StoryTelling Circle: one-day workshop
$1993 hours on Zoom · 4–8 writers
Learn how to generate raw story quickly and prolifically, then basic story structure. No writing experience required. Lots of 1:1 attention and notes after each exercise.
Virtual writing classes on Zoom
Writers’ Store
Every StoryTelling Circle and Solo Show class in one place, from a $15 recorded class to the 12-session MasterMind. Small groups, lots of personal attention, payment plans available.
Not sure which class fits? Talk it through first, and pay what you can.
Classes, workshops & retreats
StoryTelling Circle 2-Day Writers’ Retreat
$680Sat & Sun, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. · 2nd weekends in August & January
10 hours of StoryTelling, writing and structure for 4–8 writers, with a final presentation on Sunday followed by a notes session and next steps. Bonus: April’s Story Structure Outline.
Writers’ Retreat payment plan
2 × $340Same retreat, two payments
If your account is in good standing, pay for the 2-Day Writers’ Retreat in two payments of $340. No refunds or exchanges.
Intro Solo Show classes (recorded)
$15–24.9990-minute podcasts or recorded webinars
How a solo show gets you more auditions and new reps, how to monetize it before it’s written, and how to begin writing.
3-hour live intro Solo Show class
$199First Saturday of the month · 10 a.m. MT
Get your feet wet before the 12-week MasterMind: write, find your stories and characters, and learn how to shape your story.
Solo Show Intro Webinar
$34.9990 minutes · recorded
How to put a solo show up on its feet and get it produced and monetized.
Solo Show MasterMind
9 × $35512 two-hour sessions · 27 hours · 2–4 clients
Small-group intensive coaching with bi-weekly office hours. Sessions begin the 2nd week of October and March.
New classes are announced soon. Write to April to hear first.
Three ways to join the StoryTelling Circle
All classes are on Zoom, in small groups, with lots of 1:1 attention.
StoryTelling Circle 2-Day Writers’ Retreat
$680Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. · 2nd weekends in August & January · 4–8 writers
What: 10 hours of StoryTelling, writing & structure. Great for the newbie, the curious or anyone who wants a new way into the writing process.
You’ll get:
- Lots of 1:1 attention, and a structure to generate story and just write
- Tons of exercises to get you writing, with notes after each one
- A final presentation on Sunday, followed by a notes session and next steps
- How to market and monetize your stories
Bonuses: April’s Story Structure Outline to guide you step by step to a finished script; the “How to save time and beat writer’s block” webinar; “How to monetize your writing”.
Payment: $680, or 2 payments of $340 if your account is in good standing. No refunds or exchanges. Since we work in pairs, please attend both days and complete all homework so no one is left out of the final presentations.
12-Week StoryTelling Circle Masterclass
$3,2002nd Saturday in September & February · 10 a.m.–noon for 12 weeks · 2–4 clients
Twelve weekly Saturday Circles: 36 hours of private small-group coaching for serious writers focused on story structure and rewrites of plays, screenplays and memoirs. For writers who have completed the Writers’ Retreat, FixMyStory or a private coaching package, or former writing clients, with a rough draft in hand.
Do all the assigned work and you’ll leave with a complete draft of your play, screenplay or memoir. Payment plan: 8 payments of $400 if your account is in good standing. No refunds. Bonus: the 2-Day Writers’ Retreat free ($680 value).
FixMyStory: 1:1 Writer Retreat
$3,200Any weekend · 2 days, just you and April
Let’s figure out why your story is not quite there yet. Day 1: hear your script read aloud and get comprehensive page-by-page notes; go home, rewrite, and come back with a second draft. Day 2: hear the new draft read aloud, followed by a notes session and next steps.
You’ll need a first draft or at least 50 pages of a script, play or memoir. Take the notes and do the rewrites, and you’ll leave with a finished draft. Complete it within 3 months of purchase.
From writers in the Circle
April has helped me discover my voice as a writer. She works like a sculptor or archaeologist, patiently chipping away at the dust and old hardened clay to find the essential pieces. She helps you let go of all the things the brain holds onto that get in the way of the story. Her advice is simple and stays with you which makes the world of writing a lot less scary and overwhelming. I have grown tremendously while working with April.
April’s strong, quiet, supportive presence was more vital to me exploring MY story than I would have thought. The safe environment she creates gave me freedom to be fully honest with myself in ways that surprised myself. In any interviews I give nationally about my solo play “Empanada For A Dream” (nominated for a Jeff Award for Best Solo Show), I make sure to mention April Yvette Thompson’s name because the most complete stories in my award winning play were from her workshops. She has inspired me to help others tell their stories. She taught me that the same commitment I give to others, I should give to myself. I haven’t looked back.
More stories from April’s clients are coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Are classes in person or virtual?
All classes are virtual Zoom classes. You can dial in or log on from anywhere in the world.
How do I get started?
The easiest way to start is the StoryTelling Circle Writers’ Retreat payment plan: two payments of $340. You’ll get 10 hours of personal attention, because the retreat is limited to 8 writers. Or try the 3-hour one-day workshop for $199.
Do I need writing experience?
No writing experience is required. The Circle is particularly good for first-time, anxious or blocked writers.
What makes the StoryTelling Circle different?
The StoryTelling Circle begins with learning story structure by sourcing your oral memories first, taking advantage of the natural storytelling gifts you use in real life to communicate what you need, love and dream about. The way you speak is your writer’s voice in the circle. And when your writer’s voice has the attention of a rapt audience, stories fall from your lips and onto the page effortlessly.
What’s your pricing model?
We offer payment plans to make joining the circle easy, as well as PayPal Pay Later. Payment plans are available if your account is in good standing.
What’s it like to work with April?
Fun. Like that one aunt that is brilliantly unfettered in her opinions and interests. Well travelled and free of heart, April is the teacher who wants you to take your stories out into the world and transform your life. Making a living from your stories and creating a life that matches your dreams is the ultimate goal. You know, the stuff no one teaches you in school.
How can I contact you?
Email April@thedreamunlocked.com or use the contact page. April aims to reply within one business day.
Questions and answers are coming soon.