Ancient Wisdom of the Shoebill Stork

by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn

Dr. Bill and Intern Nirmal have come a long way to seek the ancient wisdom of the Shoebill Stork. But does this unusual creature have wisdom to impart, or just philosophical thoughts and platitudes? And if so, does this make the discovery of this magnificent creature any less magical...or dangerous?
A Stone Circle Story.
*8 pages

Dr. Bill and Intern Nirmal have come a long way to seek the ancient wisdom of the Shoebill Stork. But does this unusual creature have wisdom to impart, or just philosophical thoughts and platitudes? And if so, does this make the discovery of this magnificent creature any less magical...or dangerous?
A Stone Circle Story.
*8 pages

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Ancient Wisdom of the Shoebill Stork

Recommended by

  • Danielle Wirsansky: Ancient Wisdom of the Shoebill Stork by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
    “

    Whimsical, smart, and quietly eerie, Ancient Wisdom of the Shoebill Stork turns a quest for enlightenment into a sharp parable about openness and curiosity. Floyd-Priskorn’s witty dialogue and sly twist make this short play both delightful and unsettling

    Whimsical, smart, and quietly eerie, Ancient Wisdom of the Shoebill Stork turns a quest for enlightenment into a sharp parable about openness and curiosity. Floyd-Priskorn’s witty dialogue and sly twist make this short play both delightful and unsettling

    ”
  • Mike Byham: Ancient Wisdom of the Shoebill Stork by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
    “

    Captivating short with bite bordering on modern classic parable status. A professor seeking wisdom but refusing to open their mind to consider what that actually means is accompanied by an intern who does. The result is an amusing and delightful tale with a twist. A lot said in a short time - and done so in a clever and extraordinarily entertaining manner. Very cool.

    Captivating short with bite bordering on modern classic parable status. A professor seeking wisdom but refusing to open their mind to consider what that actually means is accompanied by an intern who does. The result is an amusing and delightful tale with a twist. A lot said in a short time - and done so in a clever and extraordinarily entertaining manner. Very cool.

    ”
  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: Ancient Wisdom of the Shoebill Stork by Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn
    “

    What a delight! A closed-minded scientist and his more open intern seek the ancient wisdom of the Shoebill Stork in this short, but only one appreciates it. I love the back and forths between the characters, and the ending is a satisfying surprise.

    What a delight! A closed-minded scientist and his more open intern seek the ancient wisdom of the Shoebill Stork in this short, but only one appreciates it. I love the back and forths between the characters, and the ending is a satisfying surprise.

    ”
View all 24 recommendations
SHOEBILL STORK* A mystical and goofy looking creature. Portrayed by 2 actors.

DR. BILL A scientist that will stop at nothing to gain wisdom

INTERN NIRMAL Dr. Bill's naive assistant

*THE SHOEBILL STORK is one character portrayed by two actors. One actor stands on a riser of some sort behind the other actor. The actor on the riser will control the stork's bill, making it clack when necessary. The actor in front will portray the stork's legs and wings. Feel free to be as creative as you want in designing the appearance of this bird, but do look up photos and videos to gain inspiration in design and performance. You can even go as far to merely be two humans acting as a bird without a costume of any kind, but it is recommended to at least having something to make the stork's bill clack in a menacing and creepy way.
In dialogue, you may switch between actors as to who speaks the lines. But when the dialogue is written in ALL CAPS, both actors should speak in unison.

Production History

  • Community Theater, Short Attention Span Theatre, Chestertown, MD, 2025
  • Professional, Becoming Arts Collective, 2025