Writers’ Retreats
5-DAY IN-PERSON GROUP GATHERINGS
Designed for emerging screenwriters looking for feedback on well developed screenplays (features or TV projects)
Applications for 2025 Writers’ Retreats will open in January 2025.
UPCOMING WRITERS RETREATS
June 27-July 1, 2025 : Remote (Online)
September 12-16, 2025 : Stowe, Vermont
October 13-17, 2025 : Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland
November 14-18, 2025 : Southwest, USA
*Dates Subject to Change
RETREATS DESIGNED FOR EMERGING TALENTS WITH A WELL DEVELOPED DRAFT FOR TV OR FILM
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
You will leave with actionable script notes, a plan to further develop the work, and a network of new peers and colleagues. Our mantra during retreats is Write, Reflect, Revise.
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.
Every Writers’ Retreat features:
Three, one-on-one, one-hour meetings with three different industry mentors to discuss your script, approach to project, or career pathway
Daily structured one hour, small group, peer-to-peer meetings
Group workshop sessions on subjects vital to developing the craft and navigating the business of screenwriting
Shared meal times, evening drinks, and activities in the area giving an opportunity for broader conversations between peers and mentors
Time to reflect and write
Beautiful, inspirational surroundings
Each Retreat offers approximately 20 participant slots to be led by 12 mentors.
“I'm forever grateful to Stowe for the enormous gifts you shared with us. Priceless gifts that can move us forward in next level ways as creative artists, and as human beings.”
DONNA BONILLA WHEELER, Los Angeles, CA
WHAT TO EXPECT
Day 1:
- Introductions
- Workshop: Subtext, Character, Theme
- Group Lunch, Write, Reflect, Revise
- Peer group sessions
- Individual one-on-one mentor meetings
Day 2:
- Peer group sessions
- Individual one-on-one mentor meetings
- Group Lunch, Write, Reflect, Revise
- Mentor In-Conversation Interview
Day 3:
- Optional early morning outdoor adventure
- Peer group sessions
- Individual one-on-one mentor meetings
- Group Lunch, Write, Reflect, Revise
- Mentor In-Conversation Interview
Day 4:
- Individual one-on-one mentor meetings
- Mentor Q&A
- Group Lunch, Write, Reflect, Revise
- Peer group sessions
- Writing Exercise
Day 5:
- Peer group session
- Writing Exercise
- Workshop: logline and synopsis
- Sad and long farewells
INVESTMENT
Stowe and Western Retreats: $2,850.
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.
Remote: $1950.
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 Retreat: All-Inclusive Rate at Renvyle House Hotel & Resort in Renvyle, Connemara: $3,950.
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.
STOWE STORY LABS IS PROUD TO PARTNER WITH FÍS ÉIREANN/SCREEN IRELAND, NORTHERN IRELAND SCREEN, GALWAY FILM FLEADH, & RENVYLE HOUSE FOR THE ANNUAL OCTOBER CONNEMARA WRITERS RETREAT
Stowe Story Labs is proud to partner with the Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen, Galway Film Fleadh, and Renvyle House Hotel & Resort for our October Connemara Writers Retreat. This program would not be possible without their support.
MEET YOUR MENTORS:
Specific program mentors are announced closer to Retreat start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Applications for 2024 Narrative Labs, Producers’ Lab, Writers’ Retreats, and Financial Support are closed. Subscribe to our newsletter here to stay up to date.
We use Submittable to manage our applications. You will need to open an account on the platform (which is free) to apply.
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There is no separate fellowship/scholarship application. If you indicate you are interested in financial aid on the application to the labs, you may also suggest a fellowship you think you are particularly well suited for, but it is not required. Learn more about available scholarships & fellowships here.
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Our Stowe and Santa Fe In-Person Retreats cost $2,850 plus travel and lodging. Our lodging partners offer discounts (and some offer breakfast). We provide group lunches and light dinners.
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The Connemara Retreat at Renvyle House Hotel & Resort is $3,950. This includes the fee to attend plus room and board. Travel to and from the retreat is not included.
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$1,950.
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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.
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Yes!
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Just email us at info@stowestorylabs.org.