Creative expression is a positive pathway toward discovering your talents while developing social skills, working with others, and increasing confidence. Former professional actors Carmel and Charley Riggs know those are just some of the benefits people receive from the arts. As co-owners of Chappaqua Creative Arts (CCA), the couple strives to promote social development for all ages through theater and education. “The company’s mission is to create a safe space to allow individuals to step into different roles and perspectives, encouraging growth and self-discovery,” said Carmel of the nonprofit theater company. “Drama-based learning helps develop emotional intelligence and creativity in students. We want young and old alike to have fun and foster critical thinking while working together and developing meaningful relationships to take with them on life’s journey.”
Established in 2023, CCA offers classes for children, teenagers, and adults in scene study, on camera scene work, teen improvisation, and adult acting. Since opening, they have produced and directed two children’s shows. “The town and community have been supportive of our program and business. To live, work, thrive, and give back to the place I call home is a blessing,” said Carmel. Charley added: “The energy, passion, enthusiasm, and opportunities to put up great works of theater in our hometown is exciting. We appreciate being a part of a community where we can all come together.”
The couple describes CCA as a place where artists and students can learn to express themselves freely. “We are an inclusive theatre company that’s accessible to everyone to come together to create, learn, and share. Chappaqua Creative Arts was created to establish theatre for the community, by the community. We wish to foster all generations to share their stories and learn how to use their individual voices to lift themselves, others, and society,” they said.
Growing up in NYC, Carmel feels fortunate to have the opportunity to experience live theatre, musical theater, opera, and dance. “I have a mother who gave me every opportunity to study the arts. Theater is woven into my genetic fabric and the experiences I have had shaped who I am,” said Carmel, hoping to do the same for others through CCA. “Performers work at being their most authentic selves in order to bring an audience closer to their character and story. Theatre creates emotional connections – a unique emotional bond between the actors and the audience. The immediacy and rawness of live acting can evoke powerful emotions, sparking empathy, compassion, and understanding.”
Carmel and Charley, who met over 20 years ago while performing in a NYC Off-Broadway production of Rock My Soul, each bring a different dynamic to the company. “While we have different personalities, we’re both nurturing individuals. Carmel came to Chappaqua 26 years ago where she taught and ran Music Together and taught musical theatre, piano, and voice lessons for over twenty years. She was a child performer which landed her at The Juilliard School as a classical singer who performed all over the world,” said Charley. Carmel also earned a BA in Music Performance. Charley, upon graduating from the Actor’s Studio MFA program at the New School in New York, became a founding member of the theater group, Fresh Bread Productions, performed in and directed many off-Broadway plays, and had a 16-year career as a production manager with Madison Square Garden Entertainment, producing shows such as A Christmas Carol and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. “I bring my vast acting technique toolbox to assist actors grow and understand the craft of storytelling while providing gentility toward the vulnerability performers feel while in their growth process.
”Through courageous and imaginative theatrical and educational experiences, Carmel and Charley hope to encourage more creativity and expression in the community. “There’s been a void in Chappaqua that offered an outlet for actors, directors, writers, and designers to explore new ideas and forms of expression for any age,” they said, viewing theater as a powerful educational tool. “Theater nurtures innovation in storytelling, visual design, and performance. It teaches not only literature and history but also empathy, teamwork, and communication skills.” The couple recognizes theater has a far-reaching effect. “Theatre has historically been a medium for social and political growth. It has the power to challenge societal norms, raise awareness about important issues and inspire change. Theater holds significant cultural, educational and social value for several reasons. Theatre reflects society, giving audiences insight into historical and contemporary human experiences, cultures and issues. It helps preserve and showcase cultural traditions, values and histories.”
Looking ahead, the couple has many ideas to expand their presence in the community. Along with offering more performances and classes, they hope to establish an Engagement Program to partner with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them develop and share their artistic talents, an Education and Community Engagement Department to develop a teen improv troupe to create additional performance opportunities, and a senior troupe that can take their show(s) on the road.
With the holidays around the corner, they’re planning a large event fundraiser to highlight the value of the arts. “Theater fosters community by bringing people together in a shared experience. It encourages conversation and community engagement, often addressing social and political issues that provoke dialogue and reflection,” said Carmel, adding, “We envision a vibrant community engaged in performance and education where theater artists and patrons alike are seen, heard, and valued. Our long-term goal is to make Chappaqua Creative Arts an international theater hub to introduce diverse cultures and performances from all over the world.”
For more information on how to get involved with CCA in any capacity, call (914) 400-7626.
