Teen Summer: Spoken Word from the Page to the Stage

Class Description

Class Description:

Do you have a poem inside of you that's bubbling at the surface, waiting to be unleashed for others to hear? Now, it's your turn to drop the mic! In this course, you'll be introduced to the history, traditions, and contemporary relevance of slam poetry and become a participant in that history. We'll dive into generative poetry workshops where you get to take the reins on the conversation, and share out fresh work in daily open mics. We'll also cover public speaking skills for becoming more comfortable and confident in performing your work aloud and explore reading aloud as a means of revision. Expect poetry from authors like Lucille Clifton, Safia Elhillo, Danez Smith, Dr. Joshua Bennett, and more! At the heart of spoken word poetry is community; we'll practice important principles for building healthy and supportive art spaces together, and collaborate on a class chapbook that will be released at a student-led poetry showcase in Porter Square Books below Grubstreet! For writers age 13 - 18 ONLY. This class was previously listed as, Making the Walls Snap: Poetry and Performance

Takeaway:

Students will leave with public speaking skills, revision tools to improve clarity and emotional engagement, an understanding of the historical connection between literary movements and social justice, and key communication skills for being a constructive collaborator and team member in creative projects.

Class Format:

This class will take place in-person at our Center for Creative Writing in Boston's Seaport neighborhood. Students who need an MBTA pass to commute to class and/or a lunch stipend can request one using this form. Snacks, pens, notebooks and chromebooks (limited amount) will be provided!

Space Accessibility:

Our space is fully ADA accessible with automatic door openers, ADA compliant restrooms, desk and table spacing, braille signage, and elevator. Our classrooms can be equipped with ALS for hard of hearing individuals. We cannot guarantee a scent-free environment. For more accessibility requests, please contact our Operations team at [email protected] or (617) 695-0075.

Covid-19 Updates:

GrubStreet is a mask-friendly space. When our community Covid risk level is low or medium, masks are optional. Learn more about our Covid-19 Policy here.

Registration Instructions:

• If the student is under 18, parents/guardians must complete this permission form online. You only need to fill this form out ONE TIME, NOT for every class. If you cannot remember whether you have already filled it out, please email [email protected] and we will check for you! If you do not complete this form, your registrations could be voided and the cancellation policy will apply.
• If the student is 18, simply let us know by emailing [email protected].
• If you are registering on behalf of a student, add their email in the “For a Friend or Child?” field on the right-hand side of the screen at check out. This will send them a direct link and reminder to create their own profile with GrubStreet.
• Please register with your preferred name :)

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***If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to writing with you this summer!***