In this four-hour workshop, we’ll mine minutia. Everyday moments, half-remembered anecdotes, passing observations using them as raw material for telling personal stories that resonate. What makes a story feel big or important? Together, we’ll test that question by looking closely at how you move through your life: the choices you make, the risks you avoid or take, the mistakes you repeat, the things you long for, and the decisions that reveal what matters to you.
Through 5-part story structure, guided prompts, playful exercises, and real-time exploration, you’ll practice noticing what’s already there and shaping it into a story. You’ll learn how small moments carry weight—and how to recognize the ones that want to be told to an audience (whatever audience means to you. Could be stage, or podcasts, or during a pitch, or for documentary)
Taught by BACKFENCE Storytelling producers and hosts Frayn Masters and Ash Allen, This class is for everyone. Whether you’re experienced and looking for a hot take into your material, quieter and still discovering what your stories might be, or someone who loves being on stage and wants deeper source material, you’re welcome here. You’ll leave with new tools, new perspectives, and a clearer relationship to the stories embedded in your own life—ready to keep excavating long after the class ends.
Access Program
We want our classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most classes have at least one access spot available.
Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.
Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.
Apply here for the liaison position.
This class is for anyone ready to take a personal 5-minute story and actively shape it for an audience. You’ll work hands-on with one story. Drafting, refining, and testing it aloud. We’ll focus on structure, pacing, and point of view, helping you find the spine of the story and decide what belongs in this particular version of the story and what doesn’t. You’ll practice starting strong, building momentum, and landing the story with intention.
Taught by BACKFENCE Storytelling producers and hosts Frayn Masters and Ash Allen, this class is ideal if you’ve taken Small Stories, Big Meaning or already have a personal story you’re curious to bring forward—whether for a stage, or simply to hear it land out loud.
Rather than “performing,” this class emphasizes shaping a vulnerable narrative. You’ll receive demonstrations and feedback on mic use, voice, presence, and timing in a supportive room, with clear guidance.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll have:
• A shaped draft you can continue developing
• Practical tools for revising and rehearsing
• Greater confidence telling a personal story aloud
• A clearer sense of how you want to show up onstage
You set the pace. Participation is encouraged but never forced. The goal is clarity, connection, and momentum—not polish or performance.
Access Program
We want our classes and seminars to be accessible to everyone, regardless of income and background. We understand that our tuition structure can present obstacles for some people. Our Access Program offers writing class and seminar tuitions at a reduced rate. Most classes have at least one access spot available.
Please apply here for access rate tuition. Contact Susan Moore at susan@literary-arts.org if you have questions.
Liaison position
Every in-person class and seminar at Literary Arts has one liaison position. Liaisons perform specific duties for each class meeting. If you are a liaison for a class or seminar, the full amount of your tuition is covered by Literary Arts.
Apply here for the liaison position.
KING’S TIDE STORYTELLING RETREAT JAN 1-4 2026
SOU’WESTER LODGE IN SEAVIEW, WASHINGTON
SOLD OUT! REGISTRATION CLOSED- Check back in for next year!
Past Classes + Workshops
BACKFENCE PRESENTS: FUNNY/STORY with Ash Allen
Curious what lies beyond the punch line?
Discuss where storytelling and comedy intersect. You’ll leave understanding more about how you can use your standup skills to become a compelling storyteller.
Get ready to identify and capitalize on what skills come naturally to you and how to mine your life to create more story hits.
We’ll explore the spaces where the funny/serious, light/heavy interact. Everyone will have the chance to share a story/set with time for feedback.
All levels of experience are welcome!
CLASS OUTLINE:
Introduction to basic comedy/story structure and elements
Group breakouts to mine stories
Stage time! Everyone gets 5 minutes with time for feedback
Workshopping what worked/what didn't
What's next: resources to take with you
CLASS COST $40
Pay just $10 more for a 30-minute private story/set consult with Ash
Get $5 off when you register before April 7th
