Carmenita Peoples DBA Innovative Art & Education

Description

Carmenita Peoples is an artistic performer, writer, and certified Montessori educator. Her company, Innovative Art and Education, LLC, works with students and teachers to offer Diversity, Equity, Inclusion programming, education, and support through performance art. As a graduate of The Second City Training Center musical conservatory, improv, and writing programs, Carmenita uses her artistry to bridge inter-cultural and generational gaps. Carmenita has performed at The Moth, Write Club, Story Jam, Story Serenade, and Soul Stories. A dreamer, a seeker, a mother, and a friend, Carmenita can be seen "edutaining" audiences throughout the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs.She is also a writer of children's stories and plays She is one of the featured storytellers in Chicago Storytellers From Stage to Page and Storyteller's True Love Stories. Her mantra is, "Let's connect through our stories."

Work Sample

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqK9ISUthEy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This was my performance at Karaoke Storytellers December 2022 show, held at Schubas Tavern on 3159 N. Southport. In attempts to stretch my artistic "chops", I challenged myself with singing karaoke after telling the story. It's about when I had the opportunity in the fifth grade to travel to the France in the inaugural French-American exchange program, circa 1982. The lively audience and performance energy was phenomenal! I hope you enjoy it. This performance runs for approx. 15 minutes.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cp5Yk9rNNdH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This is a link for the March 2023 show celebrating women's history month, Story Jam-Les Femmes Show. I was one of the four featured storytellers for the show. StoryJam shows are directed and produced by Stephanie Rodgers. We share personal narratives and right after, the band plays a personalized song. This promo clip runs attached runs about 40 seconds.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmQY-iHpegT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This last sample is a wrap up from Fall 2022 in one of my chess programs. This shows the 3rd - 5th grade students playing games before we have our championship celebration. I have been coaching chess for five years.

My work sample relates to my passion for connecting with adult and child audiences by demonstrating humanity and authenticity. I am THE Premier Storytelling Educational Consultant.

History

As a storyteller and improvisor, I find sublime pleasure is sharing true, personal narratives with multi-generational audiences. I began in the Wicker Park neighborhood storefront of the SilverRoom at Grown Folks Stories, in 2013 on a dare. Once I broke my fear, I continued to study, do open mics, host events, and motivational speaking. I was able to get support from my mentor and aunt Mama Edie Armstrong, Storyteller, who insisted that my sincerity, humor, and cadence was unique and very entertaining. I have since used my Second City training to expand my platform of using storytelling to bridge cross cultural audiences. I have performed in many Chicago/Chicagoland venues, online, written and directed children's productions, and hopefully travel to more far away places to share my stories. In addition to my storytelling, I conduct workshops, motivational speaking, and chess events to provide more spaces for diversity and inclusion. Two of my stories have been published by Chicago Story Press.

Artistic Vision

My vision is to create awe and inspiration from sharing stories and improvising. I see the work as a method to practice human decency, compassion, and grace. Everyone has a unique story that touches on universal truths. There is more that we have in common than many people realize. Children have a treasure of knowledge that keeps me motivated and challenged by their honesty and curiosity. My work is richer because I tap into their limitless energy and insights. I share with my students that we are ALL brothers and sisters under the sun, and everyone is worthy of LOVE.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

I have Cultural Diversity workshops for educators/administrators where we look at actual school case studies on providing more inclusive work environments. With over 15 years of experience in education, I find storytelling one of the greatest assets in working with ALL students. In the world of Montessori, teachers must create original classroom lessons with manipulative follow-up work. This method addresses the many unique learning styles and encourages the students imagination for mastery. I use these methods to support my literacy, life skills, and leadership programs. The Beginner/Intermediate Chess program is designed to introduce students to the game and enhance critical thinking skills. Having worked with children as young as first grade, chess makes an observable difference in, patience, thoughtful movement, building confidence and coping skills. Chess is for everyone!

Traditional Folk/Ethnic Artform Statement

I am African American who writes and performs original stories highlighting responsibility and resilience, in addition to personal narrative storytelling. Using traditional African folktales, instruments and songs to guide audiences on a geographically, cultural journey of discovery and wonder. These stories are designed to highlight common human traits and remind us of the phenomenal contributions of African people to the world at large.