Ready to tell the stories only you can tell?
In this dynamic 8-week class, you'll gain essential tools and powerful techniques to craft and deliver stories that truly connect. Whether you’re brand new to storytelling or looking to deepen your practice, this course will meet you where you are—and help you grow from there.
We’ll begin by creating a brave, playful space where your voice is welcomed and celebrated. Then we’ll dive into the heart of storytelling: structure that supports your narrative, vivid detail that brings it to life, and presence that allows you to fully embody your story.
Throughout the course, you’ll receive direct feedback, personalized one-on-one coaching, and participate in energizing story games that unlock creativity and build connection. We’ll work through nerves and stage fright together—transforming fear into fuel and silence into powerful expression.
By the end of our time together, you’ll take the stage and share a personal story that matters—with confidence, clarity, and heart—before a warm and supportive audience.
Join us. Find your story. Own your voice. Share it with the world.
In this dynamic 8-week class, you'll gain essential tools and powerful techniques to craft and deliver stories that truly connect. Whether you’re brand new to storytelling or looking to deepen your practice, this course will meet you where you are—and help you grow from there.
We’ll begin by creating a brave, playful space where your voice is welcomed and celebrated. Then we’ll dive into the heart of storytelling: structure that supports your narrative, vivid detail that brings it to life, and presence that allows you to fully embody your story.
Throughout the course, you’ll receive direct feedback, personalized one-on-one coaching, and participate in energizing story games that unlock creativity and build connection. We’ll work through nerves and stage fright together—transforming fear into fuel and silence into powerful expression.
By the end of our time together, you’ll take the stage and share a personal story that matters—with confidence, clarity, and heart—before a warm and supportive audience.
Join us. Find your story. Own your voice. Share it with the world.
Note: Your registration fee includes a one-on-one video call coaching session with Michelle to fine tune your story as well as a final student showcase on the week after class ends.
This class meets 5:00 - 7:00pm on the following Thursdays:
Sept 11
[No Class Sept 18]
Sept 25
[No Class Oct 2]
Oct 9
Oct 16
Oct 23
Oct 30
Nov 6
Nov 13
Possible make-up date if HVC needs to cancel class: Nov 20
Final friends and family showcase: Nov 20th at 7pm
Sept 11
[No Class Sept 18]
Sept 25
[No Class Oct 2]
Oct 9
Oct 16
Oct 23
Oct 30
Nov 6
Nov 13
Possible make-up date if HVC needs to cancel class: Nov 20
Final friends and family showcase: Nov 20th at 7pm
About Your Teacher:
Michelle Darby has spent nearly forty years bringing stories to life—as an actor, director, singer, and celebrated storytelling teacher and coach. For the past 13 years, she has taught the art of true, personal narrative across the globe, including seven years at Stanford University, online for public audiences, and in person around the world. Her students have ranged from professionals in international organizations to first-time storytellers finding their voice.
Over those 13 years, she developed her own unique method of teaching personal storytelling—a process rooted in structure, presence, vulnerability, and emotional truth. She continues to teach this approach in workshops, classes, and coaching sessions around the world.
Michelle has been featured at storytelling festivals such as the Zeg Storytelling Festival in Tbilisi, Georgia, and currently serves as story curator and coach for Stories From the Stage, produced by WGBH/The World in Boston, MA and which is aired on most PBS stations throughout the US.
Michelle believes that personal storytelling doesn’t just entertain—it connects, heals, and reveals who we really are. Come learn the art of storytelling with her—and discover the power of your own voice.
Michelle Darby has spent nearly forty years bringing stories to life—as an actor, director, singer, and celebrated storytelling teacher and coach. For the past 13 years, she has taught the art of true, personal narrative across the globe, including seven years at Stanford University, online for public audiences, and in person around the world. Her students have ranged from professionals in international organizations to first-time storytellers finding their voice.
Over those 13 years, she developed her own unique method of teaching personal storytelling—a process rooted in structure, presence, vulnerability, and emotional truth. She continues to teach this approach in workshops, classes, and coaching sessions around the world.
Michelle has been featured at storytelling festivals such as the Zeg Storytelling Festival in Tbilisi, Georgia, and currently serves as story curator and coach for Stories From the Stage, produced by WGBH/The World in Boston, MA and which is aired on most PBS stations throughout the US.
Michelle believes that personal storytelling doesn’t just entertain—it connects, heals, and reveals who we really are. Come learn the art of storytelling with her—and discover the power of your own voice.
Small but Important Fine Print:
*Please note that once you make your purchase, your place in the class is NON-REFUNDABLE unless we have 48 hours notice before first class AND we can get someone to fill your spot.
*Students must be 18+ years. (In actual years, not maturity. ;)
*Some improv exercises involve some standing, physical activity; however, we can accommodate all physical abilities. Please let email us to let us know how we can best fit your needs or if you have any questions about accommodations.
*Masks are not required at HVC, but they are always welcome. Click here for our COVID policy!
*Please note that once you make your purchase, your place in the class is NON-REFUNDABLE unless we have 48 hours notice before first class AND we can get someone to fill your spot.
*Students must be 18+ years. (In actual years, not maturity. ;)
*Some improv exercises involve some standing, physical activity; however, we can accommodate all physical abilities. Please let email us to let us know how we can best fit your needs or if you have any questions about accommodations.
*Masks are not required at HVC, but they are always welcome. Click here for our COVID policy!
*Happier Valley Comedy rents land that was stolen from Indigenous people, including the Pocumtuc and Nipmuc tribes. A land acknowledgement is not appropriate or adequate to address this injustice that continues to harm people today. Therefore, we have instituted an ongoing process of contributing to the preservation of the lands and cultures of Northeastern Indigenous Peoples. All class fees contain an additional $3 to benefit The Nolumbeka Project, a local nonprofit whose mission is dedicated to these goals.
Learn more about The Nolumbeka Project, including their upcoming events.
Learn more about our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Learn more about The Nolumbeka Project, including their upcoming events.
Learn more about our commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
The Happier Valley Comedy School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.
The Happier Valley Comedy School admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious affiliation, age, ability, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.
