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Voices

Stories From
the Stage

Michelle understands that great storytelling involves much more than simply crafting the right words. She works with her clients as whole humans, helping them access their most compelling narratives, and to share them with presence and authenticity. (Kat Koppett, Eponymous Founder at Koppett)​​

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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, creating space for you to bring all of your story forward with authenticity and courage. Michelle helped me sharpen my narrative, be concise without losing depth, and land my message with the right emotions at exactly the right moments. Because of her guidance, I felt grounded, confident, and fully myself on stage. (Paul Francisco, Sr. VP, State Street, Chief Diversity Officer)​

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From the day I met Michelle I knew that my story was in capable, nurturing hands. I’ve been on stages most of my life but never for anything like this… I felt completely out of my depth. Michelle guided me with heart and intuition and encouraged me to move away from my fears and share my truth with skill and vulnerability. I have so much gratitude for her time and talent and for walking me through the storytelling process so beautifully. (Samantha Talora, Singer - Concert & Cabaret Artist)​

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Michelle immediately impressed me with her fundamental understanding for what makes storytelling a precious artform, as a delicate balance of the intimately personal and the engagingly entertaining. Working together unleashed creative muscles I never knew I had; her guidance reinvigorated my drive to hone my craft and face every truth, no matter how thorny. She is unflinchingly disciplined and expected the same from me, but I could always trust that she held the utmost compassion for the raw emotions and experiences at the foundation of the work. (Alexander Scott, Comedian)​

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Working with Michelle Darby was amazing!  I not only learned the art of storytelling but also gained the confidence to appear on PBS Stories from the Stage. (Holly Seaver, Foster Mother)

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Michelle provided encouraging and constructive feedback that elevated my performance for Stories From The Stage.  Her wealth of knowledge and lived experiences in storytelling is genuinely one of a kind - insight you simply won't find anywhere else. (Joe Krajewski, MS Civil, MS Const, MBS, PE, SE)

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Working with Michelle Darby as my storytelling coach for Stories From the Stage refined how I approached stories.  Our conversations went far beyond surface edits—to the emotional center that truly mattered. Once that was clear, Michelle challenged me to build the story with greater intention and depth. 

What stays with me most is how usable her approach is. I’ve carried elements of her coaching style into my own work with storytellers for my show in Montreal. (Michele Luchs, Project Coordinator at EMSB/ Confabulation Producer and Story Coach)

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I had the privilege of working with Michelle Darby when she coached me for the series Stories From the Stage  for WGBH. It was a remarkable experience. Michelle is masterful teacher. She is intuitive, a keen observer and deeply compassionate. Michelle inspires you to be courageous and skillfully guides you through the process of discovery, into the rigorous process of structuring an authentic, emotionally connected narrative. She challenges you in a way that inspires you to lean in, dig deeper and take risks. The space Michelle creates is magical and empowering. I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her. (Kelly Gilles, NYC Teacher)

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Recognition

Winner, Silver Signal Award – Stories From the Stage: The Podcast (“Getting Away With It”)

Working with Michelle was truly transformative. Through her thoughtful guidance, encouragement, and incredible ability to draw out authenticity, she helped me shape my story into something meaningful and powerful. More importantly, she gave me the confidence to step on stage and deliver it in a way I’m genuinely proud of. Not only was she helpful in my Stories From the Stage performance, I actually find myself transferring those skills when working with my clients as well! Her encouragement and insight gave me the confidence to take the stage and truly own my story. (Rachael Conroy)

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I still think about my experience with Stories From the Stage often. The process really pushed me to slow down and be intentional with how I tell my story. It helped me find clarity in my voice and reminded me of the power of vulnerability when sharing lived experiences. That’s something I’ve carried with me into all of my content since. (Don Broussard, The Bearded Backpacker)

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Michelle is a stellar storytelling coach who really loves storytelling. From our first meeting, I felt heard, supported, and confident. I so loved working with and learning from her and was sad when our time was over. I can not recommend working with her enough. She’ll change the way you hear, see, and tell stories. You’ll have fun along the way. (ChaChanna Simpson Storyteller, Host, Writer)

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Working through my story with Michelle helped me uncover a part of myself that was so dormant I had forgotten it had ever existed. The whole story process restored a part of my past to me. That's Michelle's magic! (Angela Lu)

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Michelle Darby's patient approach helped guide me through the construction of my story. Sometimes we would just be talking for ten minutes about a completely inane topic only for a lesson to be revealed at the end that would help pull my whole story together. Michelle treats our craft with a reverence that is infective and healing in equal doses. Michelle Darby is one of the best storytelling teachers I've ever had the honor to learn from. (Zachary Lennon-Simon)

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Working with Michelle Darby on Stories for the Stage was a transformative experience. I honestly didn't think I could tell a seven-minute story without notes!  Michelle helped me shape my experience into a story that was memorable and a joy to share. 

Michelle Darby has a remarkable ability to zero in on what a piece needs. From tightening the structure to eliminating filler words to helping me articulate my story with clarity and confidence, Michelle guided me through every step of the process. I couldn't have done it without her! (Amy Cuomo, Drama Professor, West GA University)
 

StoryCraft

Go for it—you’ll find stories you didn’t know were part of you.

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This class was AWESOME! I loved how engaging the class was and its bias towards action. Appreciated how we were to tell a story every week and had scaffolding to help us along the way. My new normal after the class is definitely having the tools I need in my storytelling tool box to improve my craft.

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Beautiful, soulful class. The journey was fun, mixed with some worthwhile struggles, which led to an incredible feeling of deep satisfaction in the final performance. I feel more whole.​​​

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I came in looking for storytelling skills that would be helpful for starting a company and I left knowing I am more confident about crafting a short and sweet story and deliver it with confidence. This class is fantastic!​

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DO ANYTHING YOU CAN TO TAKE THIS CLASS!​​​

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