Theatre & Performing Arts

**Estrela do Mar** Inc is a Not-for-Profit organisation and this is a ticketed event, however don't let the investment be in your way, **please reach out** if you are experiencing financial difficulties to learn how can you contribute. Find out more at **[our](maracatu.org.au)** website. Workshops are held every Tuesday night at the Multicultural Hub in Melbourne, opposite the Vic Market. As the front door is locked after hours, please walk to Victoria Street, and turn right. You will find the door to Maracatu workshops on the right hand side just after Yarn Strong Sista. We teach **rhythm, song & movement** at regular workshops. Our style is traced through the lineage of groups (or "nations") such as **Maracatu Aurora Africana, Maracatu** **Estrela Brilhante**, **Maracatu** **Leão Coroado**, and others. We share a **living tradition of maracatu locally** to promote **social inclusion, break cultural barriers, and facilitate community building** & **engagement**. * **No musical experience** is required * **All instruments provided** * Not suitable for **children** Come along to learn & play this exhilarating rhythm. Please arrive at 6.25pm. The workshop will start at 6.30pm. \*\*Tickets: [https://events.humanitix.com/maracatu**](https://events.humanitix.com/maracatu**) $30 workshop or $20 concession Packages and Membership available

Jewellers can hire a desk in our workshop to make or finish off their own pieces. This workshop is self run, you need to attend a health and safety induction before working daily unattended. Basic jewellery making tools are provided and some consumables such as flux, borax, tumbling polish, lathe polish and some drill bits. Aprons and safety glasses are provided, tie up loose hair, wear enclosed shoes. Please email claw.creative.studios@gmail.com for any questions or inquiries. Clara Carija, Director CLAW CREATIVE.

**WELCOME! BEM-VINDOS!** Come and dance Brazilian Samba with us! Meet new people, learn new skills, enjoy this awesome culture! All experience levels welcome! Join us at our Samba Dance Open Session! Our mission is to promote and share our love of Brazilian music, dance and culture, whilst making loads of noise, having some fun and working our hips. We want to build the community involved in this beautiful culture here in Melbourne, and bring together musicians and dancers to share in the experience. This is Melbourne's only weekly samba dance class where you get to experience the sound and energy of the hottest bateria in town, the drums of Bloco 3K. **WHAT** Come and dance with us! **WHEN** Every Tuesday Evening (We open our doors to newcomers at these Open Sessions - one week of the month) **WHERE** Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance for the first hour, then across the road to NMCC to join the drummers for the last 30 mins. **WHAT YOU NEED** Wear comfortable clothes, such as gym gear and trainers with a thin sole/socks. For dancing to drums you may wish to bring earplugs. We will however have some available to buy for $2 each, cash only. **COST** Your first session is just $10. After that casual sessions are $30 each, or monthly access to all projeto and quadra sessions is $60. [Secure your spot via our eventbrite link](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/brazilian-samba-dance-classes-dance-to-drums-melbourne-tickets-1576480177649?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) **PLAYING DRUMS** If you'd rather be playing drums than dancing to them (or maybe you want to do both?) check our other events. Any questions then shoot us a message. Looking forward to dancing with you soon!! **WHO** Led by two pioneers of Australian Samba, you’re in expert hands as you enjoy your Samba journey with Bloco 3K. Founder and Mestre de Bateria, Rob Arcari, leads the drum team, while Rainha de Bateria and Dance Director, Denise Kayan, heads up the dance element. Mestre Rob has been at the forefront of the Melbourne Samba scene for the past decade. As the Mestre de Bateria for both Bloco 3K (Melbourne) and Unidos da Cacatua (the largest samba project in Australia and New Zealand), he brings a wealth of experience and passion. Since 2017, he has made an annual pilgrimage to Rio, parading with numerous Escolas de Samba. A regular ritmista with Imperatriz Leopoldinense and Acadêmicos da Rocinha, he has also paraded with Paraiso da Tuiuti, Império da Tijuca, Estacio de Sá, and many other schools. Denise Kayan is one of Australia’s most accomplished samba dancers. Locally, she serves as Rainha de Bateria and Dance Coordinator for Bloco 3K, as well as Director of Dance for Unidos da Cacatua. Denise is well-known in Rio, where she has been a passista with Vila Isabel since 2020 and previously with Mocidade from 2017 to 2019. She has held prestigious titles such as Rainha da Escola and Princesa da Bateria at Unidos da Ponte, in addition to various Musa positions at numerous schools. With her extensive experience, Denise is adept at commanding attention and leading with confidence in front of a bateria. Come and share in our passion! We look forward to having you as a part of it.

**WELCOME! BEM-VINDOS!** Join us at our Open Session! Come and play Brazilian Samba drums with us! Meet new people, learn new skills, enjoy this awesome culture! All experience levels welcome! **Bloco 3K** is Melbourne's biggest samba carnival drum and dance crew. Our mission is to promote and share our love of Brazilian music and culture, whilst making loads of noise, and having some fun . These drumming sessions are taught by Rob Arcari and members of Bloco 3K. **WHAT** Come and play drums with us! We play all the drums and percussion you might expect in one of Rio's Samba Schools - Surdo, Caixa, Repique, Tamborim, Chocalho, Agogô, Timbal etc **WHAT YOU NEED** All the drums are provided **WHEN** We rehearse every Tuesday evening at 6:30PM (We open our doors to newcomers at these Open Sessions - one week of the month) **WHERE** North Melbourne Community Center **COST** Your first session is just $10. After that they're $30 each week, or just $60 for the month. [Secure your spot using our eventbrite link](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/brazilian-samba-drumming-workshop-melbourne-all-levels-welcome-tickets-1573928595799) **RATHER DANCE?** We also run Samba dance classes too, with Open Sessions also on the first Tuesday of the month. Check our other events details. Any questions then shoot us a message. Looking forward to playing with you soon!! **WHO** Led by two pioneers of Australian Samba, you’re in expert hands as you enjoy your Samba journey with Bloco 3K. Founder and Mestre de Bateria, Rob Arcari, leads the drum team, while Rainha de Bateria and Dance Director, Denise Kayan, heads up the dance element. Mestre Rob has been at the forefront of the Melbourne Samba scene for the past decade. As the Mestre de Bateria for both Bloco 3K (Melbourne) and Unidos da Cacatua (the largest samba project in Australia and New Zealand), he brings a wealth of experience and passion. Since 2017, he has made an annual pilgrimage to Rio, parading with numerous Escolas de Samba. A regular ritmista with Imperatriz Leopoldinense and Acadêmicos da Rocinha, he has also paraded with Paraiso da Tuiuti, Império da Tijuca, Estacio de Sá, and many other schools. Denise Kayan is one of Australia’s most accomplished samba dancers. Locally, she serves as Rainha de Bateria and Dance Coordinator for Bloco 3K, as well as Director of Dance for Unidos da Cacatua. Denise is well-known in Rio, where she has been a passista with Vila Isabel since 2020 and previously with Mocidade from 2017 to 2019. She has held prestigious titles such as Rainha da Escola and Princesa da Bateria at Unidos da Ponte, in addition to various Musa positions at numerous schools. With her extensive experience, Denise is adept at commanding attention and leading with confidence in front of a bateria. Come and share in our passion! We look forward to having you as a part of it.

Hey Shower Singers! Meet us at our new venue the Craftsman's Corner (*313 Lygon St, Brunswick East*) You can rock up and and register at the door, or contact us prior if you wish [via our website](https://beyondthebathroom.org/contact-us). We are in person or online, 7.30-9.30pm on Tuesdays. Casual attendance fees are $20 and $15 concession. If it's your first time, please come early so we can give you everything you need for a fun choir session! Looking forward to singing with you soon, BTB

tickets and info: [https://bachatacorazon.com.au/tuesday-night](https://bachatacorazon.com.au/tuesday-night) ### Shake off the workday with a night of pure Bachata bliss! Every Tuesday, 6:15pm - 9pm, we run classes for all levels of dancers, from absolute beginners to advanced. From 9pm, join us for an unforgettable evening at one of Melbourne's most popular socials—our DJs drop all the hottest hits and dancers, from all schools and interstate come together to share their love for Bachata dance - with a sprinkle of Salsa and Kizomba. Don't miss out on this sure-fire recipe to get your week started right! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• **BACHATA CLASSES TIMELINE:** **6:15 - 6:45pm: FREE class for absolute beginners** to learn the fundamental and the basic of bachata. (Upstairs) **7:00 - 8:00PM Beginners:** Your Latin dance journey starts here! We'll teach you the essential holds, basics steps and turns that will prepare you for the higher classes and kick start your Bachata journey. First-timers welcome! **7:00 - 8:00PM Sensual Bachata (Intermediate level)**: This class builds on your existing understanding of turns, wraps, connection and **(most importantly) frame**; to introduce Bachata sensual whole-body movements. Mastering the techniques in this class will get you ready for any social dance floor anywhere in the world. We recommend at least 8-12 months of regular dancing before attempting this class. Check with an instructor for tips on how to improve your frame so that you will get the most out of this class. **8:00 - 9:00PM Intermediate Social Moves:** This class is perfect for dancers of all levels who have at least 8-12 weeks of experience dancing Bachata. In this class, we focus on teaching you fun social moves that you can use immediately on the dance floor. The moves and combinations taught in this class are perfect for Australia’s social dance scene and will keep you dancing for hours. **8:00 - 9:00PM Advanced Bachata**: In this class we introduce advanced techniques, complex timing, and musicality. This class requires an assessment (or invitation from an instructor). Students in this class should be able to lead and follow controlled whole-body movements learned in the Intermediate Sensual class. It is our expectation that advanced dancers are practicing their dance 3-4 times per week. We recommend advanced dancers continue participating in 7PM Sensual Bachata class regularly to keep fundamentals strong. **Social dancing** **9PM - MIDNIGHT 3 HOURS of SOCIAL DANCING AND PARTY** with the latest modern bachata and of course, SENSUAL bachata music. Perfect mix to practice the moves you learned in class!! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ALL TICKETS INCLUDE DRINK TOKENS. (All door prices include 1 drink): \- 6:15 Introduction class $FREE \- 1 class \+ social \- $32 \- 2 classes \+ social \- $42 \- 3hrs of party \(social dancing\): $22 (Membership options available from $15 p/week ([https://bachatacorazon.com.au/bachata-melbourne-membership](https://bachatacorazon.com.au/bachata-melbourne-membership)) WALK IN WELCOME No need to bring a partner as partners rotate in class. Join us any week, content will be revisited every few months. WHERE? The Space Dance & Arts Centre 318 Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3181 To RSVP for the classes and get tickets here: [https://bachatacorazon.com.au/tuesday-night](https://bachatacorazon.com.au/tuesday-night) Walk in welcome. For more info regarding the prices or other events, follow us on [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/BachataCorazonTuesday)and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bachatacorazontuesday).

Join the MSS for our first meeting of 2026, to explore the themes of **'Magic, Illusion, Power, and Gender'** which will thread through our readings and discussions this year. We will kick off the meeting with a viewing of the 'Upstart Crow' episode on 'Macbeth', which will lead into an overview of this year's MSS programme and a discussion of representations of witches and magic in the plays of Shakespeare and fellow playwrights. Please see the Facebook page for further details. As always, there will be an afternoon tea to connect with our community of Shakespeare and theatre lovers. We look forward to seeing you there! Cost: $7 per person (cash only).

Join us every **Wednesday at 5 PM** at the Emporium food court (located behind Grill’d Burger Restaurant in the CBD, not near Melbourne Station) for a dynamic networking event tailored for filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts. Afterward, we continue the evening with Happy Hour drinks at a nearby bar and a chance to grab dinner together. Understanding that schedules vary, feel free to join at any time that suits you. Rain or shine, our community has gathered every week for the past year, maintaining a consistent and welcoming environment. Our group has grown remarkably, with a **weekly turnout of over 50 participants**, blending newcomers with regulars to create a vibrant, diverse community. Feel free to bring friends interested in filmmaking; it’s a great way to introduce new faces to our expanding network. Whether you’re a writer, actor, animator, or independent filmmaker, come share your experiences, discuss current projects, or chat about favorite films. This event fosters connections among like-minded individuals, encourages friendships, and opens doors for collaboration. At **7 PM**, we move to The Carlton Club, a five-minute walk away, where we continue networking in a more formal rooftop setting over drinks and food. This change of venue offers an ideal environment to keep conversations flowing. **RSVP** to help us gauge attendance and become part of a growing network of film professionals and enthusiasts. Though the event begins in the afternoon, the relationships you build here can last well into the night and beyond. **What to Expect:** *Our Wednesday meetup is primarily a large networking event for industry professionals. There’s no set theme, workshop, or speaker. It’s a relaxed gathering where filmmakers, actors, and creatives can connect, discuss projects, share needs, and learn from each other. Conversations flow freely around the table, fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie. Beyond Wednesdays, we also host exclusive events such as table reads, cinematography workshops with Panasonic, member screenings, and more. Each week brings fresh dialogues—some participants discuss their weekend shoots, others exchange insights with seasoned producers and directors, and a few engage in filmmaking exercises. It’s a space designed for creative engagement without strict structure or formal oversight.* *Note: Our community emphasizes collaboration, friendship, and goodwill rather than promotional activities. If you wish to promote a workshop, course, screening, or similar event, please contact the organizers first. Promotional privileges are generally reserved for trusted, long-standing members.

**\*\*\*This is a pre-booking event. Please visit [artmasterclass.com.au](https://www.artmasterclass.com.au/) choose your cheeseboard and coaster, use the *MEETAMC10* coupon code, and make a reservation.\*\*\*** Unleash your creativity at our Resin Art Workshop in the heart of Melbourne! Join us for a fun and interactive session where you'll learn the art of resin pouring from expert instructors. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is perfect for everyone. You'll create stunning, unique pieces to take home and enjoy, all while surrounded by like-minded creatives. Our workshops provide all the tools, materials, and guidance you'll need to bring your vision to life. Discover the mesmerizing flow of resin, explore vibrant pigments, and watch your art evolve into a glossy masterpiece. Each session is designed to be both educational and relaxing, making it the ideal activity to unwind, socialize, and spark inspiration. Spaces are limited, so book your spot today and dive into the colorful world of resin art with us!

If you’d enjoy a relaxed Sunday afternoon wandering through beautiful spaces, sharing thoughtful conversation, and ending the day over a lovely dinner — you’re warmly invited to join us. This is a women-only gathering designed to make connection feel **easy, unforced, and nourishing**, with art, movement, and shared experience doing the heavy lifting. ### Meet time & place **4:00pm – Meet inside the NGV, Great Hall** Please enter the **NGV (180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne)** and walk through **Federation Court**. We’ll meet in the **Great Hall**. (This meeting spot is easy to find once inside — see map/photo in the event images.) ### Gallery wander + conversation **4:00pm – 5:00pm** We’ll spend the afternoon **wandering a limited area of the NGV together**, moving at an easy pace and allowing conversations to unfold naturally as we explore. This is a relaxed, unstructured wander — there’s no rush and no expectation to see everything. The gallery provides a beautiful backdrop for: * Gentle conversation * Reflections sparked by art and design * Easy connections without small talk pressure As with other **Good Conversations Club** events, you’re welcome to arrive exactly as you are. I’ll have **conversation prompts available** that you’re welcome to use if you’d like — or not at all. They’re simply there to support ease, connection, and meaningful conversation if you want them. ### Walk to dinner The NGV closes at **5:00pm**, so we’ll meet out front, then take a **short walk (approx. 10 minutes)** together towards Flinders Street Station. ### Dinner **5:30pm – 7:00pm** **Chocolate Buddha** (very close to Flinders Street Station) Dinner is a chance to sit, slow down, and continue conversations over (shared?) food. You’re welcome to join for the gallery wander only, or both — dinner is optional but encouraged. ### Who this event is for This is a **women-only** event for those who are: * Young at heart and open-minded * Interested in art, culture, and meaningful conversation * Comfortable in mixed-age groups * Looking for connection without pressure or performance There’s no strict age range — you’ll likely meet women across different life stages who value presence, curiosity, and good conversation. (In general, ages of people attending our events have been around 25-50 years) ### Important notes * Entry to the NGV is free * Dinner is pay-your-own * Please arrive on time so we can begin together * Comfortable shoes recommended for walking This event is about **shared experience first**, followed by **nourishing conversation** — in beautiful surroundings, with ease.

Join us at our second ***'Out 'n About'*** event! Our Out 'n' About events are all about supporting creatives in our community. **When someone is doing something awesome, we want to be there.** We want to bring regular and new faces along for the ride meaning we don't just get to experience wonderful creations but make new creative friends along the way. This Saturday, Jessiphora is hosting a listening party to showcase her own electronic music and other fabulous Melbourne artists who have also attended & supported Creative Hustle events...and so we are heading along to support them! Jessiphora is a Melbourne electronic artist and DJ and will be sharing her music alongside Alexis Naylor, Coco Benny, Dan On The Decks and Johnny Be Bad at Norla Dome in Docklands. Expect a high energy night of listening and sharing amongst artists whilst also making a bunch of new creative friends. **What is the Creative Hustle Network?** The Creative Hustle Network is a social events group for creative professionals in the Melbourne arts industries. Whilst professional partnerhsips and collaborations form from our events, our focus is friendship, connection, support and inspiration. We run networking events every month, and also like to do fun social things...like head out on a Saturday and support a listening party! We can't wait to see you there. **You must have a ticket to attend this event. For more info and tickets please follow this link:** https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/norla-dome-listening-party-tickets-1979106624189?aff=oddtdtcreator

The topic for February is "Transitions" 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 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 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!

Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you knew Del Close on a personal level, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup** for some fun and games! The idea behind improv is to create entire scenes from scratch based on a suggestion from the audience. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway*, *ComedySportz*, or *Wild 'n Out*; it could also be done to tell stories, like *Middleditch and Schwartz*. Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and free!) weekly comedy event, brings the games (and occasionally different forms) for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Not only is it a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and make friendships that'll last a lifetime! Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "Yes, And" that you'll have fun!

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

We are a real world Martial arts group. \ Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \ Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \ We have been around a while. \ We are donation based. Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \ Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \ If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \ We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295 Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \ \ You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\ Wear workout clothing \ Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \ WE HAVE GLOVES. \ Hope to see you soon :-).\ We are run off of donations. \ let me know if you have any questions :)

Join us as we get together to see the steamy-romance-period-drama, WUTHERING HEIGHTS. Director Emerald Fennell gives us her take on the romance between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw from the classic Emily Bronte novel. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film tells a passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. The film is directed by Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman, Saltburn) and is loosely based on the classic novel by Emily Bronte. It stars Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Alison Oliver, Owen Cooper and Hong Chau! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fLCdIYShEQ PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet inside the lobby area about 30 minutes before the show begins. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised! Be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts! And, after the movie, don’t miss the best part of the night – food and drinks at the nearby Rusty Bucket! Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Caller: Dan Kappus** **Band: Trillium** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

[MOVIE DESCRIPTION BELOW] *Survivors of the apocalypse send a convict in a small submarine to explore a desolate moon that's an ocean of blood.* \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ **PLEASE SEE GROUP BIO FOR FULL FAQ. Meetup only allows a certain amount of characters when posting events from a mobile device and out FAQ is longer than that limit. A condensed version is posted below here** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ First-time attendees: below are some Frequently Asked Questions about events for your consideration: * **What is involved in this type of event? (_Group Watch & Socialize Event)** * We typically arrive before the movie, maybe chat and catch up with folks a bit, watch the movie in the theater, then afterwards have a more extended chat with everyone who saw the movie. * **Do I have to chat before the movie?** * Nope! Totally understandable if you'd rather just watch first so you can have something in common to discuss afterwards. * **Will people approach me/talk to me?** * Not a guarantee as it depends on who is hosting, but a good host or other group members will try to at least say hi to members after the movie and may make an effort to include newer faces in the conversation in some way. Please feel free to jump into the conversation as you feel comfortable and understand this is done with good intent :) We are happy to have you! * **How will I know who is the host or where people are gathering to talk about the movie?** * This depends on each host, but good practice is for the host to indicate a notable item of clothing they are wearing for other members to look out for. But generally we gather in a loose circle in the theater lobby or outside the theater to talk, so if you recognize the host or other group members - that's the spot we've decided on! Just kind of depends on the feel of the group where we gather. * **What is with posting the seat numbers?** * A good practice we've found is to post our seat numbers when we have ordered tickets for a movie. This is just another way for members of our group to find each other as it might not be immediately obvious who is here as part of the group event: some events are at public movie theaters, after all. You are not by any means obligated to post your seat number if you do not feel comfortable doing so, just something we've found that works nicely for encouraging some socialization. * **Will there be food?** * General guideline: if the movie starts at 7ish pm or later, you might wanna have dinner first or plan on buying movie snacks. Restaurant kitchens tend to close around 9-10pm. We sometimes do go to restaurants after movies as a group, but moreso bars whose kitchens may or may not be open. Plus, kind of bad manners for a group to descend upon a bar when the kitchen is closing is 10 minutes lol. Bars are just convenient social places, there is zero pressure to drink but there just aren't many places open late when we may leave movies. There is potential to order or provide food for group events, but it should not be expected unless stated in the event description. * **How do I stay in contact with the group after the movie?** * We have another app we use for discussion because Meetup is somewhat cumbersome to use for casual conversation. The app we use is called Discord. The link is posted below: * Link: https://discord.gg/4r7QxzmSvH * [Place link here] \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ * **Can I create events as a member?** * Initially, no but this group is open to members suggesting events or becoming part of the Event Organizers over time. We don't want to open the opportunity for everybody initially to create events because that kind of role has some responsibility towards it. There are certain permissions granted to that role that not every member should have. However, if a member has a proven track record of treating every group member with due respect, and a willingness to plan events: they can become and Event Organizer and create their own events. Please reach out to leadership if this sounds like something that would interest you. * **Can I donate to the group?** * Absolutely! See group bio