What We Expect from You

• We are only accepting proposals for workshops/classes that embrace Story Parlor’s mission and core values, and deliver creative, experiential offerings.

• Facilitators should have at least 5 years of relatable experience* in their proposed field, as well as a teaching pedagogy that’s rooted in positive encouragement, inclusivity, and delivering a hands-on/interactive curriculum. (*Not applicable to certified Inward & Artward facilitators.)

• At this point we are not accepting proposals for workshops centered in critique, unless the facilitator is well versed in the Critical Response Process, or a similar feedback method.

• Facilitators are expected to provide robust marketing assistance to accompany Story Parlor’s promotional efforts, with the goal of programming a “sold-out” workshop or class.

• Facilitators are responsible for the set-up and breakdown of the facility, leaving it in excellent condition for the next community member’s use, to include taking out trash, sweeping up, and restocking the restrooms as needed.

What You Can Expect From Us

Exclusive use of the Story Parlor main room and classroom loft, along with the necessary tables and chairs required for a successful workshop.

If the below add-ons are requested:

• Inclusion in the Story Parlor newsletter (which reaches over 2000 local subscribers), so long as content is provided at least 3 weeks in advance.

• Recirculation in our social media stories of anything we are tagged in, to a reasonable degree (our handle is @storyparloravl).

• The workshop listed on our website and in-person community boards.

• The handling of online registrations and student payments along with regular inventory updates.

Story Parlor does not have access to dedicated parking. Facilitators are advised to plan accordingly, as well as to inform their students of parking options in advance. A parking map with nearby paid lots and available street parking can be accessed here.

Facilitators and their guests are expected to be considerate of the surrounding neighbors (including not parking in the neighboring and heed any parking signs, regulations, and/or fees). Story Parlor is not responsible for parking tickets or towed vehicles.

Per fire safety regulations, total capacity cannot exceed 49 people.

Facilitators are granted exclusive access to the Parlor’s 350 sqft classroom loft and 1050 sqft flex space.

Per fire safety regulations, total capacity cannot exceed 49 people. Access to the space includes the use of forty (40) folding chairs, eight (8) 20x40 folding tables, eighteen (18) bar stools, eight (8) cocktail/bistro tables. The classroom loft’s “resting” layout includes a large conference table, twelve (12) folding chairs, nine (9) bar stools, bar/gallery seating, and a large white board (stairs are required to access the classroom). The Parlor’s ADA accessible main floor has a bar, stage, and restroom, and otherwise allows for a flexible configuration, to be set-up and broken down by the workshop facilitator before and after each use.

Should Co-op Members wish to book the space outside of their dedicated time slots, they are eligible to receive steeply discounted membership rental rates, subject to availability (see link below for details). Aside from Story Parlor’s rotating series of events, weekends are generally kept open for community rentals or member add-on rentals.

Members interested in booking additional time outside of their regular Co-op slot should fill out a space rental request form on the Story Parlor website, available here.

Co-op additional hourly rates can be found here. (Make sure you are viewing the “STORY CO-OP MEMBER RATE SHEET”!)

Workshops and events are typically booked back-to-back (ie, one group has access to the space on Sundays from 3-6pm, and another is scheduled from 6-9pm directly thereafter). Therefore, in-and-out access times are precise. Please be respectful of other groups’ contracted times and plan accordingly in regard to any set-up, break-down, and clean-up that needs to be completed within your specific block.

As last minute cancellations prohibit us from re-booking the space (and subsequently, restrict us from covering our monthly expenses), we are not in the position to offer complimentary make-up dates. As such, make-ups are considered add-ons at the hourly workshop rate and are subject to calendar availability. Facilitators can email erin@storyparloravl.com to coordinate a date and time.

Alternative solutions/suggestions…

In the past, some instructors have arranged for subs, some have held class over zoom, and others have built in an extra class to their existing block (and if that make-up class is not used, the extra date can be utilized for a pop-in class/community gathering/student showcase in its stead). Extra classes built-in at the front end may be subject to a different fee if the facilitator has opted for the percentage split.

Of course! The community board on-site has space for promotional posters (not to exceed 11x17 inches) for any offerings to be held at the Parlor. Due to the number of events and workshops we host, we currently do not allow promotional materials for offerings that take place off site.

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Please note we do not allow posters or promotional material to be posted in the windows.

At the core of our mission is a fierce commitment to protecting the delicate and intricate nature of the creative process. Critique and feedback are equally delicate and intricate, and if not handled with intentionality and care, can result in a stunted, abandoned, and/or harmed creative journey. We aim to create a space focused on encouraging self-efficacy and creative sustainability, and want all prospective students who come through our doors to know we have the best interests for their creative spirit front of mind. To that end, we follow Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process when implementing critique or feedback practices and welcome any facilitators well-versed in this (or a similar model) to teach with us.

For further reading and education, we recommend checking out Lerman’s work, in addition to Felicia Rose Chavez’s The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop.

The Creative Facilitator Training is an interactive 18-week program on how to create and facilitate unique offerings rooted in the intersection of the creative process, personal stories, and the human condition. Tailored for folks interested in starting a new and fulfilling career path, or simply wanting to deepen and/or refresh their approach to holistic creative facilitation. Upon completion, participants receive an “Inward & Artward” certification, which includes a number of benefits within the Story Parlor teaching community. More details on the training can be found here.

Subject to availability, Story Parlor can provide bartending services through its ABC license to include the sale of beer and wine (and other nonalcoholic drinks). Absolutely no underage drinking will be tolerated, and all ABC regulations for serving alcohol must be heeded. Members can request bar services via the Member Portal on the website. A bartender for hire may be arranged for an additional $20/hour; alternatively, Story Parlor may be able to offer bar training to facilitators.

No outside alcohol is permitted on premises! Nor may any alcoholic beverages be taken off site, including the sidewalk immediately outside of Story Parlor.

Yes, however…

Due to the lack of grease trap, no food may be cooked on premises. Our old plumbing also make our sinks un-suitable for cleaning dishes, therefore any dishes, utensils, and glassware must be cleaned OFF-SITE. It is prohibited to clean dishes outside on the property’s sidewalk, grass, or any neighboring area. The facility’s hand sinks are to be used for hand washing or to acquire drinking/tap water only.

Using disposable (and recyclable/compostable) cups, dishes, and utensils is strongly suggested.

Furthermore, the use of any open flames, including bunsen burners, is prohibited.

Lastly, those using the space are responsible for adhering to all food safety regulations and acquiring any necessary permits as required by the City of Asheville/State of North Carolina.