Art in Action

Art Track: Spoken Word/Poetry

At most Art in Action trainings we offer spoken word and poetry instruction as part of the music track. We encourage participants to explore the use of written word as a way telling raw personal stories of struggle and resistance.

There are a number of workshops that Art in Action offers to help participants develop their lyric and poetry writing skills. At trainings, there are skilled spoken word artist mentors available for one-on-one instruction to participants and for guidance in creation of group performance pieces.

As part of the spoken work curriculum participants learn various ways to perform their pieces, including using theatrical performance and sometimes music to add to the expression of the pieces.

The spoken word track also includes lyric writing instruction for songs, for both songwriters and rap lyricists. There are specific techniques for writing in rap cadence, and for creating catchy hooks for songs. As part of the training every participant goes through a series of rhythm and word exercises to help develop free-style rap skills.

Participants are also taught various performance techniques for sharing spoken word and poetry, and are encouraged to record their words in the music studio for the compilation CD.

Listen to samples in the Gallery