MISSOULA – This summer, storytellers of all backgrounds and skill levels from across the country are invited to attend hands-on workshops taught by top-tier media professionals at the new Montana Media Lab, an innovative, digital media lab based at the University of Montana School of Journalism.

Workshop topics range from podcasting and social media to writing and documentary film, with instructors from National Public Radio, PBS, Transmitter Media, the Newseum Institute, the University of Chapel Hill School of Media and Journalism, and UM’s School of Journalism.

The following workshops are accepting applicants:

• Audio Storytelling and Podcasting, June 10-14 – Michael May, senior producer of NPR’s “Story Lab,” will cover interviewing, gathering sound, writing and editing a script, and cutting and mixing audio. Participants will learn how to plan, produce and market their own podcast.

• Audio Tools for Non-Audio Storytellers, June 27-29 – Lacy Roberts, managing producer of Transmitter Media, will provide audio training for those who tell stories in a different medium – photographers, filmmakers, writers, etc. Participants will learn to use digital audio recorders, capture sound in the field, write for the ear and edit long-form narratives and short-form news pieces.

• Writing Well: Telling Stories People Notice, July 8-10 – Jule Banville, associate professor of journalism at UM, will teach the fundamentals applicable to all forms of writing – from social media and websites to nonprofit and business communication.

• Mobile and Social Media Engagement, July 17 – Media strategist and digital journalist Val Hoeppner will share tips on how to grow audience engagement and develop mobile and social media storytelling skills. From efficient apps to best practices, participants will learn how to create and leverage engaging digital content.

• Short and Smart: Mobile Video Storytelling, July 18 – Media strategist and digital journalist Val Hoeppner will cover the principles of smartphone video storytelling – from sequencing and interviewing to capturing high-quality sound and publishing.

The Montana Media Lab combines small classes, experienced instructors and the latest technology. Participants can elect to take most workshops for university credit via a partnership with the UM School of Extended and Lifelong Learning (SELL). Interested participants can view a complete list of summer workshops and register at http://www.montanamedialab.com/workshops.

In addition to experiential workshops, the Montana Media Lab designs and implements digital storytelling projects in rural public schools across Montana.

“Our goal is to give journalists and non-journalists alike the tools to tell their stories effectively across multiple platforms,” said founding director Anne Bailey. “In Montana schools, we aim to empower rural and Native American youth to find their voices at a young age and learn to navigate the 24/7 media world they live in.”

For more information call Bailey at 406-243-4401 or email [email protected].

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