Online stories: StoryNights on Zoom
StoryCraft 101
StoryCraft 101
StoryCraft 101
How This Works
You’re not memorizing a script—
you’re building a structure you can live inside,
moving with the story, moment to moment.
That's when the story comes to life!
This approach grew out of my work with the Stanford Storytelling Project. It continues as I coach and curate stories for a national audience on the PBS / World Channel television series, Stories From the Stage.
Something new is taking shape in my work with stories.
It lives between story, sound, embodiment, and the deeper currents of myth and meaning.
Alongside my core courses, I’m developing a series of offerings that support storytellers in different ways — from structured group spaces to more individualized coaching.
For now, I’m working with a small number of storytellers one-on-one, helping them shape and refine stories for performance.
If you feel drawn to this work, you’re welcome to stay connected here.
Watch a Story Shaped Through This Work:
What Storytellers Experience:
Michelle understands that great storytelling involves more than crafting the right words. She works with clients as whole humans, helping them access compelling narratives and share them with presence and authenticity. (Kat Koppett, Founder, Koppett)
Working with Michelle Darby on Stories from the Stage was a transformative experience. I didn’t think I could tell a seven-minute story without notes, but she helped me shape my experience into something memorable and a joy to share. Michelle has a remarkable ability to zero in on what a piece needs—from tightening structure to eliminating filler words to helping me articulate my story with clarity and confidence. I couldn’t have done it without her. (Amy Cuomo, Professor, West GA University)
Michelle Darby’s coaching was instrumental in preparing me for my Stories from the Stage filming at WGBH. Her approach is deeply personal and trust-building, helping me sharpen my narrative, be concise without losing depth, and land my message with the right emotions. Because of her guidance, I felt grounded, confident, and fully myself on stage. (Paul Francisco, SVP, State Street; Chief Diversity Officer)
StoryCraft
Personal Narrative Storytelling
Your story is already there,
Waiting to come alive.
We start with structure, find the pulse,
Then you're in it. So is the listener.