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overview

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The Goal

The Wonderlust Storytelling Institute is a creative incubator dedicated to equipping new writers who have lived outside their home countries with the knowledge, skills and community to transform their cross-cultural experiences into compelling narratives to be shared on stage or screen with audiences.

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The mission is to bridge cultural and political divides by fostering empathy, understanding, and connection through storytelling, especially at a time of increasing polarization, algorithm-driven media, and social fragmentation.

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The target participants

Individuals who have spent significant time living outside their home countries – immigrants, refugees, international development professionals, third culture kids, diplomats, military families, athletes, etc. – who are new to writing but driven with a creative energy to develop a story they want to share with an audience, leveraging their cross-cultural perspectives. 

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program overview

A 12-week cohort-based educational program for aspiring storytellers with expert instruction, hands-on training, and collaborative workshopping of a first draft story. Participants will leave with a strong storytelling foundation and a working draft of a theatrical script adapted from their lived experiences that they'll present a live preview of at a showcase with industry professionals, as well as a vision for where they want to take their story next. 

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In-person in Washington DC with additional virtual guest lectures

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Dates

September 7 - December 12, 2026

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Cost

The cost of the program is $2,500 which will be paid upon enrollment. We will offer 2 needs-based scholarships to accepted students that will reduce the cost by 50%.

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Cohort Size

8-10 participants
 

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