Background

  Thank you for your interest in our Narrative Labs. By way of background, founded in 2013, Stowe Story Labs is a nonprofit dedicated to helping top emerging and established screenwriters, filmmakers, and creative producers get work made and seen. We do this through programs designed to help artists develop skills and projects. We look for people demonstrating talent, a collaborative nature, a good story worth developing, and the ability to develop the project presented, whether or not they have experience in film or television. 

This application is for admission and consideration for fee-based, fellowship, and scholarship slots to our 2026 Narrative Labs. Our 2026 Labs will run:

• June Narrative Lab -- June 5 - 8 in Stowe, Vermont; and  
• September Stowe Narrative Lab -- September 4 - 7 in Stowe, Vermont.

You can learn more about our Labs here. (We will open our Producers' Lab and our Writers' Retreats application processes later this year.)

Although we charge for our programming, we work to keep the cost of programming as low as possible, and offer a number of partial scholarships and fellowships. Details about our fellowships and scholarships can be found here. Again, this application is for all slots (fee-based, fellowship, and partial scholarship) to the two narrative labs.

Application Process

The questions on the application ask about you, the project you are submitting, and your intent in making the film or show. Please answer questions as fully as possible.

If applying for fellowships you may note on the application which fellowship you would prefer, but we consider all fellowship applicants for all fellowships, maximizing your opportunity for support. Further, each fellowship has its own criteria and benefits. Please check the website for information about each fellowship before completing a fellowship application.

If applying for scholarships please include a statement of need where indicated.

There is not a separate application process for these opportunities but in order to be considered for fellowships and scholarships, you must press "yes" on the question "I am applying for fellowships or other forms of financial support," and fill out the statement of need. Otherwise, you will only be considered for full fee slots. 

Our fellowships are awarded based on merit and our scholarships are offered based on merit and need.

Fees

The fee to attend an in-person four-day Narrative Lab in 2026 is $2,750.00. 

Fees to the Labs include all content, lunch, and receptions. The fees do not cover travel or lodging.

We work with lodging partners to secure discounts to participants (and most include breakfast ...). We keep on the ground costs as low as possible during our programs.

Changes

We will notify all applicants of fee or schedule changes if/when they occur. 

Misc. 

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. Our mission includes breaking down barriers to entry in this complicated industry. 

Dates and Deadlines

Early Bird Deadline ($50): October 1 (ends midnight US Pacific Time)

Regular Deadline ($62): November 10 (ends midnight US Pacific Time)

Late Deadline ($75): November 24 (ends midnight US Pacific Time)

Thank you for your interest in our labs. Best of luck if you choose to apply. Please be assured we take the same care of your work and application in the review process as you have put into developing the work and making your application.

Team Stowe Story Labs