With: Outspoken Bean
Date: Saturday, November 4
Time: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: In person at MERGE, 136 S Dubuque Street, on downtown Ped Mall. Virtually via Zoom.
Ages: Youth 13-18
Tuition: Free to teens - ID required
Registration required. Please sign up using the form below.
My journey with poetry slam has been one of continuous learning and growth. I've lost more slams than I've won, but the philosophy I've developed, guided by my favorite slam poets, spoken-word artists, playwrights, mentors, and mentees, has shaped me as a coach, writer, and performer—and I want to share those insights with you. Even in indie slams, I view the experience as collective. This workshop dives into the art of performance in the slam space, examining the intricacies from a 4x4 bout to the mindset needed for indie slams, with the goal of transforming spectators into devoted fans. Come ready to take notes and engage in some light creative writing.
Spoken word poet Emanuelee Bean is known—appropriately enough—as Outspoken Bean, and has been Houston’s Poet Laureate (2021-2023) and a recipient of an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship. He champions diverse voices and fosters emerging talent by coaching Meta-Four, Houston's youth slam poetry team that was twice crowned International Champion at the 2023 and 2024 Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slams. With a global presence, Bean's impact extends beyond poetry, encompassing public speaking and mentorship, culminating in performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall.
Open to teens aged 13-18. Registration is free but space is limited.
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