Storycraft – Storytelling Workshop
Join storyteller and coach Shea Petaja for a hands-on, heart-centered day of crafting stories that connect, move, and matter. Whether you’re re-writing the stories you tell yourself, building storytelling skills for your social or professional life, or preparing to bring your stories to the world in a bigger way, this workshop is your invitation to explore.
Most of us tell stories every day—about our lives, our work, our relationships, and our experiences—but few of us were ever taught how to shape those moments into stories that land.
In this cozy, creative, and supportive space, you’ll learn a simple, practical storytelling structure—the same one found in great movies, books, and meaningful conversations. You’ll explore how to:
-Build a clear beginning, middle, and end
-Shape your story using the “tent” principle (opening, build, peak, and resolution)
-Create an arc that shows movement and change
-Identify what’s at stake—why this moment mattered
-Discover the theme that anchors your story
-Deliver your story in a way that feels authentic, grounded, and energizing
This class is not about being polished or performing. It’s about organizing your thoughts, honoring your experiences, and learning how to communicate in a way that feels natural and powerful.
No experience needed—just bring your favorite pen and a notebook. If you don’t have a story, Shea will bring prompts to inspire you. You won’t be critiqued or graded.
You’ll be sharing your story with the group at the end of the day!
If you’ve been curious but a little afraid to share a 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 as a storyteller!
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:
Location: Green Door Folk School – 2312 E Kasson Rd, Cedar, MI
Date/Time: March 21st @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Prerequisites/Skill Level/Age Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- Ages 18+
Booking Information:
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.
Where can I stay if I’m coming from out of town? If you’re traveling for a class, we highly recommend a stay at Cedar North, a cozy farm-stay just steps from the Green Door Schoolhouse. Nestled on a permaculture farm in Leelanau County, Cedar North offers peaceful garden views, the charm of a working goat farm, and room to roam and reflect. NOTE: Indicate you are a Green Door student at checkout for a discounted rate.
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!