Allow Imagination
Creative Classes & Sessions for all ages!
"True change takes place in the imagination."
— Thomas MooreWhere creativity becomes a path to growth, connection, and self-expression.Hi! I'm Chelsea of, Allow Imagination, where I offer creative, play-based and drama therapy informed experiences that nurture confidence, emotional well-being, and authentic self-expression through drama, movement, music, storytelling, and the creative arts.Schedule a meeting with me to learn more!
What does Allow Imagination Look Like?
Allow Imagination can look many different ways! From a class setting, a 1-1 session or in a group. Each experience is shaped around the person and groups age, interests, goals, and needs.We might explore:Play & Imagine
Use role-play, improvisation, storytelling, characters, and imaginative play to explore feelings, relationships, challenges, and new possibilities.
Move & Connect
Get out of your head and into your body through movement, yoga-inspired activities and grounding exercises.
Create and Express
Use art, music, writing, props, masks, puppets, cards or other creative activities as different ways to express what's happening inside.
Pause & Regulate
Practice breathing, grounding, sensory activities, mindfulness, and other tools that can support awareness, regulation, and self-care.
Explore & Reflect
Explore emotions, communication, confidence, boundaries, identity, and finding your voice in ways that feel accessible and true to you!
Grow & Discover
Use creative activities to think through transitions, relationships, personal goals, school or career questions, confidence, and any challenges you're navigating.
Family Connection
For family sessions, we can use play, storytelling, role-play, and drama therapy-informed activities to explore family dynamics, communication, and different perspectives.
And Sometimes... We Just Play!
Play doesn't always need a purpose. Making space for curiosity, silliness, imagination, and joy can be meaningful all on its own.
Classroom and Group Settings
Looking to add a creative arts class to your school, community center or business?I offer experiences that will fit to your community! As an educator, teaching artist, and facilitator with over 12 years of experience creating and leading programs for children, teens, families, and adults across educational, nonprofit, and
community settings in both NY and the Seattle area. I am passionate about building inclusive, supportive communities through the arts.Prices vary depending on the class time, group size and length of residency.Sign up for a free consultation!
1:1 Sessions
If you are looking for a more in depth coaching experience I offer an Allow Imagination 1:1 session that provides a personalized space to explore creativity, express ideas freely, and build confidence through imaginative activities tailored to individual interests, goals and needs.Allow Imagination 1:1 Sessions with Kids:
A fun, creative space where children can explore their imagination, express feelings, build confidence, and develop problem-solving skills through play and creative activities.Allow Imagination 1:1 Sessions with Adults:
A supportive space for adults to reconnect with their creativity, express emotions, and discover new perspectives through drama therapy inspired activities and reflections.Prices vary depending on time, how many sessions are needed and whether in person or online.
I am a Drama Therapist in training, with a Board Certified Trainer overseeing my work. I am not a licensed therapist. I work as a coach and facilitator, bringing over 12 years of experience in teaching, facilitating, and creative practice. My work is intended to support personal growth, reflection, creativity, and connection, and is not a substitute for licensed mental health therapy or clinical care. I can connect you with a licensed therapist if necessary.Sign up for a free consultation!
About Me
I'm Chelsea Hanawalt! I grew up on the Central Coast of California and love the outdoors! I started my love for teaching in high school when I helped direct and coach the younger grades in drama class. I continued that love of creativity through undergrad working as a Princess Performer for children's birthday parties and then moving on to teaching the arts in preschool and beyond. I have a BFA in Performing Arts from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle and an MA in Applied Theatre from City University of New York. I am currently completing my drama therapy credential through the Drama Therapy Institute of LA. Throughout my career, I have developed and facilitated theatre and arts programming in educational, community, and nonprofit settings. I am a co-founder of the Journey Theatre Project (JTP), where I co-created and facilitated anti-racist and anti-bias training
programs for educators, nonprofit organizations, and corporations. I have developed performing arts programming for educational settings in New York City, including Greenwich Music School, and have facilitated with organizations such as The Bowery Mission, SAGE Center and the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts. I believe theatre and the creative arts are healing and I love sharing my passion for imagination and play with others!
