LOCATION NOTE: This class will be taking place at our brand new South Lake Union location, 2107 Westlake Ave.

Note: No Class 10/14/24 or 11/11/24

The world longs to see, hear, and feel your stories! This course is for painters, sculptors, writers, cartoonists, choreographers, businesspeople, filmmakers, and anyone who wants to use their voice to tell tales that resonate. We will explore fundamental story structures across different genres and art forms to help you develop the skills to craft engaging narratives. With a focus on captivating your audience, each class begins with presentations and exercises designed to spark creativity, followed by longer assignments that contribute to an evolving draft of your story. In-class assignments utilize sketching and writing, but students are encouraged to express their stories in the medium of their choice. This course is divided into two 5-week sessions, providing time during class sessions to develop your story ideas while compiling a personal booklet filled with your thoughts, stories, sketches, and exercises to use as a springboard for future creative endeavors. Join us and discover how to bring your stories to life in ways that engage and inspire your audience! Session 1: Sept 16 – Oct 7. Structuring Stories The first five-week session is a practical exploration of fundamental story structures and techniques. We will concentrate on engaging your audience, focus on plot development and story beats. You will learn to create casts with rich backstories and clear motivations and craft immersive settings that support your characters and narrative. We will introduce visual storytelling techniques, equipping you with the skills to use composition, camera angles, and storyboards to advance your project. Finally, we will discuss the art of writing compelling dialogue and seamlessly integrating it into your narrative. Each week, you will advance your stories, bringing them to life. Session 2: Oct 21 – Nov 18. Developing Your Story With the foundational elements of your story in place, this five-week session offers dedicated work time to evolve and polish your narrative. The classroom transforms into a supportive workshop each week, fostering your story development. With access to instructor support and peer feedback, our aim is for each student to transform their draft into a work they can proudly present during the final class.