Acting Theory & Practice

Come join local improv troupe, the ***Home Improv Mints***, as we run through some of the basics of short form improv. Wear clothes you can move around in. We will start at **7:15**. We will run until just after 9 pm. Bring yourself and a willingness to try new things - like (insert audience suggestion here)! We try a different topic each session to see if it changes who sees the announcement. There might not be bobwhite imitations, hyena butter, lava floors, trans livestock, thalidomide twinkies or inflatable turnips (all things that HAVE come up), but we can promise something *random*. But we encourage you to bring cookies. NOM NOM NOM! We only have so many slots available. **Please don't RSVP as a yes *until* you are certain.** We limit the class size so everyone gets a chance to play, and ask for RSVPs so we know how many outlines to print and cookies to bring. We understand things change sometimes. Please message us if things change and you can't make it, rather than being a No-Show. Multiple No-shows get you put on the naughty list and may get you ejected from the group. Please don't make us do that. Please donate - *running* a Meetup group ain't free folks. Suggested Donation is $10/session. And feel free to bring more cookies. Everybody likes cookies. Hope to see you then!

*This event is completely different than previously held in this group.* It addresses a the subject of "communication" and how improving this can result in higher chances of success in life. Real confidence usually isn't something you "pump up". It tends to emerge when you understand what's happening in interactions and feel grounded handling them. This live, in-person workshop is designed for people who actively invest in themselves and want confidence that comes from clarity, presence and real-world competence. Not motivation or performance. **You’ll likely relate if:** * You replay conversations later and think, *“That’s not what I meant.”* * You hesitate or overthink when it’s time to speak up. * Conversations drift into tension even when everyone has good intentions. * You want to connect better—but don’t want scripts or fake confidence. If any of that sounds familiar, this session will feel immediately relevant. **What makes this worth showing up for** This is **not a lecture** and not a networking event. It’s a **guided, interactive workshop** where you’ll: * Learn why conversations break down in the first place * Experience what actually restores understanding * Practice being more present and composed in real time * Leave feeling more comfortable in conversations—without forcing anything Most people notice a difference **during the session itself**, not weeks later. Workshops like this are rare because they: * Stay small on purpose * Focus on fundamentals instead of trends * Require live participation to be effective If communication has ever felt like a bottleneck in your life— skipping this tends to feel obvious *after* the fact. **Who this is especially good for** * Thoughtful, introspective, or introverted people * Professionals who want clearer communication at work * Anyone navigating relationships, boundaries, or confidence * People tired of tips that don’t translate into real life You don’t need to be outgoing. You don’t need experience. You just need curiosity.

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Empathy 101,”** a research-based examination of our ability to understand others and how to improve it, with Jamie Keaton Jones, instructor in the Child and Family Social Work Fellowship Program at Walter Reed Military Hospital, adjunct professor at Fordham University, and founder of The Psychotherapy Studio PLLC in Washington D.C. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-empathy-101](https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/profsandpints/dc-empathy-101) .] In these uncertain and divided times, empathy for others—and for ourselves—might be just what we need to reduce our anxiety and constructively work together. Yet many of us lack much of an understanding of our capacity for understanding and how we can nurture it. Take a deep dive into the subject of empathy with Dr. Jamie Keaton Jones, a therapist and university instructor who studies empathy and teaches empathetic skills to students. Drawing on insights from social psychology, neuroscience, and social work, she’ll discuss what exactly empathy is and why it’s necessary for survival. She’ll also dispel common empathy-related myths and review specific ways to practice empathic responses. She’ll talk about mirror neurons—which fire in both someone taking an action and another observing that action—and the important role they play in empathy. She’ll offer guidance on how to assess one’s own level of empathy, and she’ll discuss “empathy deficit disorder” and what it’s like to be excessively empathetic. We’ll discuss how we can best show empathy to a friend or family member in crisis and how can we use empathy to connect when we disagree. Among the questions Dr. Jones will tackle: Can empathy be taught? Can it be captured by Artificial Intelligence? What might the world look like if empathy suddenly ceased to exist? All Profs and Pints talks seek to make people smarter, but this one might help you become kinder as well. (Door: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

PORTAL DAY 02.02 — SACRED CHAKRA ACTIVATION 🗓 February 2nd, 2026 ⏰ 7:30 PM Step into the powerful 02.02 portal and journey through the mysteries of the 2nd Sacred Chakra. An evening of embodied ritual and remembrance featuring: ✨ Breathwork Activation ✨ Ancient Egyptian Sacred Dance ✨ Awakening the Inner Goddesses: Sekhmet & Hathor ✨ Cellular Memory & Womb Wisdom Transmission This is a ceremonial movement experience to ignite creativity, sensual life-force, emotional healing, and divine feminine power. Through rhythm, breath, and sacred geometry, we will open the waters of the soul and anchor the codes of ancient temples into the body. Come prepared to move, feel, and remember who you are. White or gold attire encouraged. All levels welcome. Investment : $55

**Living Lightly with Meditation** **with Kadam Peter** January 26; February 2, 9 and 23rd \*\*\*NO Class Feb 16\*\*\* Life's problems can feel heavy and insurmountable. However Buddha taught that problems are rooted in the mind and its misapprehension of how things exist. In this series, we will explore this liberating wisdom through meditation. This understanding and practice helps us to move more gracefully through life. **REGISTRATION** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| Free for [Members](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) [Pre-Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/monday-evening-meditation/) Each class is available by drop in. Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Tuesdays at 6pm Suitable for everyone, these meditation classes offer practical methods to improve the quality of our lives through meditation and practical Buddhist teachings applied to everyday life. * Each class begins with guided breathing meditation, to help settle the mind, let go of distractions and cultivate inner peace. * Malik will then give a practical teaching explaining how we can integrate Buddha’s timeless wisdom into our busy daily lives. * The teaching is then followed by a guided meditation to help us mix our mind with the teaching and take it to heart. * Time permitting, at the end of the meditation class we spend a few minutes in group discussion and the teacher will take any questions that the class might have about the topic. **Registration** Each class is available by drop in. **Standard:** $5 **\| [Member Pricing:](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) Free** [Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/quick-class-registration/#top) Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required.

Nervous about reading for others? Or just want to learn how? Do you want an opportunity to practice in a supportive environment? Join Gypsy Dervish as he leads us through the basic practice of reading the Tarot. Ask questions , participate in group readings, and read for other participants. For those of you taking the Tarot 101 classes, this will also be a chance to put into practice what you learned there. ($5 discount on this class, if you take both, making a $10 total discount. Remember to register for both classes individually. You do not need to take Tarot 101 to participate in the practicum.)

### Drop-In Improv Class — Beginner Friendly **Improv for good people.** Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly drop-in improv class focused on play, laughter, and connection — in a supportive, no-pressure environment. You don’t need performance experience, improv training, or a “funny personality.” You just need a willingness to try. *** ### What to expect Each session includes: * Friendly introductions * Easy warm-ups * Guided short-form improv games * Lots of laughter in a small, welcoming group The exercises are inspired by shows like *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*, but the focus is on participation, not performance. *** ### A few important reassurances ✔ You don’t need to be “funny” ✔ You don’t need improv experience ✔ You *do* need curiosity and a willingness to play Everything is explained clearly, and you’re never put on the spot. *** ### Who this class is for This class is a great fit if you: * Are curious about improv but a little nervous * Want to meet new people in a genuinely welcoming space * Enjoy playful learning and low-pressure activities * Want a break from overthinking and daily stress Many people arrive unsure and leave smiling. *** ### How Meetup fits in Many participants first discover Laughy Place Improv through Meetup, attend a class or two, and then decide whether they’d like to continue by booking future classes directly through the website. There’s no pressure — Meetup is meant to be an easy, friendly way to try things out. *** ### Location & logistics 📍 **Theatre on the Run** 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA Parking and entrance are on the opposite side of the building from Four Mile Run Drive. Use the door labeled **“Arlington Cultural Affairs – Main Entrance.”** Ring the doorbell to be buzzed in. You can check the room list by the concierge desk to confirm which room we are in. I’ll be in the room about 20 minutes early to set up and meet folks as they arrive. If you can, please come a few minutes before the scheduled start time so we can kick things off together. *** Looking forward to laughing with you!

Artistic Artifacts is hosting **Open Stitch sessions on the first and third Thursday evenings** from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. This is a drop-in, bring your own hand stitching project and the necessary supplies (or you can knit, crochet... whatever needle arts you like). There’s no fee to attend, no instruction nor agenda — just a time to spend with other creatives! Visit our website for all other class & event information: **[https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk](https://artisticartifacts.com/collections/wk)**

**Tired of surface-level conversations?** Join us for *Real Talk*—an evening of deep, real connection with strangers who are down to go there. We’ll meet at the church (we are a secular group), break into small groups, and draw questions from a deck of cards designed to spark vulnerable, honest conversations. ***Rules:*** 1. Don't debate politics. 2. Keep what is shared in the group within the group. 3. If you need to use your phone, step away from your group first. \*\*If you show up late, please hop into a group and don't interrupt the speaker. Just sit down in a group of your choice, and they'll bring you up to speed when whoever is talking finishes. Community of Christ church: 3526 Massachusetts Ave. PS—If you want to support the group (Meetup organizer fees, new card games, misc. materials) then you can buy me a coffee here: https://buymeacoffee.com/dillantaylor ^^This is 100% optional, and can be done on a one-time or monthly basis. But the meetup will always be free. Thanks! 🙏

Everyone’s prompting. Few people are judging. This talk shows how a playwright uses multiple LLMs and vibe coding to build a custom evaluation loop: a digital dramaturg that checks scenes against an outline like a living spec. If you design, build, or eval AI systems, you’ll leave with a new mental model for using LLMs as QA, not just content engines. **Featured speaker:** * [Soo-Jin Lee](https://www.linkedin.com/in/soo-jinlee/)\, Gen AI Conversation Designer \| Prompt Engineer \| LLM\, NLU\, NLP \| Human in the Loop \| Former Teacher \| Playwright **Location:** AWS Skills Center, 1550-G Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202 **Drinks and Networking After:** --> Alamo Drafthouse, 1660 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202 (2nd Floor) **Description:** Join us at AI Innovators Network for our upcoming meetup in the Mosaic, which is dedicated to exploring the latest trends in Artificial Intelligence. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a professional, or someone curious about the intersection of technology and AI, this event is perfect for networking, learning, and sharing insights. Connect with like-minded individuals from DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland as we dive deep into the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation driving innovation and progress in Artificial Intelligence.

**AI-Supported Creative Exploration** *For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives* (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point. We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure. You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to. No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here. This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible: * Arrive late or leave early * Work quietly or observe * Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough. **THINKING OUT LOUD WITH AI - LIVE WORKING SESSION** This session is for people curious about how creative thinking actually happens with AI. I'll be working live on my own project, narrating decisions when useful, and answering questions as they come up. You're welcome to work on your own project, watch quietly, or ask about the process. No experience required. (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) **HOW TO FIND US** Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle. **(*This is an independent meetup using rental space at The Writer's Center. The Writer's Center has not organized or endorsed this event.*)**

Let’s meet and discuss whatever comes to mind about one of Tennesse Williams’ most famous plays.

This is a FREE, in-person workshop about mastering the science of reading people and predicting their behavior. **Stop guessing and start LEADING.** Join us for a FREE and highly interactive seminar, where you will learn to use the Emotional Tone Scale to read people, predict behavior and handle any objection with ease. The edge you'll gain: * ****Read People**:** Instantly decode human behavior. * * **Predict Actions:** Know their next move before they make it. * * **Influence Others:** Master the tools to win in work and life. * * **Build Trust:** Know exactly who to trust and how to handle them. * Attend this workshop and start developing the mindset of success! **Seats are limited. Reserve your spot today!** Hosted by: Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Our Sewing & Crafting Activity Group is gathering to connect, serve, and create together in a Christ-centered environment. Whether you’re experienced or brand new, all skill levels are welcome. No supplies needed, but sewing machines are appreciated if you’re comfortable bringing one. Join us January 20th, February 17th & 24th, March 17th & 24th, and April 21st from 1–6 PM in the Youth Building at Village Chapel as we begin with prayer, enjoy fellowship, and work on meaningful service projects together. You are welcome to drop by anytime!

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024