Workshops for Youth
Overview
I am a seasoned workshop facilitator and have the Vulnerable Sector clearance to work in schools and programs. I've work with TDSB Creates, with Toronto East General's Out Patient Mental Health unit for youth "Building Bridges" and with after school programs. These are some examples of workshops that I do with grades 5 and up. I have also taught Improv Theatre and use some of the excellent games in my workshops. I am always happy to customize a workshop that your class will love. I would also include instructions on how to use and position a microphone which is the first step to being brave onstage.
Email me for more info at [email protected]
Email me for more info at [email protected]
Slam/Spoken Word 101This is an introduction to what Spoken Word Poetry is and what a Slam Poetry competition is. I talk (briefly) about the history of spoken word, from the earliest Oral Narrative traditions to Hip Hop and how it’s changing the world one you tube video at a time. I stress that it’s important to start out with your own story, something you love, what makes you weird (which is the artist’s greatest strength) and what you care about most.
I then go through the rules of a poetry slam and have the kids be the judges of a poem I perform. Depending on the class, I invite them to join the slam and we do this, or I have them be judges of three videos I share of work done by youth at poetry slams. It's always fun and interactive. |
Your Story To TellThis can include an introduction to slam or be a follow up workshop to the 101 about the elements of performance. I encourage people to write down some examples of when they felt brave, or when they felt afraid. Students are encouraged to either read what they’ve written or tell us a story about either of these topics.
This is designed to get people to feel good about doing their own work in front of other people. I give helpful and kind individual feedback and some coaching on delivery and emoting. An impassioned open mic is a part of the class. Alternate versions or additional prompts depending on time and class size include the prompts – “What I love more than anything”, “If my arms were wings” and “Where I go when I dream” |
Emoticon Roller CoasterThis is a really fun exercise that can be done with students finished works or students reading poetry out loud. I have a deck of cards with different emoticons like: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Hope, Fear, Despair, Happiness, Disgust etc. The students each take turns reading poetry. Either their own or something provided. During the reading I will flip a card and ask the student to continue reciting the poem with the emotion indicated. Lots of fun!
We spend time talking about how performance brings poetry alive. How sometimes emoting the opposite emotion to what is being said can be hilarious. The second part to this workshop is one where teams create a poem together. With prompts like “Things I like” and “Things I Don’t Like”. Each team arranges the poem with cutting and pasting and then each team member can use whatever emotions they like best to do their parts. Each team and student is encouraged to share in the open mic portion. |