Advanced Storytelling Workshop: Practical and Esoteric

“When you write a memory, it isn’t in the past anyway. It’s alive right now.” ― Natalie Goldberg
This class is designed for those who have completed the Unexpected Productions Creative Storytelling course and are ready for advanced-level story exploration and creation. Our aim is to help you broaden your story repertoire, establish a stronger connection with your audience, and improve your performance skills. During the course, we will cover topics such as narrative development, audience rapport, themes, and your personal storytelling journey. We'll explore how to create stories by delving into your personal histories and memories, including those you may be hesitant to share. Each class will focus on two concepts: one practical (sensory work and presentation) and one more abstract (vulnerability, empathy, and listening). With a maximum class size of 12, all students will have the opportunity to share their work and receive feedback. Participation is mandatory, and we are excited to assist you in enhancing your storytelling abilities on a deeper and more meaningful level.
Date and Time: 6 weeks, 6 Saturdays, Oct 3 to Nov 7, 3:00pm to 5:30pm
Location: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle, WA, 98101
Maximum Students: 12
About the Teacher: Kent Whipple is a storytelling teacher, coach, and performer who helps people turn lived experiences into honest, engaging stories. Whether you have a story you’ve wanted to tell for years or aren’t sure where to begin, Kent helps you discover what matters, find the details that bring it to life, and tell it in a way that feels like you.

As founder of the storytelling program at Unexpected Productions Improv School in Seattle, Kent teaches introductory and advanced classes and serves as narrative coach for the ensemble. He is also the story coach for Ignite Seattle and Senior Producer for The Story Collider in Seattle. His approach combines practical tools for structure and delivery with curiosity, attentive listening, and respect for each storyteller’s voice. Students explore humor, vulnerability, and meaning while learning to connect with an audience.

Kent won the first Moth StorySLAM he entered and became a Moth GrandSLAM champion in March 2023. He was named Best of Bawdy Storyteller in 2019 by audience vote, has been featured three times on the RISK! podcast, and appeared on PBS’s Stories from the Stage in March 2022. He has also shared storytelling guidance on KUOW and performed at Fresh Ground Stories, The Story Collider, the Intersections Festival, and Over the Rainbow Storytelling.

His teaching and coaching experience includes work with the University of Washington Medical School, World Health Organization, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, Yelp, and WE Communications. Through The Story Collider, he has hosted programs featuring Boise State University students and co-hosted Voices of Open Science with the Allen Institute. He brings that breadth of experience to working with first-time storytellers and seasoned performers alike.

Kent holds a B.A. in Arts Administration from the College of Santa Fe. His training includes mentorship with Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing Down the Bones, and study with Larry Rosen of The Moth; Kevin Allison, creator of RISK!; Margot Leitman, author of Long Story Short; Matthew Dicks, author of Storyworthy; and poet Joan Logghe.

At the heart of his teaching is a simple belief: you don’t need an extraordinary life to tell a compelling story. Your experiences are worth exploring, and your voice is worth hearing.

"Such a great telling of the story and the audience reaction was amazing."Kevin Allison, Risk! Podcast,

“Kent Whipple is a treasure.” Paul Currington, Producer, Fresh Ground Stories

Cancellation policy: We apologize, but we are unable to offer refunds within two weeks of a class starting.

Free or reduced-cost access provided is supported by 4Culture