Hope Wilder

Storyteller, comedian, and instructor

Hope Wilder tells riveting personal narratives, performs stand-up comedy, and teaches the craft of true storytelling to adults in Durham, NC. She hosts monthly storytelling open mics that are free and open to the public. Coming from a strong educational background, she has over 17 years of teaching experience. As a storyteller, she has been featured on podcasts - 2, won a Monti story slam, and participated in the 2025 Monti Grand Slam. She was a featured teller at the 2026 Women's Storytelling Festival. She is the President- Elect of the NC Storytelling Guild. Schedule a 30 minute discovery meeting today using the link below.

Performances

Spill the Tea- Comedic Storytelling Show
August 15th, 7-8pm
My Muses Gallery, Carrboro
Theme: Expect the Unexpected
Funny and true stories from 6 storytellers with a plot twist.
Tickets $10 in advance or at the door

Storytelling and Comedy Classes

All storytelling classes will focus on crafting 5-7 minute true personal stories, like the Moth or the Monti. Students will practice giving and receiving feedback and will perform stories in front of the class.

Storytelling Open Mics

Our Open Mics are a casual meetup to hear and share stories in front of a supportive audience. Storytellers who sign up beforehand online below will be given priority. In- person sign up starts where indicated below. Usually everyone who comes with a story has a chance to tell. Come with a friend to hear and tell great stories!Thursday, August 13, 6-8pm
Common Market, Durham
Prompt: * Secrets:* A time you had a secret revealed by you or someone else. What was the secret, and how did revealing it change things?
In -person sign-ups start at 5 pm.
Reserve a free spotSaturday, August 15th, 1:00-2:30pm
Moon Dog Meadery, Durham
Down the steps under Joe Van Gogh on Broad St.
Prompt: * Imposter: A time you felt like an imposter. We've all put on masks and pretended to be someone we're not. Maybe you were really posing as someone, maybe you just felt insecure with imposter syndrome. What happened next?In person sign-ups start at 1 pm with the beginning of the mic, online sign up below.Reserve a free spot

Hope's Performance Updates

Storytelling Opportunities Updates

What people are saying

"I'm so grateful Hope could join us with rich stories and the opportunity for residents to share. The open mic was powerful!" - Carolina Meadows staff"[The class] was really fun, Hope created a friendly, supportive atmosphere." - Class participant"[Hope] was so kind and patient and made this a safe space to do something pretty scary. I so appreciate the norms that were set in the beginning and that everyone seemed to respect them. It felt like a kind, connected community." - Class participant"I loved the easygoing structure of the class. Workshopping along with other participants and getting Hope's insightful feedback really helped me think through my story." - Class participant