
APRIL storytelling workshops with Frayn Masters (sold out) & Ash Allen!
BACKFENCE story producers & teachers have been at a for a minute. We are all award winning storytellers who’ve performed in different corners of the country. Combined we’ve coached over 850 stories for stage, screen, conference, and pitches. We continue to refine and grow our own skills.
We’ve also coached stories for numerous fundraisers, special events, one on one, and put on specialty shows like the our sold out co-production at Rev Hall with DIVERSA, SUPER: WOMEN IN TECH.
Email frayn@backfencepdx.com to get notified when new classes come out!!
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I had an event last week and everyone on my team said I had leveled up my stage game- thanks to you, Frayn!
Alisha, Executive Director of an Arts Organization
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The workshop was just so magical. Our group worked SO well together, the stories were so touching and funny - it was intensely special.
Mikey, Chef
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After the Next Level workshop & showcase, I felt like I was on drugs. For days. It put a bounce back in my step.
Megan, Set Designer

FUNNY / STORY
CURIOUS WHAT LIES BEYOND THE PUNCHLINE? FIND OUT!
With instructor ASH ALLEN
The straight up deets:
Date: APRIL 27
Time: noon — 3:00
Location: TBD
10 Students max
This class is for people who love to express their joy and pain through comedy — most especially on a Sunday afternoon. All levels of experience are welcome!
You don’t have to identify as an official 'comic' to come to class. No, Piper, noooo. Just be someone who wants to find new variations of their voice, gain confidence in their storytelling, and have a great time in a room full of creative and supportive folks while sipping coffee.
Maybe you’re a comic who’s curious about what lies beneath and beyond the punch line? This class is for you! We’ll talk about the overlaps and differences between storytelling and comedy. You’ll leave understanding more about how you can use your standup skills to become a compelling storyteller.
Or maybe you love telling stories at parties or during pitch sessions? This class is also for you! Get ready to identify and capitalize on what skills come naturally to you and how to mine your life to create more story hits.
We’ll explore the spaces where the funny/serious, light/heavy interact. Everyone will have the chance to share a story/set with time for feedback.
CLASS OUTLINE:
-Introduction to basic comedy/story structure and elements
-Group breakouts to mine stories
-Stage time! Everyone gets 5 minutes with time for feedback
-Workshopping what worked/what didn't
-What's next: resources to take with you
Email Frayn: frayn@backfencepdx.com to ask questions & sign up!
CLASS COST $40. (Pay just $10 more for a 30-minute private story/set consult with Ash — either before or after the workshop!) Get $5 off when you register before April 7th!

NEXT LEVEL STORYTELLING: Elevate your storytelling & performance skills
With instructor Frayn Masters — SOLD OUT!!
Email frayn@backfencepdx.com to get on the email list for FALL class announcement!!
The straight up deets
Workshops: Mondays 5:45-7:45. April 21, (Skip April 28) May 5, 12
Rehearsal: Monday May 19, 5:45-8:45
Showcase: Thursday, May 22 at Siren Theater
5 Students max for maximum attention
3 In-person classes
3 Private 1:1 sessions
1 Rehearsal with overview and new exercises
A really good time
This class is for everyone! Experienced people and people who’ve never even been on stage come together to have one helluva great time.
You’ve got a lot of cool tools living inside you waiting to impact audiences under the lights. Let’s reveal more of what brings your youness to the stage in this super supportive month-long risk-taking adventure.
If you’ve thought you were too quiet or not performative enough, I want to encourage you to take this class. We have a private session before class begins to make the class meet your specific needs and work through your particular brand of nerves and ish.
I work with stories from the more quiet folks to those dazzle like a disco ball. As people we need to hear and tell all kinds of stories, they are all meaningful.
All you need is a playground where taking chances and trying new things gives you breathing space for breakthroughs that make your stories and stage presence to truly sing.
During your private 1:1’s we can truly create so much progress through individualized support based off what aligns with your goals.
I created this smaller class size, plus one-on-one sessions, just for you. We’ll do challenging super fun exercises, you’ll receive direction along work with topnotch classmates to help you define and get where you want to go next.
We’ll get down to it with improv, varied storytelling formats, supportive performance exercises.
We’ll work on the one-mic-standing-still stage experience and explore the multidimensional topography of the stage. You’ll find a home at the mic with renewed physical, vocal, and narrative inspiration skills.
Email Frayn: frayn@backfencepdx.com to ask questions & sign up!
CLASS COST is $797. Get $100 off when you register before April 7th! Payment plans are available.