Storytelling Classes, Courses & Workshops
A sampling of potential storytelling classes, courses & workshops.
- Written Storytelling. Strengthen narrative skills through writing, revision, and voice-driven storytelling.
- Creative Nonfiction: Writing True Stories
StoryStudio Chicago
Craft personal and narrative nonfiction rooted in lived experience.
https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/ - Narrative Craft & Story Development Workshops
StoryStudio Chicago
Explore story arc, audience, voice, and revision across genres.
https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes/ - Poetry Writing: Generative Workshops & Craft Seminars
StoryStudio Chicago
Use poetry to develop voice, imagery, and concise storytelling.
https://www.storystudiochicago.org/classes / - Creative Writing Courses (Narrative Focus)
University of Chicago – Graham School
Adult education courses focused on storytelling and narrative writing.
https://graham.uchicago.edu/topic/writing/
- Creative Nonfiction: Writing True Stories
- Oral & Performance-Based Storytelling. Learn how to craft and share compelling stories through spoken word, voice, and presence.
- Storytelling for Everyone: Personal Narrative
Story Lab Chicago
Develop personal stories for live audiences in a supportive, workshop-based environment.
https://www.storylabchicago.com/classes.html - Storytelling Level 101
The Second City Training Center
Learn story structure, point of view, and performance techniques used by professional storytellers.
https://www.secondcity.com/classes/chicago/stand-up/storytelling-level-101-chi - Intro to Personal Storytelling
2nd Story
First-person storytelling workshops focused on clarity, authenticity, and public presentation.
Storytelling Class | Learn the Power of Storytelling — 2nd Story
- Storytelling for Everyone: Personal Narrative
- Visual Storytelling. Tell stories through images, visual sequencing, and place-based documentation.
- Intro to Photography / Photo I (Visual Storytelling Foundations)
Chicago Photography School
Learn to communicate meaning and story through photographs.
https://chicagophotoclasses.com/ - Street & Documentary Photography Workshops
Chicago Photography School
Explore storytelling through people, communities, and public spaces.
https://chicagophotoclasses.com/ - Photography & Visual Narrative (Adult Continuing Education)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
Evening and weekend courses focused on conceptual and narrative photography.
https://continuingstudies.saic.edu/
- Intro to Photography / Photo I (Visual Storytelling Foundations)
- Embodied & Scene-Based Storytelling. Build narrative skills through movement, scene work, and improvisation.
- Improv Level 1
iO Theater
Learn scene construction, listening, and narrative development in an ensemble setting.
https://ioimprov.com/classes/ - Improv & Physical Storytelling
The Annoyance Theatre
Focus on voice, presence, and non-verbal storytelling.
https://www.theannoyance.com/training
- Improv Level 1
These courses are only the beginning. There are many other opportunities offered, we encourage you to be creative and feel free to ask questions! [email protected]