Creativity Acting Writing Directing

Join us at our *final* networking drinks for the year at **Runnerup Rooftop Bar, Collingwood.** It's been a wonderful year meeting so many different creatives, and this event gives us a chance to celebrate your hard work plus also get a little festive! Welcoming new and familiar faces! ______________________________________________________ Welcoming all professional visionaries, creators and artists in the Melbourne entrepreneur and creative scene. You may be a musician, writer, photographer, designer, model, dancer, comedian or perhaps you run a business in the creative field or anything in between. The Creative Hustle is a social events group aimed at providing a hub for the professional artists, creatives and entrepreneurs of the Melbourne creative and arts scenes! **(Please only attend if you fall in to these categories! There are plenty of other social meetups for people who do not have a creative hustle.)** You know those conversations that just light you up? Make you remember why you started this journey and inspire you? This is where you’ll find them. This group is more than just networking, it’s about meeting people who are on a similar journey to you where you can share your experiences to support each other, make genuine friends and perhaps find some people to collaborate with too! Creativity can be bombarded by digital interactions, and require us to spend hours alone to work on our craft, often leading many people to mental health issues and feelings of isolation and loneliness. The Creative Hustle believes in the power of genuine friendships and human connection. As creatives, we know that some of our greatest inspirations and collaborations stem from the bonds we form with one another. This group is equally about social networking as it is business. It’s time to stretch outside the comfort zone to forge new pathways in your profession all while building lasting friendships that enrich our lives in ways that only real connections can. This format is very loose! Sometimes we follow, sometimes we let the conversation flow - it largely depends on sound levels at the venue: 15 min - General networking & social chat 30 min - 45 min - Round table intros: space for each person to share their creative endeavour for 1 min 15 min - Conversation & discussion cues (let’s chat on some deep topics with a stranger 😉) 15 min - general networking & social chat I’m excited to meet you all! I know that coming to a meetup and meeting new people can feel scary for some people but we are a very welcoming and open group and can’t wait to meet new people. Most people that come to our events don’t know anyone! Life is better with great people in it! Shoot me a message if you have any questions or just want a point of contact before your first meetup 🤗 **Definition of a Creative Hustle:** Something that you are pursuing either as a side business, full time business or professional/semi professional that involves you creating something from nothing. If you are a: Musician, Dancer, Fashion Designer, Photographer, Videographer, Graphic Designer, Actor, Interior Designer, freelancer, business owner, work for a company within the arts industry, or anything else I have missed that qualifies as creative, then this Meetup is for you. Please respect that this is a group for people who put their heart and souls in to their work, and not just a group anyone can come to for networking unless you fall into the above categories. Please message if unsure. Look forward to meeting you at our next event! \*\*\* **CODE OF CONDUCT:** 1. You have a creative hustle which means you are pursuing something which requires you to create, and you are pursuing this professionally as your full time business, side business, you work in a creative industry or because you love it. 2. All members will show respect to other members and patrons in the meetup/event/venue. Respect can be shown by not boxing people out of conversations, welcoming all new and old members, not continuously interrupting people, not continuously speaking over the top of others, respecting someone’s personal space and boundaries. 3. You must consider others in conversation and ensure it is two-sided, you may equally talk about your creative hustle as much as you are willing to ask somebody about theirs. 4. We encourage each other on our journeys and ask someone if they are open to advice before giving it. No one likes being told what they should do! 5. This is not a group or event to be used for dating. Contacts can be made on the basis of friendship or networking. 6. If anyone is made to feel uncomfortable for any of the above reasons, they should contact me directly. 7. People will not attend who are unwell, even if it is just a cold. People in this group rely on their health to show up to self-employed work, please do not put that at risk by showing up unwell. 8. Anyone who is understood to be breaching any of the above rules may be removed or banned from the group within reason. Some people may be given a warning, or if more serious, no warning will be given and people will be instantly removed. Thank you all for your understanding and I look forward to seeing you at the next event.

$10 pay at the Door Comedy at Cyan – Fortnightly Upstairs Lounge Sessions 7:00pm – 9:30pm \| Upstairs Lounge \| Cyan Bar & Lounge\, Mentone Step into our upstairs lounge for a night of sharp wit, fresh material, and real entertainment. Comedy at Cyan isn’t just stand-up — it’s a curated rotation of set performers, emerging talent, seasoned comics, storytellers, character acts, and the occasional wildcard. Every session brings something different. Every performer brings their A-game. Every fortnight delivers a brand-new night. Pull up a lounge chair, grab a drink from the bar downstairs, settle in, and enjoy a relaxed, intimate room built for laughter and good energy. Curated lineup each show More than standard stand-up — mixed comedy styles Affordable, fun, and local Perfect Thursday night out Next Show – Thursday 18th December MC: Matt Coombe Doors open: 6:45pm Show runs: 7:00pm–9:30pm Support live comedy and discover the next wave of Melbourne talent at Cyan. We will be at the back long table. Can even bring a couple of dollars and we can share platters.

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive workshop - Become the charismatic leader Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Passion!!! 1\. Fast\-paced\, energized and exciting meets 2\. We practice **bold, confident** and **dynamic** leadership! 3. **Everyone talks** multiple times during super-interactive workshops every meet - Plus the chance to speak on the big stage for those that are keen 4. **FAST LEARNING** **Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good focus, all funds stay home Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Home Alone: The Australian Musical Parody is a bold, cheeky, and completely original Aussie take on the classic film. Packed with hilarious moments, over-the-top characters, and brand new original songs, it delivers chaos, charm, and plenty of “did they really just say that?” surprises. It’s clever, energetic, and fun for the whole family — even Dad. A big, joyful Christmas comedy that turns a beloved favourite into a fresh theatre hit.

Develop your public speaking skills in a safe, fun, learning environment. North Melbourne Toastmasters is a place where you develop and grow - both personally and professionally. You join a community of learners, and in Toastmasters meetings we learn by doing. Whether you're an executive or a stay-at-home parent, a college student or a retiree, you will improve yourself; building skills to express yourself in a variety of situations. You'll open up a world of new possibilities - Gain confidence, courage and poise - Overcome nerves - Express yourself in any situation - Deliver engaging presentations - Communicate what you really mean - Enhance your professional and personal development - Learn managerial and leadership skills Join us at North Melbourne Toastmasters for this Toastmasters meeting. This is the perfect place to develop your public speaking skills in a safe, fun, learning environment. Come along for free as our guest to experience a North Melbourne Toastmasters Club meeting. North Melbourne Toastmasters meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays- 7:30pm-9:30pm. Come as a guest and get a feel of Toastmasters and our amazing club!

This is so much better than sitting at home watching TV!", said one of our participants after the first jam session :) Forget the pressure of performance and join our relaxed jam session! This is a low-stress, high-fun opportunity to connect with fellow players. What to Expect: \- Hundreds of leadsheets to choose from\. \- Whether you know three chords or 30 scales\, please come along\. You might learn a few things\, or discover the satisfaction of teaching others a few things\. \- I will provide a bass uke \(amplified\)\, a Casio keyboard\, and a drum machine \- these will help make our sound fuller\. If you are a singer who can harmonise\, come along too \- always great to hear harmonies\. \- drinks available at the bar\, and you can bring takeaway food to the RSL if you haven't had dinner\. Come ready to listen, learn, and make some beautiful noise!

**Develop Social Connection Through Emotional Intelligence** Ever notice how rare it is to have a conversation where you feel truly valued and understood? We believe that just **5 minutes of deep, active listening** can spark genuine emotional connection. This week’s session, **run by Social Threads**, is a **guided experience** where you’ll practice emotional intelligence through structured 1-on-1 conversations. Participants alternate between being the **Listener** and the **Expresser**, spending 5 minutes in each role. * As the **Expresser**, explore thought-provoking prompts designed to deepen self-awareness and compassion. * As the **Listener**, practice listening with empathy and curiosity—without fixing, advising, or judging. We’ll also use **journaling and guided reflection** to improve communication clarity and end with a **group reflection circle** to share strategies for enhancing EQ together. Plus, you’ll **develop a simple social toolkit** with practical tools to engage more meaningfully in your communities. **By participating, you’ll learn to:** * Build emotional connection by making others feel seen and valued * Improve self-awareness and compassion in authentic interactions * Develop core EQ skills like empathy, active listening, and assertive expression * Apply practical tools to strengthen your social connections in everyday life The goal is to create an **emotionally safe, respectful, and growth-oriented space** where you can practice EQ, build authentic connections, and leave with a renewed sense of clarity.

Internal Family Systems is a therapeutic approach that understands we are made up of many parts. Some are playful, creative or vulnerable. Others step in as protectors, who have developed to protect us at some point in our lives from pain, rejection or abandonment. These protectors might show up as: * the inner critic * the people-pleaser * the perfectionist * the controller * the caretaker * the rebel In this session, we will learn more about what IFS is. We will map some of the most common protector parts, focus in on one or two, and explore creative exercises to represent and/or dialogue with these parts. There will be an optional sharing to close. The duration of the workshop will be between 1.5 and 2h depending on the number of attendees. If you are facing financial stress, please type 'Concession' as a promo code for a discounted price of $25. If this is still difficult, please reach out. I am happy to make arrangements, and no one will be turned away. Contact me at [greenhouse.arttherapy@gmail.com](http://greenhouse.arttherapy@gmail.com/) **Please note:** This workshop introduces IFS-informed Art Therapy as a practice, but is not intended to replace individual or group therapy, which involves a deeper exploration of our histories, intentional collaboration and the building of a therapeutic relationship. I am certified IFS-informed but I do not have Level 1 IFS certification yet (though I will begin that soon). This workshop is also not intended for emergency crisis support or intervention. * If you are comfortable with me taking photos of you and/or your artwork for learning and supervision purposes, and to offer others a sense of what the workshop is like, please let me know at the start of the session. Your participation would be greatly appreciated!

**Get ready for a heart-warming afternoon of readings in a cool, historic cellar - and guess what? It won't cost you a dime (well, almost!)** NOTE: THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT Cost: $20\*, strictly limited to 25 seats \*Ticket price = F&B credit, the minimum spend pp to support the venue [CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR SEAT](https://MelbournePoets.eventbrite.com.au) Budding poets, writers and lyricists join Melbourne Poets for our monthly Poetry & Prose Meetup! This is a true open mic event (usually without the need for a microphone). There'll be an opportunity to read your work (if you're brave enough) and listen to others over a drink or two. You don't need to be published; you just need to be passionate about your craft. So grab a support buddy and come along to our luxe loungeroom hidden away in the 160-year-old bluestone cellars in East Melbourne's Tribeca precinct. We've got great cocktails, back-vintage wines, craft brews, amazing food, and good vibes in a chilled and supportive safe space. RULES: This is a ticketed event due to limited seating capacity. Your ticket price is offset against any bar drinks and food ordered through the venue on the day (food available from 3PM). Please ensure each piece is less than 5 minutes for those wanting to read. Depending on attendance and number of readers, there may be multiple opportunities to read. No self-promotion allowed but networking after the event is OK. GETTING THERE: We recommend you use public transport or rideshare. We are on the 12/109 tram line (stop 16, Wellington St), several Bus Routes (302, 303, 304, 305, 309, 318, 350, 905, 906, 907, 908) or a 5-10 minute walk from Jolimont and North Richmond train stations. If you decide to drive and/or have a designated driver, 2-hour paid parking is available around Powlett Reserve, Darling Square, and the Fitzroy Gardens. Extended paid parking is available at Care Park at 162 Albert Street, East Melbourne or the Epworth Freemasons Car Park in Gotch Lane off Grey Street. UNABLE TO ATTEND? Cancellations and Refunds are generally not possible. However, for sudden illness, COVID, or other special circumstances, we may agree to reschedule your session to another day or provide a gift certificate for part or all of your ticket price. Please SMS your request to 0466 045 473. #poetry #readings #poets #writers #prose #lyricists #melbournepoets #melbournepoet #melbournepoetry #melbournewriter #melbournewriters #melbournetodo #poetryandprose #poetrylovers #openmic

It's the most ridiculous time of the year and we want you to come celebrate it with us at The Improv Pit as we showcase our annual Improvised Christmas Movie! You give us the title and we will take it from there, improvising everything from the acting, to the scriptwriting, the directing, the producing, the catering, the best boy and girl grip...you get the picture. And yes...there will be popcorn aso you can enjoy it like you're at Hoyts watching Home Alone in the 1990s...but maybe with a cheeky Christmas wine ;)

Merry Christmas Everyone!! 🥳✨ Grab your picnic blankets and let’s get together for an end of year Christmas Picnic Party at the Australian Native Garden in Royal Park 🧺🎄🌿 We will be sketching, chatting and eating snacks in the park. Bring any art supplies you want and wear a Christmas themed outfit if you have one! I will try to secure the gazebo in the morning so we have a place to put all the snacks and drinks. I will be baking a bunch of cupcakes 🧁✨ I can’t eat gluten or dairy so the cupcakes will be both gf🌾 and df🥛 What to bring checklist 📋 - Any art supplies you feel like using - A picnic blanket or chair since we will be sat on the grass - Any food or snacks you would like to share - Wear a christmas themed outfit if you have one 🎅 ⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️ Please do not attend if you are sick. I have multiple chronic illnesses so my immune system is extremely weak. Keep everyone safe by staying home if you are unwell

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

The topic for December is "Reunion" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us as we kick the New Year with a fun Happy Hour and your choice of two fun, new films! Option 1 is the biographical-musical-docu-drama, SONG SUNG BLUE, which stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in the story about a real-life couple and Neil Diamond Tribute Duo. Option 2 is the comedy-action-adventure ACACONDA, which stars Jack Black and Paul Rudd as part of a group of friends remaking a favorite movie from their youth. Here’s a complete description, trailer and our plan for this event: SONG SUNG BLUE: The film follows Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, who experience success and heartbreak in their musical journey together. Not a tribute to Neil Diamond, but a tribute to a Neil Diamond Tribute Band! The film is based on the 2008 documentary of the same name and is directed by Craig Brewer. It stars Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, along with Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi. Critics call the film, “a crowd-pleaser with a ton of heart!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCM0Ztp3o1o ANACONDA: In this action-thriller-comedy-adventure, a group of friends going through a mid-life crisis head to the jungle to remake a favorite movie from their youth but encounter “unexpected events.” The film is directed by Tom Gormican and stars Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Selton Mello, Daniela Melchior, Thandiwe Newton and Steve Zahn. The film is a reimagining of the 1997 original. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMsFsfrPNaw PLAN: We’ll kick off the event with a pre-show Happy Hour at nearby Bravo! We’ll confirm the details and exact meeting time once we get the showtimes, but planning for 5 to 5:30pm for the Happy Hour and a 7pm-ish showing of both films. For the movies, we’ll meet inside the lobby area about 20 minutes before showtimes! Once showtimes are announced, advance ticket purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your Movie of Choice and seat number in the Comments below. Complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Who says you can't get into someone else's head? In the 1999 movie, *Being John Malkovich*, Charlie Kaufmann and Spike Jonze explore the answer to that question with some strange and extremely funny consequences! Nominated for 3 Academy Awards, be prepared for a "mind altering" discussion!