Writers’ Retreats
5-DAY IN-PERSON GROUP GATHERINGS
Remote (Online)
June 27 - July 1, 2025
Stowe, Vermont
September 12 - 16, 2025
Connemara, Ireland
October 13 - 17, 2025
DESIGNED FOR EMERGING AND ESTABLISHED TALENTS WITH A WELL DEVELOPED DRAFT OF A FEATURE OR TV SCRIPT
Top emerging screenwriters/filmmakers with a well developed story are admitted through competitive application process. Requires a well developed first draft of a feature screenplay or TV pilot to be completed prior to the retreat.
GOALS + OUTCOMES
Participants will leave the program with actionable script notes, a plan to further develop the work, and a network of new peers and colleagues.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Work with three different industry mentors in three one-on-one sessions to discuss script notes and career advancement. Past Writers’ Retreat mentors include Ciara Appelbe (Creative Director at O’Sullivan Productions), Derek Simonds (Showrunner, THE SINNER), Jen Au (Literary Manager), and Ellie Foumbi (Director/Writer of award-winning indie OUR FATHER, THE DEVIL).
Direct access to working industry professionals through industry facing content and informal gatherings
Instructional content, skills seminars, and writing exercises
Peer-to-Peer script note sessions
Shared meal and social time designed to help form professional relationships in this collaborative industry
A beautiful setting to develop your craft
Sanjay Shah (right, Showrunner/Executive producer) mentors in a one-on-one script note meeting.
Writers’ Retreat News
Congratulations to Stowe Alum Jillian Corsie on winning a $75,000 development deal from the Cordillera Film Festival for her horror feature, THE LAMBING.
It was a pleasure to work with Jillian to develop THE LAMBING at our 2024 Stowe Writers’ Retreat, which took place a couple weeks before the festival. Jillian reported, “I fully believe that all the talking and thinking at Stowe helped with that [the winning pitch].”
Applications will open in January 2025 for 2025 Writers’ Retreats, Fellowships, and Scholarships.
FIVE DAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR WRITING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
At the Retreat, the main focus is on the script, with three, one-hour, one-on-one script note sessions with three different industry mentors; industry-facing content, including Panel Discussions, In-Conversation Interviews and Q&A sessions; writing exercises; and peer-group sessions. Each Retreat offers approximately 20 participant slots to be led by 12 mentors.
Photo: 2024 Stowe Writers’ Retreat participants in a peer group session at The Timberholm, in Stowe, Vermont.
DAY 1
Introductions
Workshop: Subtext
Lunch and social time
Write, Reflect, Revise
One-on-one mentor meetings
Dinner and Social Time
DAY 2
Peer group sessions
One-on-one mentor meetings
Lunch and social time
Write, Reflect, Revise
Mentor Q&A/discussion Panels
Dinner and Social Time
DAY 3
Optional early morning excursion
Peer group sessions
One-on-one mentor meetings
Lunch and social time
Write, Reflect, Revise
Mentor Q&A/discussion Panels
Dinner and Social Time
DAY 4
One-on-one mentor meetings
Mentor Q&A/discussion panels
Lunch
Write, Reflect, Revise
Peer group sessions
Writing Exercise
Dinner and Social Time
DAY 5
Peer group session
Writing exercise
Lunch
Workshop: logline and synopsis
Sad and long farwells
INVESTMENT
Remote (Online)
$1,950
Stowe, Vermont
$2,850
Connemara, Ireland
$4,110
Stowe Story Labs is proud to support artists’ projects and professional development through Fellowships and Scholarships.
Remote (Online)
We know that an in-person retreat is not always possible, and some prefer the feeling and process online, so we offer this opportunity to meet your peers and learn from our mentors in this dynamic format.
Stowe, Vermont
Our lodging partners offer discounts (and some offer breakfast), and we provide group lunch and light dinners during the time together, so expenses during the program are kept to a minimum.
Connemara Retreat: All-Inclusive Rate at Renvyle House Hotel & Resort in Renvyle, Connemara
The Connemara Retreat differs from our other programs because we offer this program with inclusive lodging and full board at a beautiful resort on the West Coast of the island of Ireland.
MEET YOUR MENTORS
Specific program mentors are announced closer to Lab start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Applications are closed. Subscribe to our newsletter here to stay up to date.
-
There is no separate scholarship application. You may indicate you are interested in financial support on your application.
-
A team of two may apply, and if admitted the team will share mentor meetings and peer group slots (not take separate meetings or seats), and will need to cover a room and board surcharge.
-
Yes!
-
Just email us at info@stowestorylabs.org.