Volume! is a multi-disciplinary workshop focused on the writing and performing of poetry. The workshop is designed to develop writing good mechanics and foster creativity; help performers understand voice and tone; and, working within their aesthetic, help them understand how to develop a final product.
Structure
The program develops the students’ interests and skills in writing by using poetry. The class will remove the stigma of poetry as a “stodgy” art form and reveal it as an acute tool of expression. In short, poetry is self-expression, but like all art forms when studied and practiced it is a great tool for reaching others.
Our goal is to enhance the writing muscles of the students; teach the students to explore their creativity; and, give them the tools to self-edit.
Execution
The performance work will focus on transforming written material into strong presentations. We will not teach the writers to slam or be emcees; rather, we will look to give artists keys for strong showings.
This is accomplished by creating an atmosphere that allows students to find and develop their own voice. Their performance voice(s) will come from understanding how to (1) write; (2) translate their writing to the stage; and (3) constructing an honest presentation of their voice(s).
Refinement
Understanding how to present our work is important. Great work requires and begs for greatness in all its form. For the poet and performance artist, packaging is as important as the words, the music and the show.
We will explain what a final product means and the work that goes into it: editing, creatives, imagery, et al. We will not develop a sense of style rather see what completion looks like in various styles and media.
Volume! fosters creative writing, builds performance confidence and refines artistic endeavors. The program buoys not just the artist but the lover of the arts, who wants to understand process and creativity. We are attempting to helping student Articulate the language of the art, to better understand their successes and challenges. Define what they have learned with their work and how the new information informs their process. And then Demonstrate via their art the differences and new awareness.
For more information about our program and curriculum, please, contact us at tyren@soulisticplayhouse.org or 718.581.3370.
Past Workshops include:
Whittier Center (Roxbury, Boston)
UConn – Storrs
UNC – Chapel Hill
Mastery School (Philadelphia)
Jefferson High School (Brooklyn)
Academy of Business & Community Development (Brooklyn)
Whittier Center (Boston) – April
Sacrificial Poets (Durham, NC) – April
Boys & Girls HS (Brooklyn) – April
Slam Richmond – May