What’s a Create-along?

Want to hang out with fun people but you’re really fucking tired?

Girl, Same.

Have a project you’ve been meaning to work on but never get around to it?

Story of my life, dude.

Are you stuck on something and want to ask creative people for advice or feedback?

I got you.

Growing up in a costume shop, I was surrounded by people working on individual projects but it was never boring. It was never quiet. There was always talking. There was always music. There were often dance breaks. And when someone got stuck on a project, they could vent about it, and usually get help going forward because they were surrounded by creative people with different experiences and perspectives.

NYC has some artistic co-working spaces, which is great! But they cost money, they’re not in my house, and so many cool people I love don’t live in NYC. So I’m making a virtual “costume shop.” A place where awesome creative people work on individual projects but, like, together.

The Chaotic Create-along!

In this 40 minute zoom meeting, you bring a thing you’ve been meaning to work on, meet up with other people working on things, and just talk while you work. Ask a question, talk about what you’re working on, recommend a tv show, or share a cool thing you just learned. If anyone has an issue with their project, they can talk to the group about it and get feedback or advice.

And because I’m me, I’d like to make it a little bit more of a party.

So bring a drink (if you want,) dress up (or don’t!) take a dance break with me (or just move your body in a way that feels good!) And in honor of my love of go-go dancing, if you send me a venmo with the word “tip” in the message I’ll flash my butt at the screen!

You’ll leave with a little bit of progress, maybe some advice, and a reminder that there actually are a lot of cool, creative, and good people in the world.

Who the hell are you anyway?

I’m Alithea Howes aka Mary Cyn. I have a BFA in theatre from NYU and I’ve been performing and producing burlesque for 20 years. I’ve also made costumes, props, murals, and all kinds of art. I’ve written essays, articles, erotica, and one woman shows. I do a little bit of everything, is what I’m saying.

The best thing I ever did was create a bi-monthly show which became a place for weirdos, queers, creatives, and neurospicy people to party together. It was fucking epic. I miss it every day. But I don’t have the energy I used to. And I have so many things I want to bring out of my head and into the world. And I’m betting that I’m not the only one.

So if you’re like me, and you want to make art, and have fun, but struggle to put together the time and energy to go out, join me for this. There’s no commute, you don’t have to get dressed, you don’t have to spend money. Just show up and be your awesome self.

And sign up for this newsletter so I can send you the meeting link.