Workshop space is available to creative facilitators whose offerings fit within the Story Parlor mission and core values, along with all of the below expectations.

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.

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 rooted in the narrative arts.

• 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.

Mission

Story Parlor is a narrative arts space featuring storytelling and the exploration of the human condition through community-driven programming. Committed to impacting positive change through the transformative power of storytelling through all art mediums, Story Parlor champions the artists of Western North Carolina through events, classes, community building, and advocacy.

Core Values + Objectives

• Connect audiences and artists from varying creative backgrounds and interests

• Inform, inspire, and invigorate through the arts

• Promote and foster self-inquiry and mindfulness

• Cultivate creative exchange and cultural insight

• Foster authenticity and inclusiveness

What is your parking situation?

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

Folks are expected to be considerate of the surrounding neighbors and heed any parking signs, regulations, and/or fees. Story Parlor is not responsible for parking tickets or towed vehicles.

Can I request a walk-through of the space?

Certainly! Email us here to set up a time. We also invite you to check out our photo gallery here.

What happens if I need to schedule a make-up class?

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 discounted workshop rate and are subject to calendar availability.

Alternative solutions/suggestions…

In the past, some facilitators 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).

Can I access the space a few minutes early on my class days?

Workshops 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 community members’ 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.

What offerings typically do well?

Classes and workshops rooted in the intersection of the creative process and narrative arts do well in the space. At the moment, we unfortunately do not have a large marketing base that responds to youth classes so will likely suggest the flat rate option for youth-based proposals.

What if my workshop does not fulfill the expectations outlined on this page?

You’re welcome to explore our rental opportunities here.

Why don’t you allow workshops centered in critique?

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.

What is the Inward & Artward Facilitator Training?

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.

Payment Options

Facilitators have the option of one of three payment structures:

1) A flat rate, determined by the day and time requested, with the option to include various marketing and registration add-ons. (Not available to single-day or weekend-long workshops.)

2) A 40/60 registration split (60% to the facilitator; 40% to Story Parlor).

3) Available only to Inward & Artward Facilitators: a 65/35 registration split (65% to the facilitator; 35% to Story Parlor).

All workshop collaborations require a $125 deposit and space agreement to secure the workshop dates. In the case of a flat rate fee structure, the deposit will be applied to the total amount due. In the case of a registration split, the full deposit is applied toward marketing, registration intake, and administrative tasks.

Full payment for the flat rate option is due 30 days in advance of the offering start date.

Payment Distribution

Flat Rate: Full payment is due upon receipt of invoice in order to guarantee the class dates.

Registration Split (for multi-day workshops): Payment for the percentage split option will be paid half their fee on the second day of class, and the remaining amount on the final day of class. Please note credit card processing fees (2.99%) will be deducted from the total registration.

Registration Split (for single-day/weekend workshops): Payment will be distributed via check upon completion of the workshop.

Please note a W9 form is required for all facilitators in advance of their first teaching day.

Cancellation Policy

Any cancellation requests are to be received in writing, via email. If Story Parlor cancels the workshop within the first 72 hours, then the Facilitator’s deposit will be fully refunded.

If the Facilitator should cancel their workshop within 72 hours of signing the agreement, they agree to pay Story Parlor a $25 administration fee to be deducted from the deposit. If written notice is received after 72 hours of executing the agreement and/or payment, $50 of the deposit will be deducted, and the deposit remainder, along with any other funds paid, will be refunded. Any workshops cancellations requested with less than six weeks notice will incur a $125 fee.

If the Facilitator opted for the flat rate option, any cancellations made after two weeks weeks will also incur a fee: within two weeks of the start date, only 50% of the payment will be refunded; within one week of the start date, only 25% will be refunded; within 24 hours of the start date and thereafter, no refund will be issued.

If the Facilitator opted for the percentage shift, Story Parlor reserves the right to cancel or postpone the offering if registration has not filled to the mutually decided upon enrollment goal. In these circumstances, the $125 admin fee will not be refunded.

All workshops will require a credit card to be kept on file as an additional security measure in the event of any incidentals or damages.

Health and Student Refund Policies

Workshop facilitators are welcome to request more strict health policies than those outlined below, but not less so.

More details here.

Reserved Time

All offerings require a minimum of three hours in the space per day. Facilitators may request more time but not less.

To maintain fair rates for the community, the Facilitator is responsible for for basic set-up, breakdown, and cleanup. Story Parlor will ensure the amenities requested are easily accessible for set-up, and will provide a checklist for breakdown and cleaning protocol.

Space Rules and Regulations