Creative Expression PlayShops

Curiosity, creativity and play enhances our ability to understand ourselves and each other. Creative expression reduces stress, increases our immune response and fosters positive transformation & social healing. ~ Ally

Creative Expression PlayShops are fun, customized, arts-based, participatory, creativity, communication, leadership, team-bonding & life skills empowerment programs for all ages. Perfect for individuals, groups, educational, non-profit and corporate teams. Incorporate curiosity, everyday creativity & play into your next class, university event, conference, training, business retreat, book group, party, or family gathering!

Playshops are customized to meet your objectives. A selection of PlayShop Core Themes* are below.

I specialize in…
♥ Process & curriculum design, creative facilitation & program implementation.
♥ Facilitating guided exploratory discussions to understand & clarify your objectives.
♥ Customizing interactive, arts-based social experiences to foster creativity & transformational learning; meeting your objectives while playing together!
♥ Creating support materials (checklists/handouts/surveys) for a stress-free collaboration.
♥ Implementing the Creative Community Empowerment Model to hold safe, supportive, learning spaces.
♥ Facilitating lively, engaging & empowering conversations – everyone is seen, heard & felt!
♥ Fostering everyday curiosity, creativity & play for greater ease, connection & joy.

Let’s co-create a fun, meaningful & memorable Playshop together!
Contact: Ally Finkel to set up your free introductory phone call to discuss your specific needs.

PlayShop Overview:
♥ Explore Your Creative Process, Resources & Signature Strengths
♥ Experience Theme-Based* Individual & Collaborative Activities, Art-Making & Games
♥ Engage in Multiple Forms of Creative Expression including:
Language Arts | Movement Arts | Nurturing Arts | Performance Arts | Visual Arts
♥ Receive Individual Attention & Group Encouragement
♥ Raise Your Creative Confidence
♥ Activate & Sustain Creative Momentum
♥ Celebrate the Benefits of Creativity

PlayShop Format: 1-Day, Multi-Day or Multi-Week PlayShops Available.
Upon request, Multi-Week Playshops may culminate in community service/outreach project.

Recent Clients: Bike Santa Cruz County, Delta Charter High School at Cabrillo College, Earn-A-Bike Watsonville Youth Program, Kaiwa Art & Play Space, Louden Nelson Community Center, Teen Center, Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, Subjects to Change, University of California Santa Cruz

What Participants Say:
“The PlayShop was fun, I learned more about my peers & about myself. It got me energized – physically & mentally. A perfect way to get my creative juices flowing!”

“I thought I wasn’t a creative person but I learned I am and I do it every day.”

“After the PlayShop, I found myself taking more chances. I joined the choir, which I have never done before. I’m celebrating my creativity in new ways!”

“I’m so glad my partner and I took the time out to play together. The PlayShop ignited the most interesting conversations for us – we reconnected in a new way. We’re going to keep creating together!”

“SO MUCH FUN playing with you. I LOVED how you organized the training. So NOT Toastmasters. SO fresh, original, playful, empowering.”

“I experienced a shift in my beliefs about public speaking, it’s just a conversation and when I think of it that way…it’s way less scary.”

“I have a lot more positive self-talk. I’m more focused on mastering what is going on inside my head. I have more awareness of my voice and how I emphasize words and my volume.”

“I’ve experienced a shift in my beliefs about public speaking, it’s just a conversation and when I think of it that way it is way less scary.”

“After the PlayShop, I’m more aware of what I’m saying to myself & to others and how they respond to me. I can change my attitude and play more and still be on top of stuff! I don’t have to be so stressed out.”
Note: Testimonials gathered from anonymous post-PlayShop surveys.

*PlayShop Core Themes: (partial list)

AUTHENTIC COMMUNICATION

Creativity & Authentic Communication: You’re already a natural public speaker!
Benefits: Increase Creative & Self-Confidence | Speak In, Up & Out with Gentleness & Ease
The Creative & Playful F.E.A.R. Experiment: Your inner critics will be covered in paint!
Benefits: Honor Your Signature Strengths | Heal Creative Scars | Raise Creative Confidence
The Creativity Brainstorm: Express yourself, your ideas & activate!
Benefits: Embrace A Growth-Mindset | Take Creative Risks | Explore Possibilities & Activate

CREATIVE EXPRESSION & PLAY

The Ta-DaHHH! Experiment: Activating & sustaining your everyday curiosity & creativity!
Benefits: Increased Ideas & Energy | Leave Your Comfort Zone | Activate Momentum
The Creativity PlayShop for Adults: Your inner child & adult artist play together!
Benefits: Spark Imagination | Be Inspired | Try Art Materials & Techniques | Get Support.
Note: Co-facilitator is a professional mixed-media art instructor.
Mindful & Unhurried Creativity: Welcome greater ease, connection & joy as you create!
Benefits: Enhance Mindfulness & Relaxation | Learn Simple Stress-Reduction Techniques

TEAM-BONDING

Creativity, Common Bonds & Connection: Team-bonding, laughing & playing together!
Benefits: Enhanced leadership, communication and social & emotional learning skills
Creativity & Storytelling for Social Change: Storytelling as an opportunity to create and/or
strengthen community, empathize, entertain & play together!
Benefits: Establish More Meaningful & Productive Relationships | Activate Community Engagement & Solutions

Important: Some games involve moving around but are easily adapted if you have special needs. Please let us know in advance how we may accommodate you. Some art supplies do have fragrance. No outside food, perfumes or pets please. Thank you.

Warning! Spontaneous splashes of inspiration & color may appear on clothing, hearts & hands – please dress appropriately for splashes & comfortable movement!

Photo Credit: Ally Finkel, 2016.