April is National Poetry Month and part of the celebration at the Lanpher Memorial Library includes our biennial Poetry Slam on Friday, April 28th at 6:00. (Read to the bottom for more info. on a Poetry Slam.)
To prepare for the event (or just for fun), we've invited Vermont's Poetry Slammaster, Geof Hewitt to lead a workshop to help people understand more about performance poetry and how to perform at a Poetry Slam.
ON TUESDAY, APRIL 25TH 5:30-7:00, Join us for GUSTO!
Not all poems are best recited with gusto, but a little extra life in a reading or recitation often makes the difference between a memorable presentation and one that is only so-so. Join Slammaster Geof Hewitt for Gusto!, a workshop where participants will explore the five dimensions of slamming: projection, expression (vocal and facial), variety, eye contact, and gesture. So that everyone will have some words for rehearsing, the session will start with a seven-minute writing exercise, but bring one or two of you own favorite poems in case you'd prefer to work with them.

Geof Hewitt has been writing poems since he was seventeen. his work has appeared in more than 200 journals and magazines, and in four book-length collections. Geof started slamming in 1999, and in 2004 won Vermont's slam championship (by one-tenth of a point); since no championship competition has occurred since, he boasts the title of "Vermont's Reigning Poetry Slam Champion."

WHAT IS A POETRY SLAM?
At the Lanpher Memorial Library (on Friday, April 28th at 6:00), a poetry slam is a type of friendly competition where people perform their original poems without props, costumes, or music. After performing, they receive scores (0-10) from randomly selected judges in the audience. Scores are awarded based on how much each judge likes a poem. It's all supportive and fun...so even though there is judging (and prizes) involved, we put emphasis on sharing ideas and poems. We will give prizes in 3 age categories: children, young adult and adult.

ANYONE can attend. Just come to listen as an audience member. We're serving refreshments...so come and listen and eat...and perform if you wish! This is a FUN community event!

Oct 16, 2024, 1 to 2 PM

Oct 16, 2024, 4 to 5 PM

Oct 16, 2024, 6 PM