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

True Live Storytelling Showcase
Friday October 23rd, 7-8:30pm
Eno House Artist's Den, Hillsborough
Come hear true personal stories in the style of the Moth from local storytellers.
Pay what you can tickets here

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 on 2nd Thursdays and 3rd Saturdays 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!
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Saturday, October 17th
1:00-2:30 pm
Moon Dog Meadery, Durham
Down the steps under Joe Van Gogh on Broad St.
Theme: Never the Same- Something happened, and things were never the same afterwards. Maybe you yourself were forever changed by an event. Maybe you went back to something familiar, but it was different now.In person sign-ups start at 12:45pm, online sign up below.
Reserve a free spot============
Thursday, November 12th
6-8pm
Common Market, Durham
November Theme:
Mistakes were made:
We've all messed up from time to time. Stories of those memorable mis-steps, fumbles, missed opportunities, and SNAFUs. What did you learn from the experience?
In-person signups at 5pm, online signups below.Reserve a free spot
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Saturday, November 21st
1:00-2:30pm
Moon Dog Meadery, Durham
November theme:
Choices:
A time you made a tough choice, for the right or wrong reason. What was the deciding factor? What happened next? How do you feel about the choice now, and what might have happened?In-person signups 12:45, online signups below.
Reserve a free spot

Hope's Performance Updates

Storytelling Mics & Performances 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