Love in the Strangest
Places ...Story Slam
Meet the Storytellers
Have you ever wondered… is this encounter a coincidence, fate, or just blind luck? Love in the Strangest Places is a Story Slam of inspirational personal narratives and music presented by writers and performers from our communities, who reflect on how love has led them to unexpected places.
"When you want something all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it." Paulo Coelho
Hannah Fogel - "God Only Knows"
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Hannah Fogel started down her musical path as a toddler singing in the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus where she fell in love with the resonance of ensemble casts. She is a comedian and singer/songwriter who synchronistically applied the development of Truth and Illusion to her own early recovery journey, with the help of June Cupido’s storytelling magic. Now an Addictions Councellor, Hannah has seen how laughter, creative expression and psychodynamic exploration of narrative can fruitfully benefit overall health, and one’s search for deeper meaning.
Carole Bertuzzi Luciani is a storyteller by nature.
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As a self-described humourist she shares her gift as a professional speaker, known as The Moodivator. Through Carole’s unique view of the world, she uses each life issue she faces as an opportunity to share insight with others so they might better cope with their own. Her wit and wisdom contribute to making her messages palatable.
To book her as speaker for your future events see her website:
Eric Trask - "Finding Love in the Strangest Places"
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Eric is an actor, writer, back seat director, and a parent extrordinaire! Over the past forty years he has worked theatres big and small from Halifax to Victoria. From the moment we are born our lives travel a trajectory that is intrinsically and wholly our own. Eric hopes that you can enjoy this snippet of his.
Melissa Truelove- "20 Minutes Away"
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Melissa has been around the entertainment business most of her life. She is a writer, performer, fitness enthusiast/Zumba instructor and singer. Being a creator has come naturally for her throughout life. She is a social worker and activist who is passionate about social justice initiatives and finding ways to make sustainable changes for folks living in our communities.
Barbara Eddy-"In a Broken Heart"
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Starting as a cub reporter to copywriting to nearly thirty years of curriculum and educational resource design, Barbara has enjoyed her professional writing, as well, picking up a few awards in fiction competitions over the years.
Michael Williams - "In a Jazz Club"
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Michael Williams is a writer, storyteller, and end-of-life planning facilitator. Born and raised in Hamilton, he studied English at the University of Western Ontario before moving to Edinburgh, Scotland to take up a Ph.D. After a career in teaching, Michael became a professional storyteller and education consultant. In 2009, following his time in the Middle East, Michael established a story coaching practice, working with individuals as well as community and corporate clients on issues of leadership, conflict resolution, and managing chronic illness and mental health. In 2017, he returned to Hamilton where he spends his time writing, teaching, and helping men and women sort out their end-of-life plans.
June Cupido - Director & Story Coach
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June Cupido is an experienced story coach. Her goal is to create provocative theatre experiences that guide the integration, acceptance, and compassion for others through increased understanding of what another has experienced or is experiencing. She believes that the stories we tell connect us, and as a community we can evolve.
If you are interested in developing a personal narrative, she can help you get ready for the next series of Story Slams in 2023.
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Her role as a story coach is to open up the dialogue that will lead you to thinking about your own personal truth and illusion. As a dramaturge June has been developing personal narratives through story coaching for the past 10 years. As Joseph Campbell writes, “The most rewarding mythological experience you can have is to experience how it lives inside yourself.”
Sue Phillips-"In a Strangers Bedroom"
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Sue is a Critical Illness/End of Life Doula in the Dundas/Hamilton area. Along with her primary focus of serving individuals Sue educates and shares information through storytelling, advance care planning and grief support on the value of doula assistance.
Michael Mulrooney - Musical Director
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Michael Mulrooney studied piano, conducting, and voice at University of Toronto and has pursued an eclectic musical career centred on theatre. He has served as musical director, conductor, pianist, arranger, and/or composer on over 200 theatrical productions of every conceivable shape and size. He works as music director for Grace United Church in Burlington and as an adjunct professor at Sheridan College.