. I did, however, remember the applause from the kids at the close
of the assembly and hearing that the teachers were very pleased.
My wife sought out reviews by contacting schools around our area that he
previously visited. All had glowing reviews. So, the rest as they say is
history and she got Darren to come for a visit.
Knowing this was a great opportunity - one not to be missed
- to watch an author at work - an author whose work is targeted
toward children (as my own upcoming novel is geared in
the direction of YA) - I had to take the day off from my day jobs and
observe. I'm so glad I did.
From 8am Wednesday morning until 8pm that night, Darren worked with high
energy. He performed three assemblies from 8:40am to 11 - three assemblies with
three different age groups. In each assembly the crowds of children were
absolutely captivated, entertained, and ever so willing to partake in moments
when he looked for participation (and were quite willing to participate even
when he wasn't looking for it). Obviously being the professional he was, Darren
made each assembly flow, riding the crests of the children's enthusiasm.
And while children's interests are very hard, if not impossible to predict, one
might think that a man trying to get kids on board with writing
poetry would be facing a tough task, one in line with that
of pushing a double decker bus up a muddy hill.
Not so.
Darren's poetry is funny and the subject matter very relatable to kids
(and adults who can appreciate the silliness of childhood and the innocence of
their creativity). His imagination begs for participation, and the kids, as
I mentioned earlier, were all too willing to raise their hands and provide
input, even at times when they weren't being asked. I've seen many speakers of
different subjects bore an audience of children to tears. Not one kid
wanted their assembly to end.
They were totally on board with poetry. It was made cool
to them.
Probably the best part of my day was actually getting to speak to Darren
one-on-one. I hadn't gone with the intention of picking his brain (God knows I
never intend on bothering anyone, especially someone who probably gets
approached all the time by those wanting to know every nook and cranny of his
career), but he actually approached me,
asked about me. When I
told him I was being published in the spring he offered a genuine congrats and
gave me his business card with an offer to help out with anything I might need.
How cool is that?! (I, of course, handed him one of my cards in return.)
During some down time in his busy day, Darren asked about my book, and I
asked him questions about his school tours. He gave me priceless advice on
doing talks at schools and the importance of getting into libraries. We
also talked about performing live comedy. I mentioned I did improv
comedy and he told me about wanting to try stand-up someday.
Overall, the experience of meeting Darren Sardelli and seeing his morning
assemblies and afternoon poetry writing workshops and evening parent assembly
with a follow-up book signing was simply inspiring. To know someone living
that lifestyle that all writers/authors
wish for (to know how hard he works to earn
that lifestyle) - to see him work for twelve hours straight (and not show
one sign of being worn out in front of the kids or their parents) is a type of
inspiration beyond simple words.
I highly recommend Darren to any school or function.
And his visit is one that I - and I am sure every child and adult who saw him
on Wednesday, or any other place he's been - will always remember.
To find Darren online:
www.laughalotpoetry.com
www.facebook.com/darren.sardelli
www.twitter.com/DarrenSardelli
