Kirk Waller was awarded the coveted 2010 J.J. Reneaux Emerging Grant by the National Storytelling Netork. The Emerging Artist Grant awards $1000 and national exposure to a storyteller of major and unique performing talent who has not yet received wide public recognition. 

“Although there were other excellent candidates, the committee was unanimous in its selection of  Kirk Waller,” said the Review Committee, J.J. Reneaux Emerging Artist Award. “We were struck by the commitment and passion he brings to his craft and the wide range of skills he possesses.” (view complete press release)

Kirk Waller has been involved in theater, public speaking, mime and, of course, storytelling for over 20 years. Kirk performs in schools, libraries, churches, storytelling festivals, businesses and special events. He has a lifelong love of story, literature and the arts. Kirk received his Bachelor's Degree in English and his Master's in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University.

He has garnered national recognition for his speaking abilities, including a first place in After Dinner Speaking in Phi Rho Pi National Forensic Speech Championships. Kirk was also a Marin Arts Council Community Arts Grant recipient for his work with the Colors of Diversity Storytelling Project.

Kirk was a teller at the Bay Area Storytelling Festival, Telling Tales Berkwood Hedge Festival, National Speakers Association Conference (workshop presenter), DVC Ethnic Storytelling Festival and he recently completed his first CD Project, Quack, Gabble, Squawk and other Animal Tales, and his first children's book, Sister Water and Misses Wind.

Kirk is a member of the National Storytelling Network, National Speakers Association, Storytelling Association of California and Delta Wordweavers.