From Page to Stage

What is the difference between spoken word and slam? How does a poem change when it's performed instead of read? This 60-minute introductory session is for the curious. We will demystify the art form by watching and discussing powerful, engaging performances from world-renowned artists. You will leave with a clear understanding of what spoken word is, where it came from, and what makes a performance truly captivating. This is a "no-writing, no-performing" session perfect for anyone who wants to become a better audience member or is just dipping their toes in.

Convinced you "can't write a poem"? This workshop will prove you wrong—in 60 minutes. "The List Poem" is one of the most accessible and powerful forms in spoken word, turning simple, honest truths into profound art. Using the work of poets like Rudy Francisco as our guide, we will use the prompt "10 things you know to be true" to brainstorm, draft, and polish a brand new poem. This is a low-pressure, generative writing session focused on getting words on the page.

Do you have notebooks full of poems you're too afraid to read in public? This 60-minute workshop is for you. Public speaking is a common fear, but it is a skill that can be learned. This is *not* a writing workshop. This is a performance-only session focused entirely on practical, physical techniques to manage stage fright. You will learn breathing exercises to calm your body, vocal warm-ups to find your voice, and how to stand with confidence.

Have you ever wanted to write a poem that leaps off the page? Or felt you had a story to tell but didn't know how to perform it? This 2-hour beginner's workshop is the perfect place to start. I will guide you through the entire creative process in one dynamic session—from the first spark of an idea to a confident stage performance. In a safe, supportive, and energetic environment, you will learn simple but powerful techniques to write from your personal truth. We'll explore how to use sensory detail to make your words powerful. Then, we'll cover the basics of vocal performance (pace, tone, volume) and body language and tackle stage fright. You will walk out with a short, original poem and the courage to share it. No experience required!

This 2-hour writing clinic is a deep dive into *craft*. It's for writers who want to move beyond the first draft and learn the technical skills that make a poem sound polished. We will focus on the *phonaesthetics* (the sound of poetry) by mastering key devices like alliteration, assonance, extended metaphor, and enjambment. Through a series of constraint-based writing exercises (e.g., "write about the ocean without using the word 'blue' or 'wave'"), you will learn to use these tools to make your poems more rhythmic, memorable, and powerful.

A great poem can fall flat with a weak performance. This 2-hour clinic is for poets who have a piece they love but want to elevate its delivery. We will move beyond the basics of "not being nervous" and into the art of *purposeful performance*. You will learn to use your voice as an instrument, mastering vocalization (pace, tone, volume, and the power of the pause), and your body as a "physical text" by controlling gestures, facial expressions, and stage presence. Bring a short poem (memorized, if possible) to work on.

This 4-hour deep dive will guide you through the entire creative life of a single poem, from the first fragile idea to a polished, performance-ready piece. We will move step-by-step through a professional workflow: (1) Idea Generation, (2) First Draft, (3) "Aural Revision" (learning to revise for sound), (4) Memorization Techniques, and (5) Performance & Feedback. You will leave with one "finished" poem and a repeatable process you can apply to all your future work.

Why do some poems make an audience gasp? The secret is often "the turn." This 4-hour advanced writing workshop focuses on two powerful techniques: narrative and the *volta* (or "turn"). You will learn how to use basic story structure to take your audience on a journey. Then, you'll master "the turn"—a significant shift in a poem's tone, argument, or perspective that creates surprise, depth, and makes the listener want to hear the poem again.

Spoken word is all about community. This 4-hour, high-energy, low-pressure workshop is designed to build connections and have fun—with no solo performance required! You will work in pairs and small groups on a series of collaborative writing and performance exercises. We will explore "Duets" (arranging a poem for two voices), "Found Poetry" (creating a collage poem as a class), and "Group Voice" (writing and performing a piece in unison). This is perfect for the shy writer or anyone who wants to experience the joy of collective creation.

This is the ultimate high-energy, 8-hour intensive. You will be guided through a compressed "bootcamp" to create a brand new poem from scratch and perform it by the end of the day. The morning is dedicated to writing: we'll use "Topic Free Writing" prompts and "Word Palette" exercises to generate and draft a new piece. The afternoon is all about performance: you'll get mini-lessons on craft, vocal delivery, and memorization before rehearsing for the main event: a supportive, celebratory "mock slam" to share your new work.

Spoken word has always been a tool for social change, from the Black Arts Movement to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. This 8-hour intensive explores poetry as a form of activism and "public testimonial". We will study the rich history of activist poetry and analyze mentor texts from artists who use their platform to challenge injustice and "speak truth to power". You will then be guided through writing exercises to find your *own* social voice and craft a new poem that speaks to the issues that matter most to you.

Want to bring the power of spoken word to your classroom or community? This 8-hour professional development workshop is designed for teachers, facilitators, and leaders. Modeled on the renowned "WordPlay Poets" program, this "train-the-trainer" intensive gives you firsthand experience with the pedagogical exercises used by professional teaching artists. You will learn how to create a safe and nurturing space, run a library of generative writing drills, and design your own scaffolded, "page-to-stage" curriculum.

This 2-day weekend retreat is a true immersion, designed to help you generate a portfolio of new work and elevate your performance skills.
Day 1 (The Page): Focuses entirely on writing. You will participate in a generative "deep-dive" workshop, followed by a craft-based masterclass on advanced techniques like "the poetic turn".
Day 2 (The Stage): Focuses entirely on performance. You will join a vocal and physical performance masterclass, a clinic on advanced memorization, and receive one-on-one coaching. The retreat culminates in a celebratory, non-competitive showcase of your work.

This is the ultimate slam experience. Modeled on celebrated youth festivals like Hullabaloo, this 3-day event is an immersion into the vibrant, supportive community of spoken word. You will write new poems, form teams, and take "mini masterclasses" from professional artists. The festival culminates in a full-scale, friendly poetry slam, complete with audience judges, where you and your team will compete for the championship. This is a celebration of the art form, designed to build skills, connections, and community.