creating together

Catherine Councell

In the beginning, I like to invest in co-creating courageous spaces where risks can be taken, safely. I believe that in order to create we need a space where we can be cringy and gloriously ourselves. In order to connect we need to spend time getting to know each other, laughing together, and envisioning how we would like to be treated in this community.

Then, we create. What do we create? We usually don’t know all the details. In our culture things are typically not shared until they are polished or “perfect.” But being human isn’t like that. In the arts we are invited to see the process as the treasured time, and release our ideas of perfection when it is time to invite others into the space. This is where we devise, improvise, and create messily. And finally, we share with our community something we created – and are still creating – together.

I believe theater helps us practice being courageous by sharing what is living in our minds, bodies and hearts. I believe it reminds us that even though rejection hurts (and it does), and failing is always a possibility – that even in the fear we have a choice. We get to choose. Will we continue to avoid discomfort? Be defensive? Or will being messy set us free? I believe being together, and wrestling together, does just that. This is why I love facilitating and leading creative spaces.

Check out some of the things I have co-created with others below:

Forest Fables – Summer 2025 Chicago Children’s Theatre

Grades K-1st. Devised based on the origin story of Skywoman Falling from First Nation peoples, including the Council of the Three Fires, as well as inherited poetry, songs. Some shadow puppetry and original stories to celebrate creatures and the earth.

The Funnyesters presents The Cinema of Skits Summer 2025 Chicago Children’s Theatre.

Sketches, improv, and clowing with 1-4th graders.

Co-teacher with Micah Figueroa