Learn and develop storytelling skills in all areas – professional, performance, and applied. This is a monthly series with a certificate after each time that can be used for professional development or continued education credit.
Upcoming Workshops:
Saturday, January 10, 2026
9:00am-10:30am MST (UTC -7)
Convert to your time zone: https://tinyurl.com/timezone-Jan102026
The Evolving Art of Grant Writing
Story Facilitator: Rachel Hedman, MA
Cost: Sliding scale tuition, $5-$50, suggested $25 that includes audio/video/handout
Grant writing requires constant adaptability, strategy, and creativity. Drawing on Rachel Hedman’s recent grant writing e-workbook, this workshop shares practical tips, storytelling strategies, and insider guidance to help participants craft compelling proposals and connect with funders. Whether new to grants or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll leave ready to navigate the ever-changing grant landscape with confidence.
100% of your tuition supports Story Crossroads – Thank you!
Saturday, February 7, 2026
9:00am-10:30am MST (UTC -7)
Convert to your time zone: https://tinyurl.com/timezone-SarahB
Curriculum & Lesson Planning for Storytellers: Bringing Stories to the Classroom
Story Facilitator: Sarah Brady
Cost: Sliding scale tuition, $5-$50, suggested $25 that includes audio/video/handout
Storytellers know that stories teach. But do we always know how best to communicate with teachers and administrators what our stories teach and how stories can strengthen their students’ learning experiences, support learning objectives, and enhance classroom culture? Join Sarah Brady for an interactive workshop that aids storytellers in communicating through lesson plans how their stories align with curriculum.
Wanting to be Story Facilitator? Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/AllThingsStory-app
Past Workshops to Order:
Any of these past workshops are possible to order. Receive audio/video files recorded on that date – unedited/raw footage. Accompanying handout sent along upon purchase. Receive files from info@storycrossroads.org through wetransfer.com. All files are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Files sent within 2 days of purchase date.
“Adapting Traditional Tales: Page to Stage” – December 6, 2025
Traditional tales can be moving and insightful, but also confusing or outdated. In this workshop, Daniel Morden shares strategies for transforming old texts into engaging 21st-century performances.
Length 1 hr 15 min (due to break-out rooms) with handout
“Women’s Epics: 26 traditional epics around the world” (presentation/discoveries) – November 1, 2025
Storyteller Zalka Csenge Virág spent a year exploring 26+ global epics featuring remarkable women as protagonists. Discover findings on these amazing, diverse, and memorable stories.
Length 1 1/2 hour with handout
“Adding Simple Songs to Your Stories Using Basic Music Theory Principles” – October 11, 2025
Have you ever wanted to add music to your stories, but you weren’t sure where to start? Learn basic music theory principles and how to apply them to songwriting.
Length 1 1/2 hour with handout
“An Average Guy on an Unusual Path: A workshop journey on being a fulltime storyteller” – September 1, 2025
Simon will talk about how his life led him to storytelling, and what he has learned from other storytellers, how to up your game, and about saying YES!
Length 1 1/2 hour with handouts
“Collecting Your Own Hometown Ghost Stories” – August 2, 2025
Unlock the secrets hiding in your own backyard with “Collecting Your Own Hometown Ghost Stories,” a thrilling workshop led by globetrotting author and storyteller David J. Schmidt!
Length 1 1/2 hour with handout
“Steer Your Story: How Narrative Therapy Practices Assist Us to Preferred Stories” – July 12, 2025
In this powerful exploration of Narrative Therapy practices like externalizing, re-authoring, and “saying hello again,” we’ll dive into how these practices help us navigate life’s complexity.
Length 1 1/2 hour with handout
“On the Making of Podcasts: Thoughts to Think as You Communicate Remotely with an Audience” – June 7, 2025
Join Sam Payne of The Apple Seed podcast to learn how to create a story-based podcast that will connect your unique voice to your specific target audience.
Length 1 1/2 hour with handout
“Common Sense: Connect in a Deeper Way” taught by Peter Chand – April 19, 2025
Join renowned British Indian storyteller Peter Chand for an immersive workshop to elevate your storytelling and presentation skills by engaging all your senses. Use narrative to connect, entertain, and inspire action.
Length 1 1/2 hour with handout
“Telling Stories that Matter: Cultivating Our Stories to Meet This Moment” taught by Kiran Singh Sirah – March 1, 2025
Explore the power of storytelling, as a tool for building relationships, cultivating positive peace, (peace with equality & justice), how to work through difficult conversations, and cross-cultural understanding.
Length 1 1/2 hour with handout
“Is She Still Talking? Storytelling with older people & those living with Dementia” taught by Liz Weir – February 15, 2025
Learn how storytelling can bridge generations, preserve cherished memories, boost self-esteem, and honor the contributions of older adults, including those living with dementia.
Length 1 1/2 hour with handout
“Marketing: ‘Less is More’ & ‘More is More'” taught by Rachel Hedman, MA – January 4, 2025
Generally, the adage ‘Less is More’ holds true in marketing. Take cues from Rachel Hedman regarding the current expectations for word count as you share your message.
Length 1 1/2 hour with handouts
“How to Make 6-Figure Income Performing in Schools” taught by John Abrams – December 7, 2024
With over 400 shows annually, John Abrams has become a trusted name in schools, corporate events, and family gatherings. Learn important techniques and skills to adapt to your performance journey.
Length 1 1/2 hour with handout (closer to 1 hour 10 due to breakout rooms)
“Crafting a Personal Narrative” taught by Tim Lowry – November 2, 2024
Crafting and sharing personal stories is the first step in preserving history. Storyteller Tim Lowry will help you generate ideas from your life and turn them into ‘tellable tales.’
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout/slides
“Katha-Kathakar – what, how, & why of this storytelling style” taught by Vinita Dhondiyal Bhatnagar – October 12, 2024
What is this Indian style of storytelling? The word “Katha” comes from the Sanskrit root word “Kath,” which means “to tell.”
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handouts
“Boost Your Business” taught by Kim Weitkamp – September 2, 2024
Expand your reach, get over a current bump in your story career, or learn how to gain more local/regional work.
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout
“The Ladder of Power: Viewing Stories Through the Lens of Class, Race and Gender” taught by Robin Bady – August 3, 2024
We deal with it in life, so why not explore context, class and caste in our stories? By using a simple tool, the Ladder of Power, we can identify the power dynamics that exist, and drive, every narrative.
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout (10 min. pause during breakout room)
“Journeying through Grief” taught by Jim Brulé – July 8, 2024
We will explore the healing power of storytelling in the context of grief and loss. Engage with narratives and exercises that illuminate grief as a companion, although born of pain.
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout (20 min. pause during breakout room)
“Right from the Start: Engaging Story Beginnings” taught by Kathleen Santopietro – June 1, 2024
Examine the power of engaging listeners before speaking and by enhancing first lines. We’ll practice “bringing the audience over” right from the start.
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout/slides
“High School Storytelling, Classroom Community” taught by Lyn Ford – April 13, 2024
Join us for an overview of what this centuries-old, oral-tradition “format” for sharing knowledge, building community, and encouraging communication can do in and for your high school classroom.
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout/slides
“Collage Techniques in Storytelling” taught by Paul Strickland – March 1, 2024
By viewing STORY as COLLAGE, we can come to a deeper understanding of structures, images, micro-stories, characterizations, genre-shifts and more.
Length: 4 hours 10 minutes with handout (breaks within 5-hour workshop)
“Embodying Your Stories” taught by Pam Faro – February 3, 2024
Explore twin foundations that we will explore in this workshop: 1) Understanding that your body is your instrument, and 2) Enriching your internal story imagery.
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout/slides
“Online Presence as an Artist: The Be Awares & Bewares” taught by Rachel Hedman – January 6, 2024
People want to work with people they like, know, and trust. Online presence establishes this rapport. What do you need online to make this happen?
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout
“Finding the Heart of the Story: Crafting Historic Stories” taught by Alton Takiyama-Chung – December 2, 2023
How do you take an experience or historical incident, breathe life into it, and turn dry facts into a story? Learn some practical tips as well as how to make connections.
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout
“I Never Liked That Story Anyway”: Tinkering with folktales that don’t click taught by Csenge Zalka, Ph.D. – November 4, 2023
Do you have a folktale you’d love to tell, but parts of it just don’t click? Have you ever said “it would be a fun story, but I am not sure about the part where…”?
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout/slides
“What the Zoom! Producing Virtual Storytelling Shows” taught by Cooper Braun – October 21, 2023
You have learned how to tell tales on Zoom, but you are still baffled how to produce a successful virtual show.
Length: 1 1/2 hour with handout
“Taking Humor Seriously” taught by Jennifer Munro – September 4, 2023
Join nationally known storyteller, Jennifer Munro, in this fun-filled exploration of what makes things funny and why humor is such a powerful and effective tool in the storyteller’s toolbox.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts and slides
“Cooking Up Stories” taught by Connie Regan-Blake – August 5, 2023
Learn the foundations of storytelling. We are refreshed by a wellspring of stories that enriches our lives – personally, professionally, artistically, and spiritually.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handout
“Treasures of the Tradition” taught by Shonaleigh – July 15, 2023
Voices of our ancestors carried through generations. Unpeel narrative, to see the richness hidden in plain sight, and to tailor your performances accordingly.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handout
“Sensitive Storytelling: Collecting, Crafting, and Telling Real Experiences” taught by Casadie Smith – June 3, 2023
Work to understand how to share your perspective and that of others in a way that maintains ethical boundaries, protects the wellbeing of those involved in the process, and creates a positive impact.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handout
“Collage Techniques in Storytelling – Making a Story More Than the Sum of Its Parts” taught by Paul Strickland – April 15, 2023
By viewing STORY as COLLAGE, we can come to a deeper understanding of structures, images, micro-stories, characterizations, genre-shifts and more.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handout
“Storytelling is a Circle: Listening to Your Audience” taught by Mo Reynolds – March 4, 2023
How can we tune into the energy’s audience and create an experience that connects with them where they are? Be fully present and willing to involve the audience in powerful ways.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“What’s a Memory? Storytelling for Older Adults” taught by Kathleen Santopietro – February 4, 2023
Explore brain research of story on memory, elements of effective programs for seniors, and marketing of oral storytelling in independent, assisted and memory care facilities.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“BOOM! Catching Attention of Media & People” taught by Rachel Hedman – January 7, 2023
Discover quick and easy ways to reach out to the media and community with practical tips and templates. You are deserving of the attention.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Interactive Storytelling for Young Children” taught by Misty Mator – December 3, 2022
Encourage and incorporate audience participation for children specifically in the PreK-5th grade age group, although the techniques you learn in the workshop can be applied to all ages.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Resilience, Growth and the Storytelling Mind Set” taught by Lyn Ford – November 5, 2022
Effectively tell stories through nurtured resilience, growth and powerful communication. Find ways to develop both your confidence with concepts of growth mindset.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“What About That Voice! Using the voice in healthy ways for telling stories” taught by Elaine Brewster – October 15, 2022
Prepare the voice for speaking…including stories. Free that voice and keep it healthy. Learn techniques from someone who sings professionally as well as tells to people all around.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Telling from American History” taught by Tim Lowry – September 5, 2022
Learn methods for collecting stories, using comparative literature to discover themes, designing costumes and props, and creating bonus material for audiences that wish to dive deeper.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Marketing on a Shoestring-or no-Budget” taught by Rachel Hedman – August 20, 2022 (through Northlands INSPIRE)
What’s the difference between advertising and marketing? Relationships! Learn five practical game changers and other advice.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“A Storyteller’s Guide to Self-Publishing” taught by Robin Moore – August 13, 2022
Author and Publisher Robin Moore will show storytellers how to set up their own publishing company and publish their books in print and digital format on the Amazon platform.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Boosting Productivity through Creative Rituals” taught by Steffani Raff – July 16, 2022
Explore and establish a personalized ritual; a predictable, repeatable sequence that will help you overcome your obstacles to enter the mind space to create.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Uncovering the Story You Don’t Want To Tell…And Telling It Anyway” taught by Robin Bady – June 4, 2022
Is there a story lurking around your unconscious? Do you want to uncover it and work on it? Find the courage to tell that hard story.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Using Stories to Reach At-Risk Youth” taught by Lorna MacDonald Czarnota – May 9, 2022
Discover traditional and original stories for using the stories to help troubled teens in need of character formation and re-formation.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Reimagining Traditional Tales” taught by Laura Deal – April 9, 2022
Explore ways to breathe new life into familiar fairy tales and make obscure folk tales more accessible to a modern audience. Brainstorm new variations
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Professional Tools for a Powerfully Expressive Voice” taught by Karla Huntsman – March 12, 2022
Acquire professional tools for developing the kind of expressive voice they always wanted to have. Be introduced to the Laban Movement Analysis – but for the voice.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“You Can Do Dunbar! Add him to your repertoire” taught by Oni Lasana – February 12, 2022
Storyteller and Teaching Artist, Oni Lasana — hailed by Nikki Giovanni as the “Voice of Dunbar” — will guide you in adding his inclusive and diverse works in your repertoire.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Grant Writing for Storytellers” taught by Rachel Hedman – January 8, 2022 as well as separate “The Follow-Up: Grant Writing for Storytellers” on February 19, 2022 – order one or both parts
Original Part: Discover how storytelling can be funded with already-out-there grants. Learn the basics from what to expect, how to tackle the “hard stuff,” and what to do to improve overall success.
The Follow-Up Portion: Experience the pure asking questions and projects that people are undertaking that can apply to your own needs as a grant-writer.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts for original workshop yet a little more than an 1 hour for “The Follow-Up” due to Breakout Rooms
“It’s All Relative – Finding Stories in Your Family History” taught by Marilyn McPhie – December 4, 2021
Explore your genealogy stories and turn them into tellable tales, weave them into traditional tales, and/or share them in introductions and segues. Some research, some family lore, some imagination and it’s all good, relatively speaking.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Crafting the One-Person Show” taught by Omar & Lori Hansen – November 6, 2021
Whether writing a play, telling stories, or combining the two, crafting a one-person show can be a daunting task. Utilize dramatic structure, theme, plot, and character to create powerful work.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“The Charms and Challenges of Genre in Storytelling” taught by Milbre Burch – October 9, 2021
Delve into a primer in approaching myriad story genres, identifying and overcoming obstacles obstacles in performing each one. Includes online and hard copy resources.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Following the Folktales Around the World: 200 Countries – 200 Collections” presented by Dr. Csenge Virág Zalka – September 18, 2021
Over the course of 5 years, Dr. Csenge Virág Zalka read a folktale collection from every single country around the world! More than 10,000 tales later, she is ready to tell us about the adventure.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Participation Storytelling on Zoom & In-Person” taught by Jeff Gere – September 6, 2021
Learn kinesthetically by doing something new, different and FUN! This training gives every age at any level some new skills and ideas to increase involvement in dynamic storytelling on and off screen.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“A Well Crafted Lie” taught by George McEwan – August 7, 2021
Learn from an award-winning storyteller the real secrets of the liar’s tale. You’ll find out how to take the smallest grain of truth and grow it into a whopper worthy of a golden shovel.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Finding the Funny: Using Humor in Stories” taught by Steve Daut – July 10, 2021
Humor can have pitfalls, so it’s important to understand what makes humor work and what to avoid. Discover different types of humor and learn techniques for presenting that humor effectively.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Bringing HerStory & History Alive Through the Art of Storytelling taught by Suzanne Hudson – June 5, 2021
Discover what it takes to honor people of the past, specifically understanding what women faced in different eras and the strength needed to express their femininity.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“The Art of Crafting a True, Personal Story” taught by Jessica Robinson – May 1, 2021
Explore storytelling structure, character development and other techniques for creating engaging, true, personal stories. Discover the stories you always meant to share with other people.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Filling Your Creative Idea Bank Account – daily & quick exercises” taught by Ginger Parkinson – April 17, 2021
Heighten your imagination and play with words and images in minutes a day to help any type of story. Come fill your creative bank account with daily activities that keep you focused.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Who Are You Anyway: A Deep Dive Into Creating Believable Characters” taught by Laura Packer – March 6, 2021
Compelling characters help the storyteller love the story more and help the audience empathize with the protagonist. Deepen your characters so they feel more real to everyone who hears the tale.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“The Incredible Science Behind the Power of Storytelling” taught by Karl Behling – February 6, 2021
Explore the science of why and how storytelling works. Learn what the research says about how storytelling affects us cognitively and emotionally. Tap into the keys to effective storytelling.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“The Magic of Words: Storytelling Art & Technique” taught by Heather Forest, PhD – January 9, 2021
Explore the intuitive, creative process of the storyteller’s art in selecting, composing, and performing both folkloric and personal stories. Examine voice, body, imagination, words, and metaphor.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Coaching Performers & Storytellers” taught by Nannette Watts – December 5, 2020
Gain confidence, whether you coach student storytellers, those in your community, or people who want to tell stories better. Learn tips, tricks, and ideas to gain skills.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
Hidden Gems taught by Antonio Rocha – November 7, 2020
Hidden Gems Transitions are moments in a story where we shift between one thought and the next. Identify and develop the transitions within your stories with voice and body language.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Simply Scary to Totally Terrifying: telling ghost stories from kids to adults” taught by Julie Barnson – October 6, 2020
Discover how to tickle the bones of the preschoolers without nightmares. Find out how the “cool” teenagers can be engaged. Learn how to convince adults that something wicked is coming.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts
“Breaking Boundaries of the Screen: Presenting On-line” taught by Simon Brooks – September 7, 2020
Learn how to look great and comfortable in this new world of digital performance to take your shows to the next level. Discover the basics of lighting, backdrops, and how to utilize your space.
Length: 1 1/2 hour video/audio with handouts