“A deliciously imaginative storyteller who can tell a classic tale with new insight or create a new legend on the spot.”
-Mike Mann, winner of the Parents’ Choice Award, NAPPA Gold Award, & Storytelling World Award

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Rose Arrowsmith has worked in theater as an actor, director, and playwright; and has performed folktales as a traditional oral storyteller since 2001. She has presented at daycare centers, preschools, schools, libraries, and festivals in the US, Sweden, and India, both as an entertainer and an educator for kids and adults. 

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Rose specializes in the folk stories and songs of Swedish cultural traditions. She grew up as a perpetual wreath-girl at midsommar celebrations and is proud to be an all-around Scandi-nerd. In addition to drawing on Nordic folklore and Swedish language, Rose blends poetry and music, both as an emcee at festivals, and when performing with her a cappella Swedish folk group, SVEA. In her workshops, she draws on her experience as a camp counselor at Sjölunden, and language teacher at the American Swedish Institute.

Rose is also an author. Her picture books include There Are No Sharks in Lake Superior, coming in 2026, and The Sock Goblin, illustrated by Kari Vick. Her middle grade novel, The Marvelous Imagination of Katie Addams, was hailed as “a fantastic book” by Kevin Kling. Rose also edited Chasing the North Wind, a memoir published by the Cook County Historical Society.

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You can listen to her stories The Saturday Morning Story Podcast, available on all streaming platforms, and read stories and essays on her blog.
 

My goal as a performer, writer, and teacher is to inspire delight, curiosity, and connection. I create fresh versions of traditional fairytales and original stories with a classic feel. Drawing on theatre, mime, poetry, song, and my Scandinavian heritage, I craft highly interactive storytelling experiences for children and adults that are physical, theatrical, and lyrical. 

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I look forward to connecting with you,

Rose