Writers’ Retreats
5-DAY IN-PERSON GROUP GATHERINGS
2026 applications are closed
Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when applications re-open and for other opportunities
Remote (Online)
June 26 - 30, 2026
Croatia
September 21 - 25, 2026
Connemara, Ireland
October 12 - 16, 2026
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), Olivia Hetreed (Screenwriter, GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING, MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS), 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 notes meeting.
Writers’ Retreat News
Kim Bartley’s drama feature LEMONADE, starring Lewis Brophy (left) and Barry Keoghan (right), won the Global Production Awards 2026 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award at Cannes. Kim workshopped the script as a Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland Fellow at Stowe’s 2023 Connemara Writers’ Retreat. Congratulations, Kim!
“Attending the Stowe 2023 Connemara Writers’ Retreat was an incredibly valuable (and enjoyable) experience that significantly impacted my efforts to move from documentary to drama. The focused environment, expert mentorship, and constructive peer feedback gave me practical tools and above all it gave me confidence. I also made invaluable connections (and lasting friendships) that helped to move the project forward in a very practical way- producer and Stowe mentor Ciara Applebe went on to produce my first short and script editor Karol Griffiths worked with me on LEMONADE, the feature project I workshopped in Stowe which is now in post! I am also attached to two other Stowe projects to direct the scripts they developed at the workshop, and am sure other Stowe connections will become collaborators in the future.”
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.
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)
$1,800
Croatia
€4,250
Connemara, Ireland
€4,250
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.
Connemara and Croatia Retreat: All-Inclusive Rate
These programs include lodging and full board.
MEET YOUR MENTORS
Specific program mentors are announced closer to Lab start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Applications are closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when we re-open and for other opportunities.
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There is no separate scholarship application. You may indicate you are interested in financial support on your application.
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Yes!
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Just email us at info@stowestorylabs.org.
By humans for humans. We do not use AI in reviewing applications or scripts, and do not accept submissions generated by AI.