Background

Stowe Story Labs is a nonprofit dedicated to helping emerging screenwriters, filmmakers, and creative producers get work made and seen. Please take a minute and review this note before filling out your application.

We look for people demonstrating talent and a good story worth developing, whether or not they have experience in film or television.

This application is for our 2023 labs, retreats, fellowships, and partial scholarships.

Details about our programs, schedule of program, and template agendas can be found here under the programs tab for "narrative labs" and "writers retreats."

Although we charge for our programming, we work to keep the cost of programming as low as possible and offer dozens of full and partial scholarships and fellowships.

Application process

We have one application for all of our labs and retreats. On the application, you may rank the programs you are most interested in, but we will review your application for all slots and, if you are admitted, we will discuss with you which program might be best. As we review material, we may reach out to ask follow up questions.

Fellowships and Scholarships

Although we rely on fees to operate, we do offer as much support to our participants as possible.

We offer annually a dozen or more fellowships, which cover the fees for program and other benefits. Each fellowship has its own criteria and benefits. Please check the website for information about each fellowship.

We also offer dozens of partial scholarships to help ensure deserving applicants can attend our programs.

There is not a separate application process for these opportunities. If interested in financial support, you will be steered to questions about these programs.

Fees and Other Notes

The fee to attend an in-person four-day Narrative Lab in 2023 is $2,600. The fee to attend an in-person five-day writers retreat is $2,850. Fees include all content and most meals.

For most programs, travel and lodging costs are separate, but in all cases we work with lodging partners who offer deep and meaningful discounts to participants (and most include breakfast ....). We keep on the ground costs to a minimum during our programs.

Please note we do not provide feedback on projects through our submission process.

Please familiarize yourself with our programs and fellowships before applying. You can of course reach out to us at info@stowestorylabs.org if you have questions.

As noted above, we look for talented people - regardless of experience or background - bringing us interesting stories, and we look for underrepresented voices. Our mission includes breaking down barriers to this complicated industry.

Dates and Deadlines

Early Bird Deadline ($42): November 21 (ends midnight US Pacific Time)

Regular Deadline ($48): January 5 (ends midnight US Pacific Time)

Final Deadline ($50): January 15 (ends midnight US Pacific Time)

More info here.