Workshops
The Montana Media Lab believes in telling impactful stories through audio journalism. Whether you’re a print journalist looking to branch out into audio, or a radio journalist interested in creating a long form podcast, you’ll learn by doing with us.
We offer intensive, hands-on media workshops taught by industry experts. From introducing you to the world of audio journalism to the nitty gritty of audio production, we’ll help you take your skills to the next level.
Have an idea for a workshop you’d like to take or teach? Get in touch!
Recorded workshops
*RECORDING* Storytelling for Podcasts with Lacy Roberts
Student, Teacher and Employee Benefits
For Students:
Through a partnership with the School for Extended and Lifelong Learning (SELL) at the University of Montana, you can take many of our workshops for undergraduate or graduate credit.
For Teachers:
All of our workshops earn you OPI renewal units to aid in your professional development.
For UM employees, School of Journalism students and alums:
Take any of our workshops for 20% off using coupon code GOGRIZ at checkout. (Please note that the Montana Media Lab verifies eligibility for this discount and reserves the right to cancel workshop enrollment for fraudulent use).
I’ve already made a few videos and I can easily see how they will augment my job!
I loved that this workshop was one day, practical and useful. Now, I just need more practice!
Sidney Hahn
Librarian | Sentinel High School
This workshop exceeded my expectations!
Michael and Nora were excellent instructors and helped us produce an audio piece in five days! I highly recommend this workshop to anyone who is interested in learning about audio storytelling.
Erica Zurek
Photographer
I learned many practical tips to create attractive, engaging videos.
As a professor who is redesigning many courses to be more flexible for my students, this course was so helpful to me. I can immediately apply what I’ve learned to my teaching.
Theresa Floyd
Assistant Professor of Management | University of Montana
I got my money’s worth in the first hour.
Val Hoeppner’s insight and helpful tools were invaluable.
Courtney Cowgill
Adjunct Journalism Professor | University of Montana
Excellent hands-on instruction packed into three days.
I loved that Lacy’s workshop appealed to and applied equally to a high schooler and long-time journalism professor.
Matt Frank
Features Writer | Mountain West News
Eric’s workshop on documentary post-production was an incredible experience and learning opportunity.
As a documentary filmmaker, I’m constantly working to learn more about the art and technique. This workshop inspired me as I push forward in completing several films.
Preston Randolph
Cactus Productions
This was my first experience with UM’s Media Lab and I was very impressed with both the instructor and the content.
I found the workshop on point and very worth the price of admission. I am looking forward to another workshop to further my skills.
Charlie Stortz
Vice President | Logistic Systems, Inc.
Jule’s workshop provided a needed and valuable writing refresher for me.
Her engaging instruction benefitted both new and experienced writers alike.
Bryan Haines
Communications Consultant | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
By the end of the workshop, I understood the entire flow for putting an audio story together.
It was so incredible to hear all of the stories we created on the last day when so many of us had walked in wondering, “Can we even do this?”
Scott Shigeoka
Producer & Writer
In just a few short days, my writing was transformed.
I’m finally able to put down on paper the story I have in my head; clearly and with correct punctuation! I am no longer putting off the parts of my job that include writing; I’m owning them.
Cassidy Green
Marketing Coordinator | Montana Food Bank Network
I highly recommend future workshops by the Montana Media Lab.
Everything I learned in Eric’s three-day workshop drastically improved my effectiveness as an editor.
Tristen Acton
Cactus Productions
Super thorough and informative in a very applicable way.
I really liked the interactive and applied nature of the class and appreciated how well organized it was.
Sarah Bortis
English Language Institute
The Writing Well workshop gave me the boost I needed to fine tune my writing.
Jule Banville presented what could have been sleepy content on commas and editing in a fascinating and enthusiastic manner. I highly recommend the class for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively.
Victoria Emmons
Poet, Writer, Editor
I can’t believe how much I learned in five days!
Nora and Michael are two of the best producers in podcasting. I left feeling confident in my abilities and with a professional, quality story ready to air.
Damon Moss
Freelance Audio Reporter & Producer
Val personalized the workshop to fit the needs of all the attendees.
I learned a lot and am motivated to take those lessons into the workplace and my personal journalism accounts.
Skylar Rispens
Reporter| Great Falls Tribune
FAQs
We specialize in intensive, hands-on media workshops with industry experts. Whether it’s podcasting, smartphone storytelling or writing, you’ll learn by doing and leave with the media skills and confidence to give you a leg up in your profession.
Our workshops are taught by practicing media professionals from across the country and right here in Montana.
Class size is limited to 12 unless otherwise noted in the workshop description.
We’re located on the ground floor of the School of Journalism on the University of Montana campus in Missoula.
You must be 16 to attend.
There are lots of great AirBnB’s and hotels within easy biking and walking distance of the Montana Media Lab. We also offer low-cost accommodations in UM dorms for many of our workshops. See specific workshops for details.
Meals are generally not included in the workshop fee, although most 3-5 day workshops provide lunch for at least one day (see specific workshops for details). Missoula has lots of great restaurants and cafes within easy biking and walking distance of the Montana Media Lab, so we promise you won’t go hungry.
Missoula International Airport
That depends on the workshop (and a bit on you). Workshops that require a car will clearly say so in the workshop FAQs. We have several bikes available for check out during our summer workshops for help getting to and from the Lab (and making late night ice cream runs). If your workshop requires field reporting, and you choose to go outside Missoula to report, you will need a car. Otherwise, you’ll find that Missoula is incredibly bike friendly, and you can get just about anywhere you need to go on two wheels.
All of our workshops are intensive, so your days will be busy and long. If you want to see some of what Montana has to offer (and believe us, you do), we recommend adding a few days on to either end of your workshop.
The Montana Media Lab will issue a full refund, minus a workshop-specific administrative fee (see individual workshop FAQs for exact fee), for cancellations made more than 45 days prior to the start of a workshop. Cancellations made within 45 days of the start of a workshop are not eligible for a refund. If the Montana Media Lab cancels your workshop for any reason, you will be issued a full refund.
Yes. Through a partnership with the School for Extended and Lifelong Learning (SELL) at the University of Montana, we offer both graduate and undergraduate journalism credit for many of our workshops for a $155 processing fee. See specific workshops for details.
Yes. All of our workshops are available for OPI renewal units. See each workshop’s FAQ for number of units you’ll earn.
Interested in having a customized workshop
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