Storyteller Joseph Velasco has been telling stories for over 30 years throughout California.  He is a former Resident Director with the renowned El Teatro Campesino and co-founder of the nationally acclaimed BOXTALES Theater Company.  He studied movement theatre in Mexico at the International Estudio Busqueda de Pantomima Teatro and was a member of James Donlon and Company.  He has taught workshops and residencies in theater in New York and Los Angeles, but calls Santa Barbara home.  

Joseph is a dynamic storyteller whose work lives at the intersection of imagination and movement. With a creative spark that ignites every tale he tells, Joseph blends spoken word, gesture, and rhythm to bring stories to life in unforgettable ways. Whether performing on stage, in classrooms, or in community circles, he captivates audiences with his vibrant presence and boundless energy.

Rooted in cultural tradition and fueled by innovation, Joseph transforms narrative into a full-body experience. His storytelling invites listeners to not just hear the story, but to feel it, move with it, and carry it forward. From folklore to original tales, each performance is a journey that sparks curiosity, connection, and a sense of wonder.

His unique brand of storytelling includes movement, clowning, music, and audience interaction. Joseph doesn’t just tell stories—he lives them, and invites you to move with him through every word.

“The Trouble with Tricksters”

In this colorful set of stories, Joseph spins tales of tricksters from around the world. From Anansi the Spider from West Africa to Coyote and Raven from Native American myths to stories from Mexico and Central America. These stories will make you laugh, marvel, and think about the wonderful world we live in. Using movement and music, these tricksters will come to life and tickle your funny bone.

“A Patchwork of Stories”

Step into a colorful world where stories come to life, stitched together with laughter, movement, and imagination! In this playful storytelling show, Joseph Velasco weaves together folktales, fables, and original adventures from around the world. Each tale is brought to life through expressive movement, lively characters, and plenty of chances for young audiences to join in the fun. It’s a joyful celebration of stories that shows how different threads—just like different people—can come together to create something beautiful