For the December NYC’s Secrets & Lies storytelling show at the South Street Seaport Museum, I baked 300+ cookies for our guests. All the recipes had a historical backstory and a maritime connection to match the theme of our show and the beautiful venue.
I’ve gotten messages asking for the recipes and the stories behind them, so here they are! Swipe through the photos to find the recipe cards and the history behind each cookie.
I hope you enjoy baking up a bit of NYC history with:
– The Captain’s Lie (New Amsterdam Lemon Jumbles)
– Sweet Corruption (Spiced Molasses Gingerbread)
– The Original Hustle (Dutch Shortbread Trefoils a la the Girl Scouts)
Since it’s cookie season, I’d love to see your baking pics! Happy baking!
Ashley Semrick, Erin Hunkemoeller, Carla Katz, and Christa Avampato
I’m proud to share that the NYC’s Secrets & Lies holiday show this week about secret NYC maritime history at the South Street Seaport Museum was a huge success! I’m still GLOWING from all the good cheer.
This show is a dream passion project for me, and I feel so lucky to do this work. The phenomenal storytellers, the engaged and joyful audience, and the perfect museum partner team and venue made for such a special holiday celebration. I’m beyond grateful to everyone who came out to the show.
We had a packed house that enjoyed a special evening of history and stories, complete with snack table filled with historically accurate treats that all had a backstory! This event was our first location-based event; all the stories were thematically linked to the space where we performed creating an immersive environment where the audience didn’t just hear the stories but could feel them.
It was also a powerful case study in the critical value of collaboration. Working with the Seaport Museum team was seamless, proving that when partners share a clear vision, we can create an immersive meaningful experience for our audience that stays with them long after the show ends.
Live events are a masterclass in crisis management. As the creator and producer, successfully navigating the unexpected is part of the job description. Though it might sound crazy to some, this is what I love about producing: problem-solving, thinking on my feet, and taking care of everyone involved in making the show possible. The ultimate reward is delivering a high-quality experience for the audience and seeing the talented storytellers shine.
A little behind-the-scenes secret – I was more nervous about this show than any show we’ve ever done. Between my back injury, the cookie baking, a brand new venue with a brand new partner, this being our first location-based show, and a last minute emergency I didn’t expect, my natural stage fright was flying high. But through collaboration and partnership and joy, it all worked out. Once I focused solely on the storytellers, our audience, and our museum partner, the nerves finally faded. We are always stronger and better together.
And good news (a la Buddy the Elf!): I saw a dachshund outside the museum as I arrived and another dachshund outside the museum on my way home. My Phinny is always with me!
Thank you again to the phenomenal team, the storytellers, and everyone who came out to support live storytelling and New York history. This is proof that focused passion and strong partnerships can achieve anything!
Below are some photos from the show. Happy Holidays!
Me at home in Brooklyn (and I took that photo behind me of a branch frosted with ice!)
I am so honored to be the first guest on Marina Psaros‘s new podcast, Earthworks.
We sat down to talk about two things that are deeply personal to me: the urgency of climate action and the power of a good story. Specifically, we discussed how I relaunched my live storytelling game show, NYC’s Secrets & Lies, at the Climate Group‘s Climate Week NYC this year.
Why mix storytelling with climate science? My goal has always been to combat misinformation and disinformation, particularly in climate. In a world of noise, storytelling promotes critical thinking and builds the kind of community and critical thinking we need to tackle big challenges. When we pique someone’s curiosity and wonder, which is what I do with the show and secret history, that encourages the audience want to take action and join a movement.
Big News: We are going to the West Coast! Marina actually reached out to me via LinkedIn when she saw my original post about the show at Climate Week NYC. That one connection has sparked a new plan: We are working to bring NYC’s Secrets & Lies (as San Francisco’s Secrets & Lies!) to SF Climate Week in San Francisco in April 2026!
I’d love to hear what you think about the intersection of history, nature, and storytelling. And to my friends in the Bay Area—stay tuned. We can’t wait to see you and tell stories together!
It’s official! The tickets for my December NYC’s Secrets & Lies storytelling show at the South Street Seaport Museum are now on sale and they’re only $10
I am so excited for this one—it’s going to be a gorgeous night of holiday secret stories, exclusive access to the museum’s exhibit on NYC maritime history, free wine, and free holiday treats with a cast that includes Carla Katz, Erin Hunkemoeller, and Ashley Semrick. 🍷
I’m so excited to share this update: NYC’s Secrets & Lies, my storytelling show about secret NYC history, is officially looking for new storytellers for our 2026 season!
This show is a dream come true for me and incorporates everything I love – NYC, history, research, game shows, storytelling, and collaboration. We’re thrilled to be back on stage and growing.
Read the full Playbill listing, including the link to submit at http://bit.ly/46UcuAz.
Please feel free to share this with anyone whom you think would be interested.
Here is the full text of the listing:
NYC’s SECRETS & LIES: Storytellers Wanted
PRODUCTION DESCRIPTION: NYC’s Secrets & Lies is a critically acclaimed, dynamic live storytelling show that blends deep historical research with high-energy theatrical performance. We bring little-known NYC stories to life, pairing each storyteller’s script with synchronized, original visual presentations (slides/images). Each performer acts as a historian, researcher, and entertainer.
SEEKING DIVERSE STORYTELLERS (18+)
We seek diverse, charismatic performers who are passionate about historical research and engaging presentation.
Storytellers: Individuals comfortable conducting independent historical research, writing a compelling script (typically 8–12 minutes in length), and delivering it with theatrical flair.
Key Skills:
Ability to translate complex historical facts into an accessible, entertaining narrative.
Familiarity with creating simple visual aids (slides/Keynote) is helpful, but not required.
Experience: Prior experience in educational performing, tour guiding, or narrative podcasting is a plus, but not a requirement. The only true requirement is a passion for NYC history and a desire to share it with an audience in a fun way.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: VIDEO FIRST OPEN CALL
We are accepting self-tape video submissions for the first round. (A phone video is perfectly fine; please minimize the file size.)
Required Materials:
Headshot and Resume/CV: Highlight any experience in research, writing, public speaking, performance, or tour guiding.
Short Video (Self-Tape): A 2-minute excerpt of a historical story or topic you are passionate about. Focus on captivating delivery and clarity—imagine you are telling a fantastic secret tidbit to a good friend.No visuals needed.
Cover Letter: Please include the following:
Relevant experience (research, performance, etc.)
Your interest in the show and NYC history.
If you’ve seen NYC’s Secrets & Lies (or plan to attend in October or December.)
Social media handles (if applicable.)
Please submit all materials via email at nycsecretsandlies@gmail.com. Email us if you have any questions.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: LEARN ABOUT OUR SHOW
To understand the unique blend of entertainment, historical research, and performance, we highly encourage you to attend one of our upcoming live shows:
October Show: “Ghost Stories”
Date: Tuesday, October 28th, 2025
Location: The Hidden Jewel Box Theater – a secret theater hidden inside Port Authority Bus Terminal!
Five years ago today, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I didn’t know what my future held. My friend, Meg, sat in my surgeon’s office with me and held my hand. A plan came together with my surgeon to not only help me survive, but thrive. I didn’t know what that looked like then, but I know now.
Today, I stand here, stronger and more committed than ever to sharing the stories that matter—the secrets we keep because sometimes they are too frightening to say out loud and the lies we tell ourselves to fake it until we make it so we can survive.
I’m channeling that strength into a story I’ll tell on stage, and I hope you’ll join me for the next chapter on October 28th for NYC’s Secrets & Lies – Ghost Stories!
That October 28th show date is also a very momentous personal anniversary for me: that will mark five years since my bilateral mastectomy—the day I faced my worst fear head-on and the last day there was any sign of cancer in my body. We’re going to celebrate!
The storytellers of NYC’s Secrets & Lies and I have spent the last month celebrating the secrets hidden beneath New York City—from the quiet wilderness of Central Park to the forgotten history in the street streets. As October deepens, we’re switching our focus from nature’s secrets to something far more chilling: NYC’s infamous ghosts and the secrets they left behind.
The audience feedback from our last event, NYC’s Secrets & Lies – Nature, was absolutely overwhelming. Before we dive into the chilling tales planned for October 28th, we want to prove that this is more than just a show—it’s a truly unforgettable New York experience. If you’ve been on the fence, let our past audience convince you to secure your spot for a night of fright, tricks, and treats!
Why the Show Works
We set out to create compelling, high-caliber storytelling, and the response confirmed it. This show isn’t just reciting history; it’s about crafting a narrative that sticks with you long after you leave The Hidden Jewel Box Theater, a secret theater hidden inside Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Here is a glimpse of what audience members said about the last installment:
🗣️ Testimonial 1: “From the moment I stepped in through the secret door to the moment I left through ANOTHER secret door, this was the best storytelling I’ve ever seen in NYC!”
🗣️ Testimonial 2: “I haven’t been this entertained and educated at the same time in a long time. The perfect New York night out—NYC’s Secrets & Lies is a true hidden gem of the city’s indie arts scene.”
🗣️ Testimonial 3: “A masterclass in stage presence. The performers brought every secret to life and I had no idea which stories were true and which was the lie! I bought tickets for the next show before I left the theater.”
From Nature to Ghosts
Image created by Christa Avampato
The same dedication to research, quality performance, and compelling narrative that wowed the audience last month is now being turned towards the city’s darker corners.
For NYC’s Secrets & Lies – Ghost Stories on Tuesday, October 28th at 8pm, we’re diving deep into the true hauntings and the unsettling history that makes New York one of the spookiest places on earth. Expect to hear real, unsettling stories about:
The notorious ghosts of Greenwich Village’s oldest theaters.
The dark family secrets buried beneath modern skyscrapers.
The lingering spirits tied to a famous Manhattan landmark.
And one big lie! This is an intimate, spine-tingling historical journey just three days before Halloween. Our show is your perfect way to connect with the ghosts of New York’s past. Come early when the doors open at 7:30pm to enjoy some treats, meet the storytellers, and explore The Hidden Jewel Box Theater before it closes and disappears forever!
Space at The Hidden Jewel Box Theater is extremely limited for this one-night-only event. With the clock ticking down to October 28th, tickets are selling fast thanks to the buzz from our last show. Don’t wait to secure your spot!
PS – Keep following our social channels for behind-the-scenes looks at the chilling research for the Ghost Stories show! You can follow me on Instagram and Threads at @christarosenyc and you can follow the show on Instagram at @nycsecretsandlies.
I just attended Dr. Katharine Hayhoe’s Climate Week NYC talk at the American Museum of Natural History, and it was the most empowering climate message I’ve ever heard. It reframes the entire discussion around three simple ideas: Head, Heart, and Hands.
A research-backed truth: Dr. Hayhoe shared that most people in this country and in the world (~60% on both counts) are worried about climate change. We, the worried, don’t need more doom and damning data to get us concerned because we’re already there.
The challenge: Even though we’re worried, we aren’t taking enough action to alleviate our worry because we don’t know what to do about it.
The solution: Sync up our head, heart, and hands – what I’m calling the great triumvirate of change – and sync with others.
Well, that’s all well and good, but how do we do that? Dr. Hayhoe’s advice: Get clear about what we care about, how climate change will impact what we care about, find others who care about what we care about, and start talking!
Here’s our action plan:
Head: Define Your Why. Clearly identify exactly why you’re worried. Finish this sentence: “I care about climate because I care about…” How is your personal well-being, favorite place, or dearest value already being affected by climate change? Keep it simple, personal, and jargon-free.
Heart: Connect to Community. Now that you know what you care about, find communities, groups, and individuals who share that passion and are also affected by climate change.
Hands: Turn Conversation into Action. Get in touch with those communities and start talking about your shared worries and values. That act of conversation and connection will lead to meaningful, collaborative action or project to protect what you care about.
Climate change will affect everything everywhere all at once. It is a global issue, and no one will escape it so no matter what you care about, it will be impacted and there are communities of people who care about it, too. Let’s dive into an example from my personal life to see this action plan come to life.
An example:
Head: I’m worried about climate change because I love New York City. Since most of our city is at or near sea level, we will be subject to serious impacts from sea level rise, and we have a lot of issues now with rain flooding the streets and subways – our main modes of transportation. We also have a lot of people living in a small amount of space so there is a lot of pollution that impacts our health and well-being, and often crowds out green space, which is causing more heat, dirtier air, and health issues.
Heart: I love this city, and I do believe we can make it greener, cleaner, and healthier for all beings who live here – people, pets, wildlife, and plants. I want to find other people who also care about nature in NYC.
Hands: I run a live storytelling game show called NYC’s Secrets & Lies all about the secret history of NYC. This month, I decided to make the show all about stories related in nature in NYC and applied to have it become an official Climate Week NYC event. They accepted it (hooray!). I found a terrific venue – a hidden theater inside Port Authority Bus Terminal (a great tie into the transportation issues impacted by climate change here in NYC!) We had a wonderful cast of storytellers who were enthusiastic about the topic and told a wide range of stories. I also invited Josh Otero from the Natural Areas Conservancy to be our special guest to talk about all of the amazing work they do to make NYC greener and healthier. We had a sold-out show with a waitlist of 33 people, and all of the stories talked about interesting aspects of the history of nature in NYC. We had so much fun, and it was a great way to get the message out there! This show gave me a place to put my worries about climate change and turn them into action with others. I’m planning to do more of these shows – stay tuned!
Our climate anxiety is reaching new heights and as Dr. Hayhoe explained, the way to use that anxiety for good is through stories. Storytelling is about conversations. Every great idea, every meaningful action, every ounce of change – it all begins with a conversation. Get out there, start talking, and see what change you can create with others.
I’m really happy to have joined a new collective created by Climate Film Festival that’s bringing together sustainability professionals with filmmakers to raise the bar on and expand opportunities for climate storytelling. As someone who has one foot in each of these worlds, I’m so excited to be part of this new professional group and to help craft and fund these stories that drive action.
Yesterday I went to the Essex Market coffee hour for our first in-person event and attended an excellent panel about climate documentary making. As someone who studied how to use storytelling to drive more climate investment from family offices, I felt like I was in just the right place at just the right time because financing was a key part of the conversation. I heard a number of filmmakers talk about the challenge of finding financing for their climate films, especially with the current situation in D.C.
What filmmakers need to consider is that private funders don’t want to just fund a movie. They want to fund systemic change, especially when it comes to protecting and restoring the health of the planet. Filmmakers need to show how their films, and the platforms and supports they are building around their films, will get viewers to engage in creating meaningful change. That change needs to be measured and reported on.
Is that asking more from filmmakers? Yes. Is it asking them to be skilled business people, entrepreneurs, and community leaders on top of their filmmaking expertise and beyond the creation of the film? Yes. Isn’t making a movie already a Herculean task? Yes. Is that a challenge? Yes. It’s also today’s funding reality.
You aren’t just making a movie, not anymore. You’re building a movement, and that movement is what’s fundable with a movie being one cornerstone of many.
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Robert Redford this morning. When I was an undergrad at the University of Pennsylvania, he came to campus to explore a film and storytelling partnership between the university, the West Philadelphia community, and his Sundance Institute. I remember seeing him from a distance and immediately noticing that there was a light about him, a kind of magical aura that emanated from his smile and ease of being.
In addition to championing filmmaking and storytelling, he was also incredibly passionate about the environment. He was a lifelong advocate for nature, beginning his activism in the 1970s by using his celebrity to promote causes like protecting air and water, and later founding the Redford Center to use storytelling to expand environmentalism. He spoke at the United Nations about climate change, was recognized by TIME magazine as a “Hero of the Environment” in 2007, and served for decades on the board of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The NRDC’s Southern California headquarters in Santa Monica is named The Robert Redford Building to honor his long-standing support for the organization as a board member and environmental activist.
While we remember his outstanding career as an actor, director, writer, and producer, I’ll continue to hold him up as an example of someone who knew early on that storytelling was the key to protecting our planet and used his talents to further that mission. May we all carry forward his remarkable and beautiful legacy.
Christa Avampato 