Story-Treasures: Finding and Nurturing Your Storytelling Voice
June 28 – July 4, 2026 at Wild Acres Retreat Center, Little Switzerland, NC
In-Person 7-day Storytelling Workshop
This week-long storytelling workshop is rich with lots of story-activities including partner exercises, coaching, concerts and more! Also opportunities for you to tell or be coached.
It was pure joy to share in the experience of your storytelling workshop – to get to know a group of such diverse people, to see each of us struggle with our inhibitions and dare to let a little of “who we really are” show as we told stories that mattered to each of us and to hear your gentle suggestions about how we might improve the telling of our stories. – Workshop Participant
There is time to walks in the woods and quiet reflection, hanging out with friends, old and new and all your meals prepared – no dishes to do! . . . and all of it an idyllic retreat setting, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. To get a taste of how the week unfolds, check out the Wild Week Schedule.
There will be performances, workshops, coaching, walks in the woods . . . and all of it an idyllic retreat setting, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wild Acres is located in Little Switzerland, NC, an hour drive from Asheville and 2 hours from Charlotte, NC. Hosted since 2004 by Dianne Hackworth, it promises to be a fun, creative, renewing Wild Week in the Woods!
Connie is delighted to offer this in-person learning opportunity to grow your storytelling voice and creativity! Join her at this lovely retreat to explore and develop your story work.
During this week-long storytelling workshop participants are invited to:
- Draw on memories & traditional stories in developing and growing your stories
- Work with partners and in small groups to illuminate new viewpoints
- Expand practice of deep listening and appreciative feedback
- Increase confidence in giving voice to your stories
- Opportunities to tell on stage
- Cultivate your skills and delight in telling stories
All are welcome: Those curious about storytelling, as well as professional tellers, and all in between!
Please join us at Wild Acres for this week-long Storytelling adventure as we create an encouraging, playful, and appreciative community in celebration of stories and creativity. In a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, this workshop welcomes every level of expertise; from beginner to experienced teller.
Connie’s welcoming style puts new and experienced tellers at ease. She has a gift for asking participants to take part in very specific exercises that don’t limit creativity at all. By providing a starting place with her exercises, it feels safe to let our imaginations go! – Class Participant
REGISTRATION
Total cost per person for 6 nights, 17 meals – $640
Includes double room, all meals, workshops, story swaps, evening programs
A $200 deposit per person is due by March 15, 2026 with your application.
Balance of $440 per person is due by May 15, 2026.
REFUNDS: Allowed with $75 cancellation fee through May 15th.
As a teacher, Connie Regan-Blake creates a fun, welcoming environment while guiding her students to new heights of creativity, exploration and learning. Her teachings can be useful in your professional life in the business world, with family and friends around the supper table, in a virtual setting, or an in-person stage performance. This workshop can benefit writers, teachers, sales professionals, poets, grandparents, storytellers, youth workers, ministers, students, attorneys, presenters, & all those curious.
I felt as if I was sitting at the feet of a high priestess of storytelling. She exudes an interesting combination of enthusiasm and serenity that was clear from the on-set. It was consistent throughout in the setting, the lessons and her storytelling. From the tone of her voice, the sparkle in her eyes and the way she puts her whole body into weaving a story, she teaches, energizes and puts her listeners at ease and wanting more.
An excellent course for tellers at all levels of experience. Thoughtfully planned and well-balanced with a satisfying mix of fresh insights and practice sessions. As a teller who has been out of storytelling for a while, I found it refreshing and rejuvenating with much to reflect on and integrate into my own practice.
– Workshop Participants
From May 15 to June 15 there is a $150 cancellation fee. There will be no refunds after June 15 unless we can refill your spot.
Wildacres is a lovely retreat – not a hotel. Bed linens and towels are furnished, but there are no maids or bellboys. There are no phones, TVs, or radios in the room, and cell phone service is sporadic, but possible. Wi-Fi connection is available in main lobby area.
There are a limited number of rooms for the handicapped. Keep in mind the elevation is 3300 feet, some of the walkways are uneven flagstone and the dining room is down an incline. All participants should be in reasonably good health and capable of dealing with the terrain and stairs.
Special dietary requirements (vegetarians, etc.) can usually be accommodated.
I had so much fun taking your class!! Thank you for offering it in such a way we all felt comfortable and honored!
Your masterful storytelling leads the way for each of us to develop into individual storytellers that continue the oral tradition in the best way possible, by sharing our own stories.
I love Connie’s workshops. She transports me to ‘be in the moment’ through her fun breathing exercises. Her loving, caring manner has allowed me to be comfortable with myself and fellow classmates.
“Connie’s technique provides grounded, practical tools that let a story, and its teller, really take flight. She’s a master, and she generously shares her wealth of useful wisdom and experience.”
Laura Hope-Gill
Director of M.A. Writing Program
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Learn more about other individual workshops and learning opportunities:
