Chapter 1:
Intro to Storytelling
Learn the hallmarks of a well-told story and begin to develop skills in storytelling and public speaking, practiced in a supportive environment where you can learn to play with storytelling, have fun, and gain confidence in it.
Duration: 6 weeks | Cost: $195
Pre-requisite: None
Chapter 2:
Using Stories in Everyday Life
“Tell me more about yourself.” Questions like this are the reason that most of our storytelling is done in our everyday lives. Develop skills to share the stories you tell day in and day out, to help you express yourself and connect with the people in your daily life: colleagues, friends, family members, and more.
Duration: 6 weeks | Cost: $195
Pre-requisite: Chapter 1
Chapter 3:
Storytelling for the Stage
Develop and tell a fully completed story, with a special focus on delivery and stage presence. This will help you solidify and refine the storytelling and public speaking skills you’ve learned throughout each chapter, so that you can better apply them in your personal and professional life.
Duration: 8 weeks | Cost: $285
Pre-requisite: Chapter 2
Taken a class? Leave a review, too!
CURRENTLY ENROLLING
Chapter 3: Storytelling for the Stage
March 11 – May 7, 2025
Classes on Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30p.m., through April 29
(No class April 1)
Capstone night, May 7, 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Chapter 1: Intro to Storytelling
May 13 – June 24, 2025
Chapter 2: Using Stories in Everyday Life
July 15 – Aug 19, 2025
Chapter 1: Intro to Storytelling
Sept 9 – Oct 14, 2025
what to expect IN EVERY CLASS
Interactive and Experiential Learning
We focus on fostering interactive and hands-on learning experiences so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice what you’re learning.
Inclusive learning environment
We welcome all levels of storytelling ability, identities, and backgrounds to our classes. We seek to create a space where every student feels genuinely valued and supported. Read about how we manage our class here.
A FOCUS ON ELEVATING YOUR NATURAL VOICE
You’ll learn to find your natural voice and tell your wealth of stories. We work to get you away from the “speaker’s voice” and back to your voice.
Intentional, Individual Feedback
Campfire classes are kept small, with intention. Think of it as an attentive group of supportive humans gathering around a campfire to conquer fears, celebrate triumphs, and everything in-between—all with thoughtful guidance from an expert storyteller.
Unique Capstone Experiences
Each class closes with a Capstone experience—an opportunity to share their story in a unique way. The Capstone is the culmination of all of the skills and epiphanies from the class.
Experienced Facilitators
Facilitators instruct our classes, hold space for learning, and are storytellers themselves (many have been students in Campfire classes). Each facilitator brings diverse experiences and skills to the table, ensuring that each class is as unique as the stories that they produce.
After taking our classes, you’ll be able to apply these skills personally and professionally, in areas such as:
- Interviews
- Personal reflection
- Self-expression – finding and practicing the right words to describe and communicate “self” to the world
- Speeches at special occasions
- Presentations, lectures, and meetings
- Conversations with friends, family, and co-workers
- Networking
- Community and advocacy work
Frequently Asked Questions
- ?Where are classes located?
We are located at Work & Leisure, 3015 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103. Before you start class, we will email you details about parking, arrival, etc.
- ?What if I miss a class or need to step away from a class?
See our class guidelines here.
- ?What if I don’t know anyone else taking the class?
That’s okay! Most of the time, students take classes on their own. You’ll have plenty of chances to connect and interact with your classmates since you will be learning together. And if you’re nervous about meeting new people? We often hear from our students that building relationships with their classmates was one of the best parts of the class.
- ?What if I don’t feel like I have stories to share?
We completely understand that fear, empathize with it, and have encountered it amongst many of our past students (and ourselves at some point or another). With that said, we also want to assure you – we will support you in exploring, identifying, and reflecting on your own stories. By the end of the class, you’ll realize that you actually have many stories to tell and you’ll gain the skills to share them all with confidence. We can guarantee that you in fact do have a story to tell, that folks want to hear, and we’ll help you find it.
- ?What if money is a barrier to getting involved?
We are consistently working towards being a more accessible organization and have put together a few options for you if money is a barrier. See our fair cost policy here.
- ?Are classes to learn about storytelling for kids?
No, our storytelling classes do not cater to a specific audience. Our classes focus on teaching skills to develop and deliver stories through your own narrative and story, which is transferable to many different audiences and settings—including, perhaps, storytelling for children.
- ?Are there virtual classes available?
We offered virtual classes in 2020 but are currently only teaching in-person classes. If you fill out our class interest form and mention interest in a virtual class, we can update you if we decide to offer them again.
what people are saying
The best part of this experience was having a guided, safe space to hone in on a creative skill.
Storytelling Student