The Story Theater Retreat is an opportunity for you to focus on your own personal development and expand your performance abilities. It’s a time to look inward so that you can project outward. In the intimate and safe environment that my wife, Deborah Merriman, and I create for you, you will feel nurtured, supported and comfortable. You will rediscover yourself in the retreat – the true and authentic self that gets squashed and quashed in your busy world. As you release this more congruent and authentic level of expression, you will feel your inner confidence and power grow, and you will learn and incorporate fascinating new presentation and storytelling skills.
“The retreat worked for me because there was space for each person to be him/herself. This gave me full permission to be myself. In a nutshell, there was no judgment in the room, either from Doug or from the other students. There was really no space for judgment to enter the process, which made it safe. I particularly appreciated how Doug was able to work with each person at the level of that person. It was amazing to watch Doug coach each person right past his/her comfort zone. Also, because Doug is so committed to the process, we become committed to the process.”
Dana Lightman
A Small Group of Serious (& Funny!) Students
The retreats are designed for people who are serious about improving their speaking abilities. Some students are professional speakers or trainers while others are just beginning their quest to become professionals. Others have never given a speech in their life, but have something important to say. Some are business leaders and entrepreneurs who recognize that poise and pizzazz in front of the room are essential leadership and marketing skills. In any case, the mix of students is always perfect and speakers of all levels are welcome.
Retreats
are small and intimate, with only four
students. They provide a learning
experience where everyone has adequate
time to present and gain essential
experience with new techniques. You’ll
learn by doing, on your feet. As your
coach, I’ll focus my undivided attention
and coaching expertise on you. No two
students are alike; therefore no two
students receive the same coaching. I’ll
meet you where you are and then
challenge you to stretch and expand
based on your abilities. I will bring
out the best in you. It’s a safe
environment in which to learn and grow.
Come as you are and I’ll take it from
there.
"Doug has
developed a process that connects each
student to their own
special gift."
Renee Grant Williams
We’ll Help You Get Ready
After you register for the retreat, you’ll be given instructions on how to prepare. All you need to prepare is one 4 – 8 minute, personal story to present during the retreat. In the retreat, you’ll learn a process that can be applied to all of your stories. As part of your retreat fee, you will receive a copy of my book,
Doug Stevenson's Story Theater Method (formerly titled Never Be Boring Again), and a copy of the Story Theater Audio Six Pack
- 6 CD learning system. Retreat graduates have said that these resources really provide the foundation to help you come to the retreat prepared. You’ll also receive some key articles and an optional 30-minute phone conference with me so you can ask any questions that come up during your preparation. We’ll also send logistical information about travel, hotels, local transportation, etc.
"Doug kicks ass! It would have taken years of concentrated observation to have learned half of what Doug brought to light. This is an absolute must for anyone who has included storytelling in their profession. It was worth the price and more"
Nikki Mitchell
Let Your Actor Out
Most of my students readily admit there is an actor inside of them waiting to get out. If that describes you, I’m your guy. I will direct you as if you were an actor in a play and help you to realize your acting potential. Many of the influences for Story Theater come from my 16 years as a professional actor. I’ve acted onstage in everything from Snoopy to Shakespeare and even portrayed Danny Zuko in the original cast of GREASE in Chicago.
Schools of acting incorporated into the Story Theater curriculum include Method, Avante Garde, Shakespearian, Comedy and Improvisation. Writing influences include playwriting, classical storytelling, poetry and stand-up comedy. These influences are combined with the disciplines of professional speaking – particularly keynote speaking. Emphasis is given to the application of Story Theater techniques in the context of business presentations and training. No prior acting or writing experience is necessary.
“I now really get how the great entertainers do it – Carson, Leno, it’s with calculated detail, not just a genetic disposition or luck. I learned that I really can be funny. Thanks so much for helping me break out of my box. I think it will help me skyrocket.”
Sue Artt
Lights, Camera, Action
You will prepare one story to work on in the retreat. During the retreat, you will perform it two times. Each time, you will be videotaped and both my feedback and that of the other students will be captured on video for your review. On the first full day, you will present the “before” version of the story. I’ll then coach you for about 45 minutes. That evening you’ll go back to your hotel room and review the video. You’ll see exactly how the story improved with my coaching and what you need to work on before you perform the story the next day. On the next day, you’ll perform the “after” version of the story. The difference will be dramatic. You’ll be amazed at how much you, and everyone else, have improved overnight. Every participant says that the video is one of the most powerful learning tools they’ve ever experienced.
The Rocky Mountains of Colorado - Story Theater Retreats in Colorado Springs
Story Theater Retreats in North America are held at the Peak View Studio in our home in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado. (See photo gallery.) Sitting on my back porch you will be awed by the panoramic views of the front range of the Colorado Rockies and Pikes Peak. Retreat students regularly comment that the warmth and comfort of our home studio, combined with the spectacular views of the mountains, are an integral part of the retreat experience.
"Doug teaches from the heart. He balances the body, mind and spirit. Nothing is left out"
Jill Eatherly
We suggest that you fly into Colorado Springs and stay at the Marriott Residence Inn – Central, which is 2 miles (6 minutes) from the studio. You can fly into Denver International Airport, but it is over 2 hours away by the time you get your luggage and the drive the 70+ miles to Colorado Springs. Retreats are also held in London, UK; Dublin, Ireland; and other locations around the globe.
"THANK YOU for changing my speaking career forever!... I was hesitant to come, concerned that I would be molded to be like every other speaker. But you showed me who I am. You brought out the best "me"... Since applying your techniques, I have quadrupled my fees! I will recommend you to every speaker who is serious about exploring and polishing their craft."
LeAnn Theiman - Co-Author, Chicken Soup for the Nurses Soul.
Call to inquire about customized and on-site retreats for your company, mastermind group, organization or leadership team. Master classes are available upon request.
Fast retreat facts
(updated for 2008):
Only four students per retreat (possibly
5 students for overseas retreats)
All levels of experience are welcome
You will receive individual coaching and attention
Your
presentation and coaching will be videorecorded
You will learn by doing
Format is one
afternoon plus two days
To register call 1-800-573-6196 or 1-719-573-6195 or
register online
Who will benefit:
speakers and trainers
leaders at all levels
sales
managers and salespeople
entrepreneurs and business owners
fund raisers
ministers
celebrities
Sample of Retreat Schedule:
First
Afternoon: 4:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (may be changed to 3 pm - 6:30 pm)
Group introductions Basic concepts of Story Theater Brain Gym balancing exercises Impromptu story and character introduction exercise
Day One: 8:30 a.m. - approx.
4:30 p.m.
Group warm-up exercise Terms and definitions The Four Types of Language The Nine Steps of Story Structure Message Branding with a Phrase That Pays Stories and coaching, Take One
Day Two: 8:30 a.m. - approx.
5:30 p.m.
Group warm-up exercise Comedy Exercises Stories and coaching, Take Two
Cost and Logistics: (for Retreats in Colorado Springs, 2008)
$2500 (prices subject to change)
Payment plans are available
Lunch is included for both full days;
celebration dinner at conclusion of Retreat
MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted
Discounted hotel rates are available
Transportation and lodging are not included*
* if you stay at the Marriott Residence Inn – Central, we can provide transportation to and from each retreat session. You only need to take a taxi to and from the airport.
Cost and Logistics: (for Retreats in
Overseas Locations)
Prices vary depending on
country and exchange rate; (prices subject to change)
Payment plans are available
Lunch is included for both days;
celebration dinner at conclusion of Retreat
MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted
Location to be determined.
(London Retreats are usually held in Hammersmith)
Transportation and lodging are not included
For more testimonials from Retreat graduates, click on Story Theater Retreats – Testimonials.
“Story Theater was unlike anything I have ever been through. It took me a day to let it all sink in. When people asked me on Sunday following the retreat how it was, all I could do was say “good/fine/different.” Today, I am saying, “The best learning experience I have had in over a decade. Doug is in his element and is so totally immersed in the experience it is energizing.” This isn’t just about the mechanics of telling a good story, it is about becoming a better human (of course, better humans are better speakers). One who is more aware, more alive, and more aligned with the future God put here for them – if they go for it. Be prepared to be taken out of your comfort zone. Be prepared for the unexpected, but it is all good. Be prepared to take your craft to a new level.”
Wally Adamchick
Feel free to call me for a free 20-minute consultation about how the Story Theater Retreat can help you become a more authentic and powerful speaker.
We are now setting Story Theater Retreat dates using a "Collaborative Scheduling" method. Each Retreat has only 4 participants, so we can work with each individual to find dates that work for everyone's schedule. Contact our office and we will begin finding a Retreat for your schedule availability. Retreats are confirmed when we receive
4 registrations. Please be sure the Retreat is confirmed before making non-refundable flights or other non-refundable arrangements.
To check the schedule of Story Theater Retreat dates that may already be in process, click here. To register for a Story Theater Retreat, after dates have been determined, click here.
To download a faxable registration form for currently scheduled retreats, please click on: Story Theater Retreats in Colorado Springs:Story Theater Retreat registration form
For Story Theater Retreats in the UK,
Munich, Australia or other overseas locations: please contact our office for
current schedule and details.
All site contents copyright Doug Stevenson, except where otherwise noted. No reproduction of site content, in part or in whole, in any form or medium including electronic transmission, is allowed without the express permission of the author.
