2025 International Women’s Day Festival
WORKSHOPS

Saturday, March 8th, 2025
Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS AND PRESENTERS:

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One in Three: Overview of Domestic Violence in Pennsylvania
           
Approximately one in three women in the U.S. have experienced some type of intimate partner violence. This presentation will give an overview of what domestic violence is, what it can look like, and its interactions with the legal system.  It will be PowerPoint presentation intended for a broad audience.

Presenter: Kimberly Hollenback, Esq.

Domestic Violence attorney working at a non-profit (LASP) representing victims with civil legal issues such as restraining orders, child custody, and divorce.

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What’s the Story Behind Scottish Highland Dancing?:
           
Scottish Highland Dancing is rich in tradition, an important part of Scotland’s history, and is still performed and celebrated throughout the world. Each dance has its own story, and each step has its own meaning. Participants will experience the stories and steps from many of the dances. Since everything will be taught, adapted, and presented in an inclusive style, this workshop is open to ALL BODIES- dancers and non-dancers, of all movement abilities. All participants will work together to create a short “Scottish Highland Medley” as the finale to the workshop!

Presenter: Elizabeth Cook-Asal

Former Scottish Highland Dance Champion, Elizabeth is certified to teach by The Scottish Dance Teachers’ Alliance. She is also certified by The School of the Hartford Ballet. Elizabeth has been competing, performing, choreographing, teaching, and coaching dancers, athletes, & non-dancers of all ages & abilities throughout the Eastern US throughout her life.

 

To Write is Rite:
           
To Write is Rite guides and inspires participants to hold their emotions and stories sacred and move them from mind to page to mic. By studying compelling poems by contemporary poets, participants will write into prompts to form their own new pieces. The workshop will end with an open mic to share words in a supportive, safe space and receive feedback from the group. The goal is to ultimately embrace the idea of artistic expression and the empowerment in words; anyone can learn to be a poet.

Presenter: Dana Kinsey

Dana Kinsey, Lancaster City Poet Laureate, is a spoken word artist, actor, teacher, and freelance writer. Her writing is published in Fledgling Rag, SWWIM, SoFloPoJo, Half and One, The Champagne Room, Anti-Heroin Chic, Wild Roof Journal, Equinox, Drunk Monkeys, Passengers, and more. Her poetry book, Mixtape Venus, is published by I. Giraffe Press.

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Strategy Spotlight: Grassroots Marketing for Busy Artists:

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Discover how to make a big impact with limited time and resources! This workshop equips independent performing artists with practical, grassroots marketing strategies to promote their shows effectively. Learn what to prioritize, how to engage your audience, and creative ways to get the word out—without breaking the bank. Whether you're gearing up for your next performance or building your brand, this session will help you stand out.

Presenter: Grayce Carson    

Grayce Carson is a producer, performer, and marketing strategist with a specialty in the arts & culture sector in Philadelphia. Her current collaborators include InterAct Theatre Company, Applied Mechanics, Gretna Theatre, Broken Mirror Studio, Chris Davis, Christ Church Preservation Trust, Paper Doll Ensemble, and more.

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Flying Solo: getting off the ground:
           
Through the art of the story, solo actors, explore, interpret and evaluate life and the lives of others by actively experiencing the world as seen through the eyes of the character. 

Solo performer Pat Carroll who performed in a one-woman show about Gertrude Stein said of the one-person show: “Acting solo has an appeal to me because it means one person can be on stage; it’s not mandatory that groups make things happen. I think it’s important in this time of mass everything to realize that one person can have an effect on something.”

Participants in the workshop will examine what it is like to take a step into the world of the solo actor, through writing and reflecting exercises. Participants will be encouraged to share their writing with each other. The workshop will illustrate how solo artists use their voice to have an effect on the world around them.

Presenter: Celeste Walker

Actor, theatre educator, writer and solo artist. My most recent solo show, GHOSTED had its World Premiere at United Solo Festival in New York City in April, 2024, was featured at The Philadelphia Fringe Festival in September 2024, was performed at the Civic Theatre in Allentown, PA in November of 2024 and was selected for the Binge Fringe Festival at the Santa Monica Playhouse for March 2025.

 

Strength in the Signs:
           
The target audience for this workshop is women of all backgrounds, and the goal is to create a space for reflection while helping them recognize and distinguish signs of physical and psychological violence in relationships. This will be achieved through an experiential and reflective approach, including techniques like Improv and role-playing. The workshop will take the form of a one-hour drama-therapy session for a group of 15-20 women, following the EPR (Embodiment, Projection, Role) approach by Sue Jennings as the guiding reference. The primary aim is to increase emotional, bodily, and communicative awareness, empowering women to identify warning signs and take action—even in situations where violence may not be immediately visible or easily identifiable.

Presenter: Francesca Muscatello

I am a professional actress with a degree in Dramatic Arts at “Civica Scuola Paolo Grassi” in Milan (Italy). I am also an acting coach and, currently, a student in “Art and Drama Therapy” at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, in Milan (Italy)

 

The Serious Art of Being Silly:
           
In this one-hour workshop, we will explore the intersection of physical comedy, storytelling, and personal empowerment. Through guided physical theater games, exercises, improvisation techniques, and gentle movement, attendees will discover the healing potential of play and self-expression.

This workshop is designed for women, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals. No prior performance experience is necessary—just an open heart and willingness to play.

Presenter: Danielle Levsky

Danielle Levsky is a multidisciplinary teaching artist and educator whose creative practice weaves together clown performance, physical theatre, movement education, and trauma-informed arts programming. As the child of Soviet Jewish refugees, issues of diaspora, tradition, resilience, and humor profoundly shape their work and artistic approach.