Advanced Storytelling Workshop: Practical and Esoteric

“When you write a memory, it isn’t in the past anyway. It’s alive right now.” ― Natalie Goldberg

This class is designed for those who have completed the Unexpected Productions Creative Storytelling course and are ready for advanced-level story exploration and creation. Our aim is to help you broaden your story repertoire, establish a stronger connection with your audience, and improve your performance skills. During the course, we will cover topics such as narrative development, audience rapport, themes, and your personal storytelling journey. We'll explore how to create stories by delving into your personal histories and memories, including those you may be hesitant to share. Each class will focus on two concepts: one practical (sensory work and presentation) and one more abstract (vulnerability, empathy, and listening). With a maximum class size of 12, all students will have the opportunity to share their work and receive feedback. Participation is mandatory, and we are excited to assist you in enhancing your storytelling abilities on a deeper and more meaningful level.

Dates: 6 Saturdays. 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm, starting January 17, 2026

NOTE: Attendance at the first session of your course is mandatory as it sets the agenda for the entire quarter. If you think you will have to miss the first class, please consider registering for the next time the class is offered.

Location: Market Theatre 1428 Post Alley Seattle 98101

Maximum Students: 12

Cost: $250

Prerequisite: Must have taken Unexpected Productions Creating Stage-Worthy Stories class.

Ages: 18+

Teacher Bio:

Kent Whipple is an accomplished storyteller and teacher who founded the storytelling program at Unexpected Productions Improv School in Seattle, WA. He serves as a narrative coach for the ensemble and teacher of introductory and advanced storytelling classes. Kent has inspired countless students to find their unique voices and craft compelling stories. He is also been a story coach for Ignite Seattle.

As an educator and consultant, Kent has extensive experience teaching the art of storytelling to diverse audiences, including medical school students, corporate teams, and communication professionals. He has worked with reputable organizations such as the University of Washington Medical School, Yelp, Microsoft, WE Communications, and the University of Washington Tacoma LatinX Celebration, earning accolades for his innovative teaching methods and insightful guidance.

Kent is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses harness the power of storytelling to achieve their goals. He is the Seattle Producer for the Story Collider, producing four shows annually, and has taught workshops for the World Health Organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Allen Institute, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), The Wild/KUOW Public Radio, and the University of Idaho - Boise.

Kent has achieved numerous accolades, including winning the first Moth StorySLAM he attended, being the Moth GrandSLAM winner in March 2023, and being named Best of Bawdy Storyteller for 2019 by an audience vote. He has also been featured as a teller three times on the Risk podcast and appeared on the PBS show Stories from the Sage, which highlights the power of real stories told by masterful storytellers.

Kent is a thought leader in the art of storytelling and has appeared on various podcasts, such as Pre-Accident Investigations Podcast and KUOW.

He holds a B.A. in Arts Administration from the College of Santa Fe and has mentored with Natalie Goldberg, Larry Rosen, Kevin Allison, Margot Leitman, Matthews Dicks, and Joan Logghe – Poet Laureate of New Mexico. He is an active member of the storytelling community in the Pacific Northwest and has performed at events such as The Moth, Story Collider, Fresh Ground Stories, the Intersections Festival, Bawdy Storytelling, Bad Date Storytelling, and Over the Rainbow Storytelling.

https://www.facebook.com/Kentstoryteller/

"Such a great telling of the story and the audience reaction was amazing."Kevin Allison, Risk! Podcast, 9/18

“Kent Whipple is a treasure.” Paul Currington, Producer, Fresh Ground Stories

**Cancellation policy: If you must cancel before the first class, we offer credit only towards a future class. We are unable to offer refunds. You must cancel 72 hours befre the class starts. If you cancel after the first class we will not offer credit towards a future class. Again, we are unable to offer refunds.

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