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Updated 8/28/2024

Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti

  • C

    CT

Institution/Business Type: Artist / Creative (Individual)

Actor, Dramatist, Historian, and Storyteller. As a Living History performer, storytelling is my vehicle for sharing untapped American history. Woventales reclaims and creates heightened awareness about Black Women's contributions and struggles that have made Black American survival and progress possible. They have fought for truths for themselves and their communities. Ona Judge Staines her owners, George, and Martha Washington. She was a criminal until her death because of one decision, which changed her life and American History in our eyes. Harriet Tuman was one of the most daring and effective spies during the Civil War, leading soldiers into battle and not losing a single man. Zora Neale Hurston was a woman of enormous talent, a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance, and an outstanding novelist, journalist, folklorist, and anthropologist. 

History has power and Black women need its truths to challenge hateful assumptions, negative stereotypes, myths, and lies, and distort their role in the progress of time. My audience benefits from my presenting a more complete and accurate understanding of the past and gaining insight into our national history.

The women I portray exerted a profound influence on aspects of American culture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            

           

 

Find Me

Gwendolyn Quezaire-Presutti
Job Title: Living History Actor/Historian
Phone: 860-212-6129
Address:
41 Elmer Street
East Hartford, CT 06108

Social Media:

Additional Content:

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Artist / Creative (Individual)

Legal Status:

Commercial / For profit - Sole proprietorship

Year Founded:

1997

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Artist / Creative (Individual)

Legal Status:

Commercial / For profit - Sole proprietorship

Year Founded:

1997

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Theater - General

Additional Disciplines:

  • Visual/Crafts - Illustration / Drawing

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Workshops / Demonstrations / Master Class
  • Performance / Concert / Reading
Seasons Active: spring, summer, fall
Events Per Year: 15

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Businesses
  • Elders
  • Families
  • General Public
  • Immigrant Populations
  • Incarcerated (or Formerly Incarcerated) individuals
  • LGBTQ Populations
  • Native American Tribes
  • Nonprofits
  • People with Disabilities
  • Veteran/Active Duty Military Personnel

Geographic Reach:

  • Town / City
  • County
  • Multi-County Region
  • State
  • Multi-State Region
  • National
  • International

Accessibility of Services

Accessibility of Services:

I do not have control of accessibility of Services.

Media Gallery

I Have Worked With

Kansas City MO. Women's Center /UCOC

Date: 11/2021-11/2021

Performance of Ona Judge Staines "If I am not for myself who would be for me." 

Boott Cotton Mill Museum Lowell MA

Date: 03/2020-03/2020

Solo performance "I Can't Die But Once" Harriet Tubman gave speeches before and after the Civil War, as a way of raising money for her humanitarian causes. However, it is 1904 and Harriet is at the 28th Annual Convention of the New York State Suffrage Association. Susan B. Anthony was the scheduled speaker, while Harriet was in attendance, not scheduled to speak. However, an impromptu introduction by Anthony led to Tubman's speaking at lengrh.

WESTFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INCORPORATED

Historical Society / Commission

Date: 03/2020-03/2020

Solo performance "I Can't Die But Once" Harriet Tubman gave speeches before and after the Civil War, as a way of raising money for her humanitarian causes. However, it is 1904 and Harriet is at the 28th Annual Convention of the New York State Suffrage Association. Susan B. Anthony was the scheduled speaker, while Harriet was in attendance, not scheduled to speak. However, an impromptu introduction by Anthony led to Tubman's speaking at length.

Nashua Community College

Date: 02/2020-02/2020

Solo performance for the purpose  to provide access to high quality innovative educational and opportunities for students and educators that promote respect for diversity. Teaching Hard History in the first person perspective. "I Can't Die But Once" Harriet Tubman gave speeches before and after the Civil War, as a way of raising money for her humanitarian causes. However, it is 1904 and Harriet is at the 28th Annual Convention of the New York State Suffrage Association. Susan B. Anthony was the scheduled speaker, while Harriet was in attendance, not scheduled to speak. However, an impromptu introduction by Anthony led to Tubman's speaking at length.   Eleventh and Twelve Graders 300 brought into the campus, Vice President Student and Community Affairs603.578.8900 Ext. 1528 Email lgonzalez@ccsnh.edu

Affiliations and Accomplishments

Professional Associations

Professional Associations:

  • National Museum of African American History & Culture
  • Museum of African American History
  • International Museum of Theatre Alliance
  • National Association of Interpretation
  • SoloTogether
  • National Women's History Alliancce
  • Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery
  • ALHFAM (The Association for Living History Farm & Agricultural Museums
  • Reaching Beyond the Classroom
  • The Connecticut Storytelling Center
  • New England Foundation for the Arts
  • ProTalent/Boston Casting Inc
  • National Association of Black Storytellers
  • Strawbery Banke Museum Portsmouth Independent Contract.
  • Debra Chassen Acting Agent

Professional Associations

Professional Associations:

  • National Museum of African American History & Culture
  • Museum of African American History
  • International Museum of Theatre Alliance
  • National Association of Interpretation
  • SoloTogether
  • National Women's History Alliancce
  • Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery
  • ALHFAM (The Association for Living History Farm & Agricultural Museums
  • Reaching Beyond the Classroom
  • The Connecticut Storytelling Center
  • New England Foundation for the Arts
  • ProTalent/Boston Casting Inc
  • National Association of Black Storytellers
  • Strawbery Banke Museum Portsmouth Independent Contract.
  • Debra Chassen Acting Agent

Awards

Awards:

  • Theatre in Museums/Theater & Interpretation Techniques Certification at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  • Alliance Award for valuable service & support Institute of Texan Cultures of San Antonio
  • Epsilon Sigma alpha International - Keynote Speaker/regional
  • San Antonio Professional Tour Guide/Updated African American Studies Training
  • The Institute of Texan Cultures Director's Award for Excellence
  • Gift to New Hampshire Humanities in my Name
  • The New Boston Fund Individual Artist Fellowship through the Greater Hartford Arts Council
  • Certificate of Merit Office of Secretary of State Connecticut
  • Certificate Arts for Learning Signature Core Services
  • 1st Place International Toastmaster/Interpretive Reading
  • Crowned Ms. Senior Connecticut 2010
  • Strawbery Banke Museum's American Lives: A Timeline of Living History Award for "Most Authentic Feeling 2019

Education

Education:

  • Institute of Texan Cultures
  • Hartford Stage Company
  • The International Museum Theatre Alliance
  • Theatre in Museums/Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  • Connecticut Storytelling Center
  • Manchester Community College Theatre Improv
  • National Association of Interpretation
  • Tejas Storytelling Association
  • International Toastmasters
  • South Arts Federation
  • St. Joan Antida Academy

Special Designations

Special Designations:

  • NEFA Grant Recipient

Artist Info

Teaching Artist

Teaching Settings:

  • Arts and Cultural Center / Venue
  • Community Site / Center
  • Corporate Business
  • Healthcare Facility
  • Private Studio
  • School / University

Ages Served:

  • Middle School-age
  • High School-age
  • College-age
  • Adults
  • Seniors

Subject Areas:

  • Arts Integration - History and Social Science

Certifications and Training:

  • 2010 Theatre in Museums - Theatre and Interpretations Techniques at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  • Signature Core Services Certificate/Arts for Learning Connecticut-
  • 2011 Theatre in Museums - Theatre and Interpretations Techniques at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  • Hartford Stage Compamy
  • Alliance Award Institute of Texan Cultures San Antonio, Texas
  • UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures a Smithsonian Affiliate
  • Manchester Community College

Fee range:

$700 - $3,000

Teaching Artist

Teaching Settings:

  • Arts and Cultural Center / Venue
  • Community Site / Center
  • Corporate Business
  • Healthcare Facility
  • Private Studio
  • School / University

Ages Served:

  • Middle School-age
  • High School-age
  • College-age
  • Adults
  • Seniors

Subject Areas:

  • Arts Integration - History and Social Science

Certifications and Training:

  • 2010 Theatre in Museums - Theatre and Interpretations Techniques at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  • Signature Core Services Certificate/Arts for Learning Connecticut-
  • 2011 Theatre in Museums - Theatre and Interpretations Techniques at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  • Hartford Stage Compamy
  • Alliance Award Institute of Texan Cultures San Antonio, Texas
  • UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures a Smithsonian Affiliate
  • Manchester Community College

Fee range:

$700 - $3,000

Touring Artist

NEST Eligible Artist

Technical Requirements:

  • Space for the performance along with two or three set pieces, provided by the actor is suited for library, multipurpose room, auditorium or a large classroom. Platform increases the viewing pleasure, for a large groups
  • Allow time for set up and break down.
  • arrival time 1 hour prior to performance & breakdown 30 minutes
  • Sound system lapel or head mic if available and technician
  • reserved parking space marked
  • Travel Fee: Based Upon mileage Note: pricing may vary for weekend/out-of-school time Processing Fee of $30 added to all contracts. Post Performance workshop $100.00

Fee Range:

$700 + mileage, hotel, and air flight when necessary.

State of Residence:

Connecticut

Minimum Number of Performers:

1

Maximum Number of Performers:

1