We’re fizzing with excitement to let you know that APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for Spoken Word Boot Camp 2024! Read more about the SWBC here.

Such a positive, powerful experience. I have gone from ‘reading’ my poems to ‘performing’ them, finally!

Up to 12 women poets aged 18 + will be chosen to form a cohort of performers, learning the ropes from our experienced TWP team. We’re looking for women, cis or trans, and non-binary or minority gender poets who are comfortable in a woman-centred space. You must be over 18, but you could be over 80!

If you’re looking to start your spoken poetry journey – this course is incredible. Not only are the sessions incredibly fun and engaging but the network of women you will be surrounded with is incredible. I have made huge progress over the weeks and did my first open mic before the course ended- something that really terrified me previously. I’ve learned to believe in my words and just have fun with poetry!

Your Spoken Word Boot Camp lead tutor this year is TWP director, experienced performer and spoken word theatre-maker, Kirsten Luckins. You will be joined each session by a guest tutor with something amazing to boost your confidence and skillset.

APPLY NOW by emailing us 3 of your poems, and telling us a bit about yourself.

Deadline for application is 9am on Monday 3rd June.

The sessions are a fantastic insight into what it takes to be a performance poet. I haven’t written so much in years as I did outside of the sessions. Inclusive way of getting on your feet to speak your words. Fun and engaging poetic and performance exercises in a supportive group. Left me wanting more.

Dates are as follows [and you MUST be able to make it to a minimum of FOUR out of the six sessions]:

Saturday 6th July, 2-5pm – special guest Kym Deyn, former Durham Uni slam team leader will bring us together in a team poem for fun!

Saturday 13th July, 2-5pm – special guest Dianne Casey will help you tackle your fears and inner critic, turning those negative voices into rich sources of creative inspiration.

Saturday 20th July, 2-5pm – special guest Chrissie Petrie will teach you how to use stagecraft to grab an audience’s attention and keep it.

Break for writing time!

Saturday 3rd August – special guest Sarah Crutwell will show you how to craft your poetry repertoire into a short 3-poem set full of interest and contrast.

Saturday 10th August – special guest Julie Easley will show you how to dig deep into your convictions to deliver poetry with power.

Saturday 17th August – field trip to Guisborough Arts Festival to see the TWP performance posse in action, and maybe take to the stage with one poem.

You’ll meet an interesting bunch of women, gain confidence, learn about your voice and body, and get to chance to perform your poems to a very supportive audience. Highly recommended!

I’ve gone from someone who didn’t have a lot of confidence in my writing, except for the writing I’d shared with friends on Facebook, but then with all the ‘warming up’ throughout the afternoon and the camaraderie and support from everyone involved, it has literally been a game changer.

I loved the fact everyone was do different in our group yet we’ve all had each others backs , everyone’s poetry was so different and an absolute joy to be a part of. I feel like some kind of weird proud person as if I’ve birthed all these women meeself ! Anyone taking the plunge will go from feeling pure terror / fear to absolute pride and confidence.

I would say, grab this opportunity with both hands and don’t let go! The bootcamp was: – thoughtfully designed; – intricately prepared; – delivered with aplomb and a high level of expertise by all tutors; – consistently considerate of the cohort’s needs and sensitivities and; – provided a warm, supportive group of fellow poets to grow and learn alongside.