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Valerie Smalkin

Multidisciplinary, Multidisciplinary Art, Music / Sound, Performance, Theatre

Awards Received

Individual Artist

2015, 2016

Ventriloquist Val Smalkin and her feathered sidekick, Silly Goose, believe that singing, dancing, and laughing together not only spark joy but also build bridges across cultures and communities. The songs children learn become the soundtrack of their lives, and Val’s goal is to fill that soundtrack with positive, memorable, and delightfully singable tunes. Invite us to bring a blend of music, comedy, and education to your community—moments of laughter and learning your students will carry with them long after the show ends.

About the Artist

  Children from Brussels to California and New York to Texas delight in Val's adult befuddlement and Silly Goose's impishness. Award-winning artist Valerie Leonhart Smalkin presents a fast-paced, humorous 40-minute musical treat with puppets, ventriloquism, dancing, singing, and 100% audience participation, for adults and children alike. Her award-winning songs and performances are guaranteed to delight tots, tweens, teens, and retirees, as well! Val was one of the writers, performers, and co-producers as well as the head puppeteer of the Emmy award winning television program “It's Kindertime” on Baltimore’s ABC affiliate WMAR-TV 2. Her current CD, “Love Bug!” received a Parents’ Choice Recommended award and the title song “Love Bug” was one of 5 songs nominated as “Best Children’s Song” in 2017 by the Roundglass Music Awards.  

Valerie Smalkin website Silly Goose & Val Valerie Smalkin website View Gallery Valerie Smalkin website Learn More

Artist's Statement

I offer programs designed for young children, elementary-age students, and even adults—but my favorite audiences are those that bring all ages together. In every mixed-age program, I include lively dance songs that invite parents, grandparents, and caregivers to join the fun alongside the kids. My goal is to create joyful, shared experiences that families remember long after the music ends. I would love the opportunity to share that joy with your community!

Featured Work

Photos

Val Smalkin reacting to Silly Goose's antics.
Val Smalkin dancing with audience members on stage.

Videos

Music/Audio

  • Sing! Sing! Sing!

    See more information about Sing! Sing! Sing!
    Title song from our new CD, "Sing! Sing! Sing! ...and Dance!"
    Year: 2015
    Details: 1:34

  • Springtime Dance

    See more information about Springtime Dance
    "Springtime Dance" was composed by Valerie Leonhart Smalkin and is the basis for the book of the same title.
    Year: 2014
    Details: 1:44

  • Be a Friend

    See more information about Be a Friend
    Cover Artwork for EP (Extended Play) CD - Be a Friend
    Medium: Audio
    Year: 2022
    Details: 12 Minutes

  • Dance of Freedom

    See more information about Dance of Freedom
    Val Smalkin produced an album of songs with lyrics written by 6 teens at the Maryland School for the Blind. Artists from across the nation donated their time and talent to this project. Kenny Curtis is Sirius/XM's Kids channel said: “Life Beyond Sight is a collection of powerful songs that will make you listen close and sing out loud. From the moving and powerful “Not with My Eyes” to the joyous chorus of “Dance of Freedom,” these are songs that don’t merely “ring true,” they speak – no they SHOUT – with a clarity and honesty that is impactful in a whole new way. These are wonderful, empowering songs, for sure, but be prepared to feel a little uncomfortable at times. There’s a courageous honesty from both the songs and the singers that helps them share their unique experience in ways that we all can relate to. Most of us can only imagine what it’s like to not be able to see -- but each of us knows what it’s like to feel unseen in some way.”
    Medium: Audio
    Year: 2022
    Details: 2:52

Booking

Booking Price: < $500

Silly Goose & Val are experienced performers and can craft a show to suit your needs.
Single: $400
Back to Back: $700
Travel: $.70 per mile
Call Val: 410 458-3326
Email: Val@SillyGooseAndVal.com

We provide our own equipment.

Baltimore; Baltimore County; Harford County; Howard County; Anne Arundel County; Frederick County; Prince Georges's County; Montgomery County; Calvert County; Cecil County; Kent County.

We limit ourselves to two shows a day.

Dave Kinnoin, Songwriter/Performer, Los Angeles, CA Davekinnoin@songwizard.com (818) 203 8020
Sarah Howard, Librarian, Columbia, MO: sarahbirdie@gmail.com (573) 289 1197
John Weaver, Librarian, Menlo Park CA: jnweaver@menlopark.org (650) 330-2540
Elizabeth Legenhausen, Cockeysville, MD: bettyat2020@gmail.com (410) 917-0022

Arts in Education

Audiences Types: Early Childhood (0-3 years old), Grades Pre-K – 2, Grades 3-5

Silly Goose & Val’s Joyful Jamboree
Silly Goose Goes Green
Springtime Dance with Silly Goose & Friends
Winter Holiday Bonanza

Silly Goose & Val’s Joyful Jamboree
Silly Goose Goes Green
A Gentle Halloween
Silly Goose's Harvest of Friendship
Winter Holiday Bonanza
Silly Goose's Purim Pranks
Springtime Dance with Silly Goose & Friends
Silly Goose & Val’s Get Your Head in a Book!

SONGWRITING WORKSHOP - 60 Minutes
Val works with groups of up to 50 students to create an original song on any topic. This collaborative process not only reinforces current classroom content but also empowers students to find their own “voice” and express their ideas creatively. By the next day, Val delivers a professionally scored version of the song, ready to be shared and celebrated. Fee: $450

PUPPET MAKING WORKSHOP - 60 minutes
Val provides each student (up to 20) with an individual packet containing a colorful sock plus decorations that can be used as eyes, noses, scarves, hair, antennae, whiskers, ears, etc. If there is time students then learn and perform a song with their puppets. The cost is $400 plus $10 per student for materials.