A Big GRRRL Retreat is a writing and performance intensive modeled after Vali Forrister’s successful Act Like a GRRRL program for teenage girls. It is open to women 21 and older.

What happens at a Big GRRRL Retreat?

Over the course of the weekend, you will:

• Receive writing prompts to interpret according to your own personal journey.
• Have private time to write in the beautiful, sacred spaces of the retreat center.
• Share your writing aloud.
• Gain support and insights from other members of the circle.
• Experience movement exercises to deepen your creative process.
• Join a sweat lodge ceremony guided by an expert and supported by the other women in the circle.
• Celebrate community as we cook and eat together.
• Create an ensemble workshop performance piece.

We promise good food, great conversation, excellent writing prompts, an inspiring environment and a chance to “go deep fast,” as the teenage GRRRLS like to say.

The weekend begins with dinner on Friday night followed by a writing and sharing session. Saturday will include opportunities for writing, sharing, yoga, hiking and dancing (and plenty of down time). Our day will conclude with a sweat lodge and delicious dinner. Sunday, we will create a workshop performance of our writing before our departure.

Who is involved?

Retreats are facilitated by Vali Forrister. This model is based on Vali’s graduate work in the performance of personal narratives for personal and social change. Vali has created a very successful 3 step process using intimate life texts for personal transformation.

Act Like a Big GRRRL Circle

For those who wish to continue the writing and performance process, you will have the option of joining a Big GRRRL Circle after completing the weekend retreat. You will also have the opportunity to perform your work as part of the Big GRRRL performance at the Sideshow Fringe Festival in July, 2016.

You do not have to commit to the performance to be part of the retreat.The process of coming to voice is a very personal experience. If distance from Nashville, scheduling conflicts or personal reservations rule out the performance for you, that’s okay. The GRRRL methodology is proven 3-step process that begins with writing and culminates in performance, but there is no specific timeline for how long that takes to complete those steps.There will be other opportunities to perform in the coming year.

How do I sign up?

To begin the application process, send us an email describing why you’d like to be part of the GRRRL community and what you are hoping to gain from the experience. Then, you can pay online here (or in person with cash or check).

Why It’s Important

The GRRRL process allows us to create the trusted sisterhood we’ve always longed for. We’ve watched it happen countless times in contexts as varied as a middle school cafeteria, a maximum security prison and an idyllic retreat center. We look forward to supporting you as you step forward in becoming the person we most want to be.