Is This My Story to Tell? Beginning & Sustaining a Lifelong Storytelling Practice

What stories are waiting inside you—the ones you're afraid to tell, the ones you don't yet know how to shape, the ones that have nothing to do with your resume or your brand? In this three-day creative workshop at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, actor and writer John Cameron Mitchell invites you into the sacred space where authentic storytelling lives. Whether you've never written a word or you're seeking to deepen a practice that's gone stale, this workshop is an invitation to reconnect with the generative joy of creative expression—and to build habits that sustain it for a lifetime.

Mitchell, known for his fearless approach to character, narrative, and emotional truth, opens his creative process entirely: from the messy first draft to the polished script, from solo inspiration to collaborative play. You'll discover that storytelling isn't a luxury for the "naturally talented"—it's a fundamental human need, a way of making sense of experience, and a practice that grows richer with attention. Over three days beginning Friday, October 2, 2026, you'll move beyond the paralysis of "Is this worth telling?" into the freedom of creative play, intuition, and imagination.

This workshop honors both the beginner nervous about their first story and the seasoned writer seeking renewal. You'll leave with concrete techniques, a renewed sense of permission, and most importantly, a framework for sustaining creative practice in a culture obsessed with productivity and personal branding.

What to Expect

Expect a dynamic blend of writing exercises, improvisation games, and collaborative storytelling techniques—including methods like the Surrealist exquisite corpse that dissolve the boundary between autobiography and imagination. Mitchell will walk you through his own creative journey, revealing how story, character, and emotion intersect across different mediums. You'll work individually and with others, generating material, receiving feedback, and discovering your authentic voice. The atmosphere balances gentle accountability with radical permission: there's no "right way" to tell your story. You'll leave with a toolkit for creating, revising, and—most importantly—sustaining a practice rooted in intuition rather than external expectation or validation.

Venue & Logistics

This workshop takes place at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, a renowned retreat center dedicated to holistic learning and personal transformation. The three-day program runs Friday through Sunday, October 2–4, 2026. Wear comfortable, creative clothing that allows you to move freely during improvisation exercises. Bring a journal, pen, and an open heart. Omega's grounds are accessible and welcoming; contact the venue directly with specific accessibility questions.