A Journey into Spoken Word

8 Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m.

March 15 to May 3

 

Open to all

Limited to 12 participants

 

 

In this workshop, participants will step out of their comfort zones and onto the stage.

 

Objectives include learning about the history of spoken word and its place within the wider world of poetry, understanding some of the stigma surrounding spoken word and slam, and increasing appreciation for the craft of writing for performance.

 

Resource materials include but will not be limited to text, audio, and video from some of the best known and most beloved poets in Canada and the U.S. Participants will be expected to watch and/or listen to poems, discuss form and poetic devices, create original work, and share with the group.

 

Poetry as creative catharsis, democratization, and act of rebellion will be examined.

 

Performance tips such as mic use and engagement with the audience will also be discussed.

 

 

Deanna (DNA) Smith is a poet, performer, teaching artist, and social-justice advocate. Her artistic work is rooted in her experience as a fifth-generation Canadian who thinks in two languages and her exploration of identity as the descendent of kidnapped and exploited Africans. Deanna is a former Montreal Slam Champion and is currently the VP of the Throw Poetry Collective. She is eagerly anticipating a return to the stage with the Kalmunity Vibes Collective. Deanna has a background in Linguistics and Speech-Language Pathology. She has a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing, and is currently pursuing another in Social Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion.