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Performance Poetry
Learn how poems transform in performance through voice, pacing, silence, embodiment, and audience connection.
What happens to a poem when it leaves the page and steps into a room? How does a poet’s breath, voice, and body turn words into something an audience feels in their chest?
In this class, we explore the craft of performance poetry: cadence, tone, inflection, and the body all become tools for shaping how a poem lands. We look at how a reader’s emotional, mental, and physical presence shapes a performance, and we get into audience reactions and interactions, including what to do (and not do) when we hit silence, or “dead air.” Through watching and dissecting a handful of performances, then performing pieces of our own (or another writer’s work), we uncover the who, what, where, when, why, how, and wonder of bringing poetry to life on stage.
You leave with new tools for reading your poetry aloud, a deeper understanding of what makes a performance land, and the confidence to bring your own words from page to stage.
Whether you’re new to performance or looking to sharpen your stage presence, this class offers a space to explore, experiment, and grow.
Price range: $250.00 through $275.00
"In this class you'll learn how to create performances that influence, craft, and guide the ears of the audience to lean in closer."
Jaz is an award-winning published poet, author, performance poet, playwright, actress, songwriter (ASCAP), singer, composer, and educator from Philadelphia, PA. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing/Poetry from Goddard College and a BA in Theater from Temple University. Jaz’s poetry is featured in multiple anthologies, literary magazines, and on the internet, podcasts, and public radio. Jaz is a proud member of For Women Collective: In Tribute to Nina Simone. Blessed to learn and graced to educate, she is an educator in the public school system and an independent poetry teacher. Her artistry encourages and celebrates healing of the spirit through her creative words of ministry, protest, and witness.
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Project Write Now offers no refunds or credits once registered, except in the unfortunate case a class or event is cancelled. We reserve the right to change instructors if necessary. We reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule any class, workshop, or event because of low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us at info@projectwritenow.org or call 908.675.0467 for more information. Please note that when you register for a class you are reserving one of a limited number of spots available. Your registration also counts toward our consideration of class minimums.
Our organization was founded to help amplify the voices of those who are often not heard—including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized groups. We have witnessed how writing and sharing stories has the power to effect change by generating greater love, compassion, and empathy in the listener. In all of our programs, we provide an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment. We do not tolerate writing and/or behavior that perpetuates harmful stereotypes or fuels hate. Failure to align with our philosophy can result in your removal from class.