A Gathering. Finally

 How do I explain the absence of Creatavita for most of 2023? Let's see - 

- a personal focus on other creative projects

- an opportunity presented (and taken) to prioritize stepping back for three months

- the continual quest to balance being present without being exhausting

I want to thank the members of the Creatavita pod who communicated with me, requesting an activity. I had forgotten the benefits of being together.

We gathered on Sunday, November 12 and, as you can see from the photos below, had a blast.

Typically, Creatavita gatherings include one or two simple creative activities. Simple enough that everyone can jump in and explore their personal creativity without having to stress about skills. Since November 12 was Diwali, and since we are heading into the darkest time of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere, one of our activities was creating colored light jars. 

Chantel in the flow

I intentionally invite a diverse group of creative types to these events. I want people to interact with other creatives that aren't in their lives on a regular basis. I want all of us to hear new perspectives and ideas. And when working on a simple task that asks for some creativity (but not full attention), people start to talk, ask questions and listen. It's one of the ways a Creatavita event is unique.

Two of Megan's jars

You'll see below where this leads

I was struck by the simplicity and ultimately, the beauty of the supplies - small jars, acrylic markers and battery-operated tea lights. That's it. I covered the dining with brown packing paper, which ended up being durable and quite attractive. A special thank you to Cynthia Heininger for guiding me to the supplies.

One member of the pod always brings sweet treats from Aux Petits Delices, this time, these fancy cookies, individually wrapped for easy transport home with the participants. Sadly, Aux Petits is closing this December.

This gathering's special guest was one of my favorite creative humans, Sara May. Sara has been inspiring me with her approach to a creative life and good humor for over 15 years. We first met working together on a production at a local theatre. The story of our friendship is too long for this post. I'll just say this - Sara is a person I actively seek out to keep in my life. Why? Because I feel good when I'm around her. These days, Sara delights the world with her recipes and her writing. I highly recommend you give her a follow on IG and even better, subscribe to her newsletter, Splatternalia. 

Heidi and Sara prepping

Sara created a menu specifically for this event, utilizing locally-source foods. My original intention was that all of us would assist Sara in the prep, as I find cooking to be another time when my personal creative juices start to flow. In reality, Sara willingly did the bulk of the work and a few of us helped a bit. It all worked out in the end!

Salads prepped and ready to go

Isn't that's a beautiful table? There's a lot of creative serendipity in that table. #1 - there's supposed to be a tablecloth. But as the event progressed, it became clear to me taking off the paper just to put on a tablecloth would be quite disruptive to the creative flow everyone was enjoying. Besides, it looked great the way it was. #2 - that delightful row of lights down the middle of the table - great centerpiece, don't you agree? I had nothing to do with that. The other participants did that...and when the night was over, everyone took their lights home. #3 - Sitting with people who share one common interest - creating - over food and drink. There's nothing better.

Tossed Salad Greens with Citrus Viniagrette. Simple and fantastically tasty.

Pumpkin Tortilla Soup was the main event. It was as good as it looks.

I'm constantly playing with Creatavita and how it exists in this ridiculous world. Honestly, I frequently wonder if it (and I) are even making the world a better place. In its current state, Creatavita events are invitation only BUT, it's pretty easy to get an invitation. Just ask! Our goal here is to have people who seek a community of compassionate creative souls. We don't really care if you're actively pursuing a creative lifestyle, or if you are just curious. We're not a cult! We also don't care if we're small in numbers. In fact, we are currently enjoying the quality experiences and relationships we get from Creatavita. 

I do know this - the November 12 Gathering was a respite in the dark, a joyful event and, at least for me, creatively inspiring.

We do have an End of Year Bash planned for Thursday, Dec. 28. We'll be discussing 2023 and planning for 2024. You shudder, as you recall all of the New Year's resolutions you have never kept. Which is exactly why you should message me to find out about our Bash. Your life could change - if you let it. Oh. Also. Sara's not available, so we'll probably do takeout.

Hope to hear from you!

Show Up And Sing - A Musical Theatre Seminar

I’m opening my studio for one night to give a supportive space and accompanist (me!) for singing your songs. If you haven’t sung in front of live humans for a few years, if you’re prepping for an audition or if you’ve got new songs you want to try out, this is the place for you.

We need a minimum of 5 singers to make this evening happen. We’ll take no more than 7 so every one has a quality experience.

Come with 2 songs completely prepared (Experience tells me to use this word - MEMORIZED). Audition cuts preferred. Full songs accepted. Knowing something about the show and the character is, as always, encouraged. Bring sheet music of the piano accompaniment for both songs.

I’ll offer light feedback. Group discussion will focus on audition strategies and tips.

When? Thursday, April 13, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

$25. Venmo, PayPal or cash. 50% refund through 5:00 pm Sunday, April 9. NO REFUNDS AFTER 5:00 PM ON SUDAY, April 9.

Respond here if interested. Feel free to share!

Happy Trailer To You

 

Creatavita Pod! 

For those of you that couldn't make it to last month's performances of Happy Hour with Heidi and Mark, here's a 2-minute trailer.

We've decided to offer this show for performances through August of 2023. Got a group that needs to be happy? Contact me here.

Ready for Some Happy Hour?

Boy, are we having fun here in the Philadelphia area or what? Yes, the Eagles are in the Super Bowl! After the Phillies went to the World Series! Even I, the legacy Packer fan, am excited. There's nowhere like Philadelphia when the sports teams are winning. Everyone jumps on the happiness train. It's grand.

Speaking of happiness, here's a couple clips of Happy Hour with Mark and Heidi, which happens THIS SATURDAY, February 4 at the Media Arts Council. Not available? Well, son of a gun, we've got a second performance the following Saturday, February 11 at the Darlington Arts Center. So fight those winter blues with an hour or more of happy.

Drinks and snacks for sale at the Media performance.

Darlington is a BYOB. Please bring some for me :)

Upcoming Performances

 Upcoming performances. I love that phrase. Even more, I love the performing.

Me as Miss Betty in The Carols at Montgomery Theater
in Souderton, PA this past December.

Live in the Philadelphia area? I'm taking my show to Delco this February. It would be grand to see you in the audience. Yes, it would!

Same show, two different venues.

Happy Hour Cabaret with Heidi and Mark

Life's a lot these days. Isn't it time for some happiness?

I have the perfect place to find that happiness - Happy Hour with Heidi and Mark. Not that kind of happy hour; rather, an evening of songs and stories that will incite joy, laughter and, if we’re lucky - happiness. We've woven together songs from a myriad of styles (think Great American Songbook, movies, pop/rock, and of course, Broadway) to give you a respite from the cold, cruel world.

Who's this Mark guy? My good friend and colleague, Mark Yurkanin. Mark is a fantastic collaborative pianist who works all over the Philadelphia area, including at places like the Brind School of Theater/University of the Arts and Walnut Street Theatre (that's where we met). He's also the principal accompanist for the Savoy Opera Company. And, he makes me laugh, which is very important.

Plenty of opportunities to see this one as we're doing the same show on two different Saturdays.
First up, we'll take our Happy Hour to the Media Arts Council in Media, PA on Saturday, February 4. First set at 6:30 pm; second one at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $15. Come early and stay all night! We'll be done no later than 9:00 pm. Oh, and the Arts Council has refreshments available for purchase. Here's the link to buy your sweet MAC tickets.

The following Saturday, February 11, we'll head down to southern Delco for a return engagement (another phrase I love and adore) on the Coffee House Concert series at my beloved Darlington Arts Center. 8:00 start, although Darlington often has music happening before that. $20 gets you in and includes free coffee, tea and desserts (there's never any left for me!). Also, this is a BYOB. Let me tell you - I've seen some tasty-looking spreads over the years at this venue. Here's the link to buy your sweet Darlington tickets.

Mark and I haven't appeared together since...gasp...2013! I'm thrilled that drought is ending. To entice you, here's a song from that performance: