Command the stage! Be dramatic!

Spoken-word presentations range from storytelling to social justice commentary to moody memoir. No experience is needed to learn techniques of this dynamic hybrid art that borrows from poetry, theater, dance, hip-hop, jazz, rock, and dance. Spoken-word master Josef Aukee will lead this workshop, ages fourteen to adult. He will guide participants in shaping ideas into short performances and provide a safe space to test-drive word-art creations. Or you may want to just learn and observe. This workshop will present ideas on how to present yourself to groups in whatever spoken form you choose. Bring drafts of poems or begin from scratch. Participants have the option of joining THE 222’s Open Mic Poetry Night after the workshop.

Josef Aukee is the author of the poetry collections Town and Country, Where Bright Stripes Go and Hill People, and together with Giles Reaves, he recorded a live production of his poetry show Industrial Strength. His work ranges from meditations and satirical commentary on contemporary urban life to the poetry of place. Josef often colors his live performances with vocalists and instrumentalists who provide dramatic voices and experimental musical backdrops, using spare electronic sounds and pop and jazz stylings.

Sunday, August 10, 3:00 – 5:00 PM