‘GRAN SLAM’: a bold slam poetry program is available for all Australian seniors
Are you over 65 years young with a story to share, a declaration to make, or an opinion to be penned?
Then ‘GRAN SLAM’ is for you!
Join a wild bunch of free-wheeling wordsmiths of wisdom as they hit the stage for a slam poetry event with a difference. No experience is necessary, just passion and enthusiasm to have a go!
”GRAN SLAM’ is a free, digital program that is held over 6-weeks throughout August and September. The program includes a series of workshops that teach the tips and tricks for crafting a great poem that can be expressed through the spoken word.
Everybody Now! Executive Producer, Kate Baggerson, spoke about this wonderful opportunity, which is open to all and is guaranteed to deliver comedy, creativity and connection.
“While creatively and expression is at the heart of ‘GRAN SLAM ‘, it’s also very much about connection and wellbeing.,” said Baggerson.
“Our ‘GRAN SLAM’ participants step out of their comfort zone, challenge themselves, make new friends, explore their creativity and all the while smashing some stereotypes of ageing along the way.”
‘GRAN SLAM’ is the perfect opportunity for any Senior who’s ever dreamt of a career in comedy, as a poet or wanted to express themselves creatively.
This opportunity includes weekly group workshops with lead poet, J.M Donellan, a closed Facebook participant support group, an online open mic night and the opportunity to perform your poems at special live events.
“I can’t stop writing – the words just keep coming to me! You don’t know yourself what you can do until you participate in a project like this – and that is an important discovery”
Nina Marzi (Previous participant – 98 years)
To join ‘GRAN SLAM’ in 2022, participants simply need to visit the Everybody Now! website and register their interest. From there, they can Zoom in from the comfort of their own home each Wednesday – where slippers and pyjamas are the perfect attire!
Participation is open to seniors from across Australia, but for those living in South-East Queensland and surrounds, there are face-to-face masterclasses.
But the fun doesn’t stop there!
After the masterclasses, HOTA Home of The Arts and Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) will both play host to a live ‘GRAN SLAM’ event. Hosted by award-winning comedian Jenny Wynter, with special guest Aussie Hip Hop legend, Morganics, ‘GRAN SLAM Live’ will feature comedy, music, and poetry, as the razor-sharp collective battle it out with their intimate reflections and hilarious insights into life, ageing, freedom and everything in between.
The free ‘GRAN SLAM’ Digital Workshop runs from 3 August to 7 September 2022. Registration is essential to be part of the action, so complete the form on Everybody Now!’s website to join in on the fun.
‘GRAN SLAM LIVE’ events play at HOTA Home of the Arts (Gold Coast) on Saturday, 1 October, and Redlands Performing Arts Centre (RPAC) on Sunday, 2 October.
For more information, head to the Everybody Now! website.
Images by Art work Agency and Scott Belzner.
