The Story Farm Retreat
Dedicated Writing Time, Extensive Workshopping, Lectures, Short Film Production
Retreat Plans 2026
Short Film Production Retreat - Lake Geneva, WI: May 25 - May 31, 2026
Writing Retreat - Lake Geneva, WI: September 23 - 27, 2026
Portland, OR: TBD
The 2026/7th annual writing retreat is all expenses paid (except airfare) for one person with a private room at $2249, or 6 payments of $395. Your registration includes monthly workshop meetings that meet twice per month to help you stay accountable, receive feedback, and be a part of a community.
Alumni can purchase the Writing Retreat for $1750 or five payments of $365. (Alumni must email max@thestoryfarm.org to sign up.)
If you sign up for the Pro Screenwriting Lab, you can attend the Story Farm Writing Retreat for only $1,349. You must inquire to receive this discount.
The Short Film Production Retreat is a long-term program that culminates in a week-long live retreat where all writers in attendance physically shoot/film the short film (5 pages, max.) that they develop in class. Monthly meetings begin in December 2025, with weekly classes with development, production education and meetings beginning in April. A maximum of 8 writers will be allowed to attend the live Short Film Production Retreat, but you have the option to "audit" the full program for $595 if you are unable to attend the live retreat. The audit option will allow you to participate in all of the meetings, classes, feedback, and production education (just minus the retreat and production).
If there is high demand, a second writing retreat and/or a second Short Film retreat will be scheduled.
Reserve your spot now!
Email max@thestoryfarm.org if you have questions, or see the payment options below.
The focus of each retreat is on WRITING (plus shooting your short for the Short Film Retreat)! We don't schedule your day from minute-to-minute with non-writing/non-creative exercises. The retreats are focused on workshopping, pitching, creative games, and lots and lots of writing time. We've found that most writing retreats are so over-scheduled, that writers walk away getting hardly any writing done. We're here to farm stories, and the only way to do that is to write! So join us on one of our retreats. If you need recommendations from past participants, we would be happy to get you in touch.
If you reserve your spot in multiple retreats, you'll receive a 15% discount on the additional reservations.
This screenwriting endeavor is difficult enough. Don't go it alone. This will be the most unique, beneficial, educational, and life-changing approach to your screenwriting development and education. Invest in yourself. Join us at The Farm. We'll keep the light on for you.
Make New Friends
An all expense paid (excluding airfare) screenwriting retreat with special industry guests, bonfire stories (sometimes of the spooky variety), designated pre-retreat assignments and meetings, and unlike other retreats - a lot of dedicated writing time!
Fun, Food, and Drinks
Allow yourself to be treated like a V.I.P. with the best food and drinks, brainstorm with fellow writers, and get your creative juices flowing with or without adult beverages, all within a dedicated retreat space just for Story Farm writers.
The Story Farm Retreat Options
September 2026 Wisconsin Writing Retreat - $2,249
For Non-Alumni: The 7th Annual 5-Day writing retreat in Lake Geneva, WI - September 23 - 27, 2026 You receive your own private room, pick-up and drop-off at the airport of your choosing (Milwaukee or Chicago O'Hare), all food and drinks covered. This also include two workshop meetings per month on Zoom with your Story Farm Community.
September Writing Retreat Payment Plan - 6 x $395
Payment plan option for your Writing Retreat Attendance. The full payment plan must be completed 30 days prior to the September retreat. This includes monthly workshop meetings (2x per month) between February and October 2026.
Short Film Production Class + Retreat - $6,750
The Story Farm Short Film Production Class and Retreat is a 7-month program beginning in December 2025. Weekly classes begin in April 2026, with a 7-day live production retreat at the end of May to shoot your short. A maximum of 8 writers will be allowed in the program.
Short Film Production Class "Audit" - $595
The audit option will allow you to participate in all of the meetings, classes, feedback, and production education. This price does not include attendance in the live production retreat, nor direct assistance in filming your short film.
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