Storycraft
Everyone has a story — the art is in how you tell it. Join storyteller and coach Shea Petaja for a hands-on, heart-centered day of crafting a story to be told. Whether you’ve always wanted to tell a story aloud or you’re simply curious about what makes a story stick, this workshop is your invitation to explore.
In this cozy, creative, and supportive space, you’ll learn how to find the theme that anchors your story, shape your story so it moves your listeners, and deliver your story in a way that feels authentic and energizing.
No experience needed — just bring your favorite pen and a notebook. If you don’t have a story, she will bring prompts to inspire you! You won’t be critiqued or graded. This is a safe place to scratch that creative itch, experiment, and even test the waters of performing for a friendly audience.
If you’ve been curious but a little afraid to share your story, this is the place to begin. Shea will guide you to discover the magic inside your own words — and help you bring your listeners along for the ride.
Come as you are. Leave with storytelling confidence!
Meet Your Instructor:
Shea Petaja
Shea Petaja has been telling stories and dressing up to play characters since she could walk. As a little girl, she roped her cousins into reenacting Disney movies and family stories to entertain the grownups at holiday gatherings.
Shea went on to study Communications and Theatre, creating her own traveling theatre troupe in college, writing and performing for Friday Night Live. Inspired by Saturday Night Live and classic 90s comedies, her humor and timing became a signature part of her work both on and off stage.
In her adult life, Shea co-hosted a live talk radio show for over a decade, became a published writer in Kinfolk, Traverse Magazine, and Northern Michigan Woman Magazine, and co-founded Fulfillament—a storytelling event modeled after TEDx that has helped more than 100 entrepreneurs share their stories on stage.
She’s performed with Here:Say Storytelling and FullTilt Comedy, where she blends storytelling, improv, and stand-up. Most recently, she has also taught the art of storytelling at Dana Black’s Let Her Speak series with Traverse Connect and currently serves as storytelling coach for Impact100’s Stories of Impact event.
On her podcast, The Honest Edge, Shea interviews people who’ve overcome profound adversity, believing that we become authorities on our pain if we choose to face it.
At her core, Shea believes storytelling is how we connect — it’s the bridge between where we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s our primal instinct to preserve culture and humanity. And, anyone can do it!
Class Details:
Where is the class held?: This class will be held at Green Door Folk School in Cedar, MI, a place that so readily lends itself to community in crafting.
Visiting from out of town?: Surrounding Green Door Folk School is Cedar North of J2 Farms. Cedar North is dedicated to enriching the world through arts and agriculture. Stay in the airbnb…steps from the classroom, art studio, and farm!
Date/Time: January 30th @ 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- Ages 18+
Booking Information and Policies:
What happens after I book the class?: After you book, we will send you a confirmation email that you are IN! A week out from the class, we will send you an email with more details about our meeting locations and some housekeeping items.
Want to make sure you have all of the information before you dive in? Here’s our cancelation policy: We understand that plans change, and we do our best to accommodate while honoring the time, energy, and resources that go into preparing for each class.
Cancellations made more than 14 days before the class start date Receive a full refund, minus a $25 administrative fee. This fee helps cover the cost of filling your spot. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than 14 calendar days before class begins.
At this time, we are not able to offer:
• Course credit
• Transfers to other courses
This policy allows us to keep class sizes small and intimate, while minimizing pressure to increase overall course costs.
If the class is canceled by the school: In the event of inclement weather or other disruptions, we will issue a full refund and do our best to offer a reschedule option.
Policies:
Go for it! If you’ve got a deep love for storytelling, are needing a space for creative outlet, or have a desire to build confidence, this is the class for you!