Vocal Workshops

Join us for a hands-on chocolate workshop where love, laughter, and indulgence come together. This workshop is all about slowing down and savouring the moment. You’ll learn the art of chocolate making from start to finish — pouring, decorating, and creating delicious handmade treats to take home (if you don’t eat them first 😉). Expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, plenty of chocolate tasting, and a memorable experience that’s far more special than flowers. ✨ No experience needed 🍫 All materials included 💝 Perfect as a gift or shared experience Because the best gifts aren’t things — they’re moments (with chocolate).

**🎭 Friendly Group Improv in Clerkenwell, London 🎭** Come and join a relaxed, playful **group improvisation session** in the heart of London! We’ll dive into **theatre games**, **acting warm-ups**, and **icebreakers**, followed by short, light-hearted scenes — spontaneous fun! 💥 🎯 **Our aims**: * Build **self-confidence** in social settings * Make **new connections** 👋 * Push your **comfort zone** 💪 * Explore **self-expression** 🎨 * Release **social inhibitions** * Sharpen **communication skills** 🗣️ All through **fun, interactive, and communal play!** 🧩 Whether you're looking to **laugh**, **connect**, or **unleash your creativity & inner child**, you’re welcome here! 😄✨ **Pay on Eventbrite here:** [Improv-eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/improv-for-well-being-confidence-and-fun-tickets-1982624895433?aff=oddtdtcreator) \*with discount code JU6F for the amount of £12.65 **or in-person when you arrive.** 🍽️ **Stick around after?** Feel free to join us for a **drink or dinner** afterwards — we do this occasionally depending on end time and interest 🥂🍕 *** 📍 **Location:** Peel Institute Three Corners Centre, Northampton Rd EC1R www.thepeel.org \* This venue is wheelchair accessible 🚪 **Finding the Peel:** The Peel is situated on the corner of Northampton Road and Corporation Row. Please note; Northampton Road is a sort of U shape so if you find yourself at the other end of the U, and are confused you probably need to walk to the other end - just a few mins. 🚇 **Tube:** Farringdon or Angel *** 💷 **Payment:** **£12.65 pay when you arrive and RSVP now.** Pay by **Card**, **Cash**, or **Contactless** on arrival. Or via eventbrite [here](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/improv-for-well-being-confidence-and-fun-tickets-1982624895433?aff=oddtdtcreator) 📞 If you get lost, call **07841 456974** – but note: my phone will be **off once the session starts**, so try to arrive **on time or a little early!** ✅ **Please RSVP** — or you may be refused entry, thanks! 👕 **What to wear:** Anything you like! There’ll be some movement, so **looser/comfy clothing** is ideal — but there’s **no dress code**. *** 🕗 **Schedule (approx.):** 🕣 19:00 – 19:15 \| Arrivals & Payments 🔥 19:15 – 20:00 \| Warm\-ups & Games 🧘 20:00 – 20:05 \| Short Comfort Break \(if needed\) 🎬 20:05 – 21:00 \| Scene Games\! I’ll arrive after **18:40** – please aim to be on time for **19:00**, thank you! *** 📢 This group is also listed on **Eventbrite** – so we’ll have friendly faces from there too! 😊

-This is a monthly event for amateur or professional singers to sing to the crowd 😀 If you arrive on time at 8pm then I can mostly guarantee you will be able too sing a few songs of your choice and have the crowd going mad and cheering you on 🎤 The Star Shoreditch has a one level bar. -I will be located from 8pm with a booked space. We can all then kick off the open mic karaoke from 8.30pm! Inbox me and I can share my exact location or clothing attire haha! -This event is for single, married or people in relationships! Come and have fun and a truly unforgettable experience 😀 -2-4-£12 Cocktails 6pm - 8pm 🍸 -Pre drinks at a local Wetherspoons before the event 🍷🍺🍸drop me a message!

**Hello there!** Our Face-to-Face Afternoon Classes are back this March in London! Are you learning English as a second language and looking for an opportunity to practise your English? Interested in **free, in-person classes**? We’ve got you covered! Here at **Stafford House,** our teachers-in-training are gaining hands-on experience by teaching enthusiastic English learners. Each lesson is interactive and fun, with plenty of opportunities to practise speaking, meet other learners, and improve your English along the way. We also offer **free online English classes (London and Canterbury)**. Check out our other events for more information! Please see the **updated** details below! 🕑 **When:** From **2nd March - 26th March (4 weeks)** ➡️Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ➡️Fridays 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m 📍 **Where:** Stafford House London, 2 Southampton Place, WC1A 2DA (just 2 minutes from Holborn Station) 📚 **Level: Both levels available** **\- Pre\-Intermediate \(A2\-B1\)** **\- Upper\-Intermediate \(B2\)** Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive **15- 30 minutes early** to secure your spot. We will ask for your name and email upon arrival. *Please note: confirming attendance on Meetup does not guarantee a place in the classroom.* **Please note that class times or dates may occasionally change due to the nature of the course. If this happens, we will inform you by email.** We look forward to seeing you all very soon! Got Questions? send us an email at [teachertraining@staffordhouse.com](mailto:teachertraining@staffordhouse.com)

**How To Communicate Like A Pro – Workshop** Whether it’s pitching your business, nailing an interview, or simply making a lasting impression in everyday conversations—communication is the skill that opens doors. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn proven techniques to: ✨ Speak with clarity and confidence ✨ Keep your audience engaged (without boring them) ✨ Overcome nerves and think on your feet ✨ Build trust and influence through your words This isn’t about memorizing scripts—it’s about learning how to adapt, connect, and communicate with impact in any situation. Expect practical exercises, real-time feedback, and strategies you can use straight away. Perfect for entrepreneurs, professionals, or anyone who wants to level up their communication game.

BREATHE, DANCE AND BELONG Step out of the pace of everyday life and into an evening devoted to your body, your breath, and genuine human connection. Join us for a NEW and nourishing event designed to shake off the weeks stess and strains and connect us deeply with our bodies, hearts and community. We will start with an **ecstatic dance**! The music and your body will facilitate largely here as you release and loosen any physical stuckness and energy. Then, we will lay down for a Conscious Connected Breathwork session. These two processes together create release in the body, calm your mind, and connect you with your inner vitality. Conscious connected breathwork is a powerful breathing technique which helps you bypass the thinking mind and tap into your body’s deeper intelligence. Through connected, continuous breaths, we activate the body’s energy system, release stuck emotions, and promote healing on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. In this Workshop, you will: ✨ Dance, stretch and embody ✨ Experience deep emotional release to unlock stuck feelings and trauma ✨ Increase energy flow and reduce stress ✨ Strengthen your connection to the present moment and your body’s wisdom ✨ Open your heart and tap into your life force, creativity, and bliss ✨ Leave feeling lighter, more grounded, and deeply restored On a regular basis this practice is pure medicine! We will end the evening with a potluck meze of foods brought by all of us to share <3 What to Expect: -Guided breathing exercises to activate and align your energy -Warm-up space to dance and stretch -Partner breathing exercises -connection with Eros energy -1-hour active breathwork session using Tantric principles -Movement and sound practices to release tension and expand your energy -A nurturing, safe space to express and process emotions -Relaxation and integration time to absorb the experience -An opportunity for personal reflection and sharing, if desired **-POTLUCK MEZE FOR GROUNDING AFTERWARDS** **( PLEASE BRING A SNACK TO SHARE)** Benefits of Conscious Connected Breathing: 🌟 Super oxygenating – Boosts vitality and mental clarity 🌟 Detoxifying – Helps cleanse the body of physical and emotional toxins 🌟 Deeply relaxing – Brings a sense of calm and inner peace 🌟 Reconnects you to your life force and creativity 🌟 Enhances emotional awareness and healing 🌟 Supports healing of psychosomatic pain and tension Join us!! -Date: every 2nd friday of the month -630pm -Doors open -Location: Long Gallery Room, Lauderdale house -Cost: £60 **FREE PARKING ON HIGHGATE HILL** **Additional info:-** **Long gallery room** Lauderdale House Waterlow Park Highgate Hill London N6 5HG Lauderdale House is a white house behind the gates to Waterlow Park on Highgate Hill. It's on the left hand side heading north up from Archway tube, ( just past St Joseph’s Church on the corner of Dartmouth Park Hill). It faces Highgate Hill and is easily visible from the pavement, backing onto Waterlow Park. It is approximately 10min walk up highgate hill from archway tube (northern line). Many buses go up highgate hill too :) Tickets via eventbrite on - [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-alchemy-of-breath-dance-tickets-1978356616897](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-alchemy-of-breath-dance-tickets-1978356616897) APPROXIMATE TIMINGS -Doors open to us all: 630pm to SET UP, stretch and settle into your nests -We start at 7pm with Dancing -Breathwork instructions 745pm ISH -Breathwork 8-9pm ISH -Teas and treas 9-10pm ISH FINISH BY 1030PM To Book: Contact Tara at 07776321878 to secure your spot! What to Bring: **-Water bottle (refills available)** **-Blanket and socks for warmth** **-Yoga mat, pillow, and blanket for a comfortable breathwork nest** **-Pen and paper for self-inquiry** **-FOOD TO SHARE** To Book Your Spot: Spaces are limited! Please buy a ticket on eventbrite to save your place. Any questions contact Tara at 07776321878. **PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL BE A QUICK, VERBAL AND CONFIDENTIAL HEALTH QUESTIONNARE AT THE START WITH TARA , FOR ANY PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES TO BE DECLARED. IN SOME INSTANCES THIS MAY REQUIRE A TWEAK TO YOUR BREATHING TECHNIQUE. ALL ARE WELCOME <3** About Your Facilitator: Tara is a certified breathwork facilitator with years of experience guiding others on their healing journeys. With a deep passion for empowering individuals through conscious breathing, Tara creates a supportive, nurturing environment where you can safely explore the transformative power of your own breath. A qualified and registered mental health nurse, hypnotherapist, ecstatic trance dance facilitater, meditation coach and bodyworker; Tara is driven to share health and wellness techniques in these crazy times, to assist making life on earth more joyful and playful. Assistants- Barras the breathwork king and Steve the Yogi Shaman :) Space is limited! Reserve your spot today and experience the grounding benefits of Conscious Connected Breathing. Breathe, release, and reconnect with your true self. 💫

## **Hands On Skincare Making Workshop** Choose YOU. Create something that actually serves your health and wellbeing. ## **What Is This Workshop?** Clean Beauty for Hormone Health is a hands on, educational experience where you'll learn about hormone disrupting ingredients in everyday products, create your own natural skincare, experience traditional herbal botanicals, and connect with like minded people around wellness. This isn't just a skincare class, it's about understanding your body, taking agency over your health, and gaining skills you'll use for life. ## **What You'll Do:** * Learn what's really in your products and why it matters for your hormones * Create your own whipped body butter and nourishing massage oil from scratch * Experience a botanical tea ceremony with hormone supporting herbal blends * Connect with others navigating similar health journeys * **What You'll Take Home:** **Two products you made:** * Body butter * Massage oil **Practical skills:** Confidence to create hormone safe products at home and read labels **Real knowledge:** Understanding of endocrine disrupting chemicals and clean beauty alternatives **Community:** Connections with people who understand **Resource guide:** Harmful ingredients to avoid, DIY recipes, and natural alternatives ## **Workshop Details:** **Time:** 2:00pm, 5:00pm (3 hours) **Location:** Bromley, South East London (exact address sent 48 hours before) **Capacity:** 8 participants only (intimate, hands on experience) **Investment:** £65 ## **What's Included:** ✓ All natural ingredients and materials ✓ Glass containers for your products ✓ Hands on guidance throughout ✓ Botanical tea ceremony with hormone supporting herbal blends ✓ Light refreshments ✓ Comprehensive printed resource guide ✓ Everything you create is yours to keep ## **Who Is This For?** This workshop is for you if: * You want to understand what's in your products and how they affect your body * You're curious about natural skincare but don't know where to start * You want practical skills, not just information * You're looking for community and connection around wellness * You're ready to take agency over your health * **No experience necessary!** Whether you've never made skincare before or you're already on your natural wellness journey, you're welcome here. ## **Private Workshops Available** Want to celebrate with friends? I offer private workshops for groups of 6 to 8 people, perfect for birthdays, hen dos, team building, or intimate gatherings. Email [hello@leighsamari.com](mailto:hello@leighsamari.com) to arrange. ## **Important Information:** **Allergies:** This workshop uses natural ingredients including tree nuts (almond oil), coconut, and essential oils. If you have allergies, please email us immediately at [hello@leighsamari.com](mailto:hello@leighsamari.com) so we can provide suitable alternatives. **Medical Disclaimer:** Information provided is educational only, not medical advice. If pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or undergoing fertility treatment, consult your GP before using herbal products. Always patch test new products. **Photos:** We may take photos for social media. Let us know on the day if you prefer not to be photographed. **What to Bring:** Just yourself! (And a notebook if you like taking notes, but comprehensive resources are provided) **Accessibility:** Please contact us about any accessibility requirements so we can accommodate you. ## **Cancellation Policy:** No refund, but you may transfer your spot to someone else. ## **Ready to Join?** Only 8 spots available per workshop. When these sell out, they're full. **This is self love that actually serves you.** *By purchasing this ticket, you agree that all products created are for personal use only and Leighsa Mari is not liable for any adverse reactions. Use at your own risk.*

Please note - make sure you book a space if you are coming to the event as we have a certain amount of tickets available. Have you ever been to a public speaking class where they expect to go up and speak for 2 minutes with no prior experience ? I think this is too hard for many people and just overwhelms the nervous system. This workshop is designed for people who want a gradual and easier approach. We’ll start with some low-pressure warm-up games in pairs and small groups to help everyone relax and loosen up. We’ll move into groups of four, where you’ll speak in front of three people and answer a couple of questions. After that, we’ll move into groups of six and do another round or two. Finally, there will be an opportunity to speak in front of the whole group. But please don’t worry if that sounds intimidating—you will never be pushed or forced to do anything you’re not comfortable with. Even coming up and saying your name can be a victory! You are under no pressure to do anything, there are no minimum durations in speeches, all exercises are voluntary and no one will ever be put on the spot We'll be in studio 12, at the theatre deli which is 107 Leadenhall street, closest stations are bank and monument. I hope to see you there, if youre still worried feel free to send me a message and hopefully I can put your mind at ease 
Take care 
James. 
Gentle speaking

Come along to the Maxilla to enjoy a drumming workshop open to all levels, whether you're beginning or an advanced drummer, you can learn how to play the authentic afro brazilian rhythms with Marcos Santana all the way from Salvador de Bahia! £10 Any queries call Marcos on 07772 470198 As featured in Time Out's "1000 things to do in London for under £10"! http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/f/8/c/event_243632652.jpeg

Come and get the chance to speak in a supportive and friendly environment. Public Speaking will boost your confidence and give you more power to speak and to be listened to in both your personal and professional life. **What makes this public speaking session different from others you ask?** There is a strong emphasis on self-expression, creativity, trial and error, and most importantly, speaking practice! **What will you gain from this event?** * Gain confidence by overcoming your fear of public speaking * Learn to think on your feet with our Impromptu speaking format * Get feedback and improve your public speaking with a real audience * Tips and opportunities to practice: body language, voice, tone, pitch, uses of stories, use of pauses, humour, etc... **Here's how it works:** \*I may choose to change the format from time to time based on numbers, and to practice different aspects of public speaking in order to keep it challenging\* You will put your name in a hat/bowl and when your name is chosen, you will be asked to perform. You will speak for 2 minutes on a random topic given by the audience. This is called an impromptu speech. We will do 2-3 rounds of speaking followed by a feedback session at the end of the workshop. **Public Speaking suggestions:** TIP: Give your impromptu speech the following 3 sections below. 1. Introduction ("Today, I'm going to talk about....") 2. Body ("Here is my personal experience....") 3. Conclusion ("So, my key message is ....") Each speech is to be 2 minutes long. Audience size 10-15 people. You're not obligated to speak, although I may strongly encourage you to do so. **What to bring:** Yourself only- There are no mandatory necessities which you must bring. **Dress Code:** There is no dress code. It is best practice however, that you wear the attire for the occasion which you are practicing for. **Where to find us:** **Closest underground stations:** Bank, Monument, Liverpool Street, Aldgate - All 5 minutes walk away **Theatre Delicatessen** **107 Leadenhall Street** **EC3A 4AF** Should you have any problems locating the venue, please feel free to contact me before the start of the event. The event is wheelchair accessible. **\*Please note we start and end strictly on time\*** \*You will be refused entry beyond 7:10pm, so please reschedule if you should not make it\* **EVENT DURATION:** 3:45pm - Registration :: 4:00pm - Event start - 6:00pm - End **\*This event is FREE - for first timers only\* -** **FIRST TIMERS PLEASE NOTE:** You MUST book a free "First timer" ticket through Eventbrite and present this on attendance. Failure to do so means that you will need to pay £15. This is a measure intended to keep control of the number of students attending the event. **Cost: £15 per session** **First-timers only discount: £35 for 5 sessions**. Please speak to the organiser for registration. (These can be used within 60 days and you can attend any of our public speaking practice sessions on any day.) **Payment methods:** Cash in hand, Card reader, Pay on www.veespeak.co.uk ***Marketing and email subscription disclaimer:*** *We value your privacy, and would never we will never share or sell your details to a 3rd Party.* ***Email Subscription:*** *By signing up and attending our events you explicitly agree to be contacted by email from Veespeak's marketing team regarding our newest courses, discounts, and upcoming events. You can always opt-out if you feel the information shared is no longer relevant to you.* We may take pictures or record sections of the workshops for training and quality purposes. We will never use this information without your prior consent. **Website & Social Media:** *Website: [www.veespeak.co.uk](http://www.veespeak.co.uk/)* *Instagram: @veespeak - [https://www.instagram.com/veespeakps/](https://www.instagram.com/veespeak/)* *Facebook: @veespeak - [https://www.facebook.com/veespeakps/](https://www.facebook.com/veespeak/)* *Linkedin: @veespeak - [https://www.linkedin.com/company/veespeakps](https://www.linkedin.com/company/veespeak)* *Meetup Group: [https://www.meetup.com/veespeak](https://www.meetup.com/veespeak)* **Contact Information:** Email: hello@veespeak.co.uk Contact No: 07713 123321 Valentin Todorov - Organiser

**CUDDLE WORKSHOP** **The UK's Longest Running Cuddle Event - nearly 16 years!** **with Anna Shekory (Fortes)** Cuddle Workshops are bursting with fun, connection, deep relaxation, nervous system support, laughter and healing. We include playful light exercises to help everyone relax, boundary and consent practice, some real heart warming exercises and our famously popular Cuddle Pods (where you get to receive your own cuddle wishes from your small group). Whether you're a nervous beginner or a cuddle connoisseur, come and join us! This is a prebook only event. You're welcome to book through Meetup or pay directly using PayPal (without additional booking fees) - just use the email address anna@CuddleWorkshop.co.uk and state the workshop date. \*Please email us first if you do this to ensure there are spaces and so that you get booked in\* Concessions are available on request. www.cuddleworkshop.co.uk **\*\*\*You'll get an email a few days before the workshop with directions and details of what to bring/wear etc. Please contact Anna if you don't receive it\*\*\*** Please note: The number of people indicated as 'attending' on Meetup will not reflect the true number attending. We generally have between 25 - 30 people, and workshops are confidential and will never be photographed or filmed!

*'It was a journey towards conquering our fears and limitations and unlocking our fullest potential.'* \- Sarah Kent\, former visual arts editor of London's Time Out Details and bookings here: https://imprology.com/G201469/we.shtml Please aim to arrive 15 minutes early so we can all start on time. Pay Forward £30 - Regular £25 - Starter £20 **1\. Do I need any experience to join?** No. This weekend is for anyone curious about being more present, playful, and connected. Impro experience or none at all—you’re welcome. Some participants have been doing it for years, and some are just starting. **2\. What if I’m shy\, nervous\, or feel out of place?** That’s completely fine. This retreat is built to include you exactly as you are. Nothing to prove, nothing to perform. Just start where you are and let things unfold. **3\. Will I have to perform?** Not if you don't want to. It's all Open Space: you only do what feels right for you. Sometimes things will be funny, but we’re not aiming for it. **4\. Will I have to be funny?** Sometimes things will be funny, but we’re not aiming for it. **5\. What actually happens during a class?** We breathe, stretch, move, play, speak, and rest. Some games are full-body and wordless. Others are about listening, timing, and presence. If it's a retreat, there’s food, silence, laughter, and space to do nothing at all. **6\. What should I bring?** Clothes that you can move and rest in. If it's a retreat, shoes or boots for walking, swimsuit, mosquito repellent, allergy medication if needed and anything that helps you feel at ease. We’ll take care of the rest. **7\. What do people leave with?** A quieter mind. Looser body. Sharper attention. A sense of having been part of something real. **8\. How many people will be there?** Usually around 6 to 8 people for a class or a retreat. Enough to play, small enough to stay close. It can be much more in a jam, six to 40 in our experience. This is a journey into the heart of improvisation inviting you to rediscover the joy of play, the beauty of improvisation, and the transformative power of connection. Through original exercises and guided explorations, you'll build trust with your partners, engage fully with your intuitions and tap into your audience's "secret wishes" to improvise compelling scenes and stories. This workshop celebrates the courage to leap into the unknown, conjuring an environment where mistakes become gifts and collaboration sparks magic. Whether you're a performer seeking fresh inspiration or simply someone eager to explore the art of being present, "Now or Never" offers a supportive space to practice active listening, fearless vulnerability, and the art of doing rather than trying. Imprology unique approach to improvisation eliminates pre-planning and second-guessing to empower performers with a “now or never” approach to improvisation. Come as you are, and leave with a renewed sense of freedom, connection, and possibility.

**Bookable via our website ➡️**[https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-1-day-shelf-bracket-52/](https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/intro-to-woodwork-1-day-shelf-bracket-52/) **⋆⋆⋆** Ideal for everyone with a hankering to ‘make’ rather than ‘assemble’ something in wood with traditional hand tools. This one-day workshop is a great introduction if you lack time or commitment to take a longer course. In this safe and friendly workshop, you will learn how to plan your work, where, and how to buy suitable wood for use in making simple projects at home. You will use the tools you will need to build a basic kit and the day includes a demonstration on keeping your tools sharp. Using easy-to-follow directions in this ‘hands-on’ practical day, you will learn how to measure and cut accurately, how to use a chisel to make a classic wood joint and how to use a plane to make your wood smooth. You will drill the holes to glue and screw your work together. Everyone works with a complete set of tools and makes their own project, under the guidance of an experienced tutor. During the day you will make two ‘gallows style’ brackets and attach them with wood-plugged screws to a 50cm shelf. This is fitted with simple hardware to hang and display your work. This workshop is suitable for all ages. Small class size = plenty of attention. For those aged between 10 and 18, an older guardian can accompany them on the course if required. Please contact us if you intend to do this. If you enjoy the peace that comes with traditional skills, this day can build into a lifelong pastime. This workshop always sells out fast. All personal protection and use of tools and materials are included.

Join Voice Over Pros Of Ohio for an exciting morning of networking, and exploring opportunities in the world of voice acting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is perfect for expanding your network, learning how to start a VO business, and for honing your skills. Connect with fellow voice actors and VO experts, that will help you succeed in your voice over business. This event will feature discussions on professional development, entrepreneurship in the voice over industry, with tips for navigating the world of voice acting. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from others, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and take your voice over career to the next level. Join us Saturday, March 28, from 10am - 12pm and learn how to start or grow your voice over business. Let your voice be heard! The $10 fee covers refreshments and door prizes.

Welcome, readers! Our March read is **_The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver._** The story follows Taylor Greer, a young woman from rural Kentucky who leaves home for the West, only to find herself unexpectedly becoming the guardian of an abused Native American toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, they form a makeshift family with a diverse group of people, including Guatemalan refugees and a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, community, belonging, and finding hope in hardship. The story blends humor with serious issues, creating a story about finding family in unexpected places. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" 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!

The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop is an intensive training course designed to quickly teach participants the fundamentals and intermediate skills needed to use Adobe Photoshop effectively. This workshop condenses the material covered in introductory and intermediate Photoshop courses into a shorter, information-packed weekend. Participants will learn to navigate the Photoshop workspace, use tools for retouching and color correction, and manipulate layers and adjustment layers. The workshop also emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with real-world image editing and compositing projects. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop will follow the outline below: I. Introduction to Photoshop * **A. Understanding the Photoshop Interface:** Exploring the workspace, panels, tools, and options bar. * **B. Basic Image Concepts:** Pixels, resolution, image sizing, cropping, and color models (RGB vs. CMYK). * **C. Non-Destructive Editing Principles:** Why it's important and how to maintain flexibility. II. Working with selections * **A. Selection Tools:** Marquee, Lasso, Magic Wand, Quick Selection, and Pen tool. * **B. Refining Selections:** Using Select and Mask, feathering, and other techniques for precise edges. * **C. Creating and Managing Masks:** Layer masks for non-destructive selections and image blending. III. Layers and Adjustments * **A. Understanding and Managing Layers:** Creating, selecting, moving, grouping, and organizing layers. * **B. Blending Modes:** Exploring different ways layers interact and create visual effects. * **C. Adjustment Layers:** Non-destructive color and tonal adjustments (e.g., Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation). IV. Photo retouching and manipulation * **A. Healing Tools:** Spot Healing Brush, Healing Brush, and Patch Tool for removing blemishes and unwanted elements. * **B. Clone Stamp Tool:** Duplicating and removing areas within an image for seamless repairs. * **C. Content-Aware Tools:** Using features like Content-Aware Fill and Content-Aware Move for intelligent object removal and image manipulation. V. Advanced techniques * **A. Smart Objects:** Working with Smart Objects for non-destructive transformations and advanced compositions. * **B. Filters and Effects:** Exploring the Filter Gallery and applying various effects to images and layers. * **C. Combining Images:** Compositing and blending multiple images seamlessly using selections, masks, and adjustment layers. VI. Output and workflow * **A. Saving for Web and Print:** Understanding image resolution, file formats, and optimization for different output needs. * **B. Exporting and Sharing Images:** Various methods for exporting and sharing your Photoshop creations. * **C. Workflow Tips and Best Practices:** Efficient techniques and organizational strategies for working in Photoshop. VII. Wrap-up and Q&A * **A. Review of Key Concepts:** Brief recap of the main topics covered during the workshop. * **B. Open Discussion and Questions:** Answering participants' questions and providing further guidance. * **C. Next Steps and Resources:** Suggesting additional resources for continued learning and exploration. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop is a hands-on workshop, and example files and materials are made available to each participant. Each participant is required to have a computer available for use throughout the workshop. That computer must be adequately configured to run the latest version of Photoshop available in Adobe's Creative Cloud software suite (as of the time of this document, that version is Photoshop 2025 (Version 26.9.0)). Photoshop should be installed and operational before the commencement of the workshop. Please don't hesitate to contact me PRIOR TO THE WORKSHOP to confirm that you are indeed prepared for doing the hands-on exercises during the workshop. GENERAL WORKSHOP NOTES: There is a fee of $400 per person associated with this workshop. The Photoshop Bootcamp workshop comprises two sessions (Session 01, November 22nd, and Session 02, November 23rd). The $400 fee covers participation in both sessions. For scheduling purposes, on Meetup.com, the workshop is broken up into two (2) sessions. You only need to sign up for Session 01 (November 22nd), you will AUTOMATICALLY be signed up for Session 02 (November 23rd). The following registration/cancellation policy is in place for this workshop: * The workshop fee is due upon signing up for the event. You will be contacted shortly after you register to make arrangements for processing payment. * Participant cancellations before October 22nd are entitled to a FULL refund of the workshop fee. Participant cancellations after October 22nd, but before November 15th, are entitled to a 50% refund of the workshop fee. Participant who cancel **after November 15th** will not be entitled to a refund of their workshop fee. A continental breakfast is available each morning of the workshop (Session 01, November 22nd, Session 02, November 23rd) and includes coffee, tea, juice, and water. Lunch time (12:00 - 1:00 p.m.) features a catered lunch on each day of the workshop (Session 01, November 22nd, Session 02, November 23rd) and includes a selection of beverages such as coffee, iced tea, soda, and sports drinks.