Description
Eight Tuesdays, Oct 7-Nov 25, 5:45-7:45pm
Open to poets and writers with some writing experience
Limited to 12 participants
Hybrid Workshop* (All virtual spots taken. Only in-person registration accepted.)
The workshop Poetry in Concert: Composition, Voice, Performance is intended for poets or writers with some writing experience who are interested in pushing their poetic imagination and expanding their vocal and performative abilities. No previous public performance experience is required, but participants need to be willing to experiment and vocalize their work in front of each other. As everyone will be producing new writing, no advance submission is necessary.
In this poetry workshop, participants will focus on composing a poetic work or suite that draws inspiration from the oral and performing arts, including forms such as theatrical dialogue, prose monologue, performance art, sound poetry, spoken word, and vocal improvisation. In the first half of the workshop, participants will engage in various writing and listening exercises in order to generate work, listen to diverse poets and sound artists, discuss and respond to each others’ writing, and gradually compose a poetic work inspired by various aspects of performance that are not only translated onto the page but also imagined for the stage. Ideas related to composition, movement, pacing, and embodiment will be explored.
The second part of the workshop will focus on the vocalization and performance of this work. Participants will learn about range, volume, dynamics, timing; how to warm up their voices and prepare for a performative reading; how to properly use a microphone; and how to explore multiple ways that their unique voices can embody their work. Depending on interest, the workshop could culminate in a performance event of the work produced.
*This workshop will take place at the QWF Office (Room 3, 1200 Atwater Avenue, Westmount, Quebec) with up to 2 virtual spots for participants who are unable to attend in-person because of distance or disability. By default, all workshop registrations are for in-person spots. If you would like to request a virtual slot, contact Riley at riley@qwf.org stating the reason for which you would need the virtual spot, then wait for a response before registering. Please do not register until you receive confirmation of a virtual spot for you. UPDATE: Please note that all virtual spots for this workshop have been claimed. All future registration will be for in-person attendance. To be put on the waiting list specifically for a virtual spot, please email Riley@qwf.org.
