Workshop Descriptions

March 5, Saturday 

1:00 pm

Positive Knowledge, a New York based group, will lead this workshop for adults. They work with the 'spirit' of music and the spoken word. Oluyemi and Ijeoma Thomas have recorded and performed together for the past two decades, composing and sharing their joyful Creative World Music Systems with lovers of music and poetry around the world. Ijeoma Thomas - Wordsmith, spoken word artist, poet vocalist and teacher believes 'all art is a gift of the Holy Spirit'. Composer, teacher musician Oluyemi Thomas brings elements of life and work to the flow and he believes: 'The musicians's art is among those worthy of the highest praise'.

3:00 pm
 
Ranney workshop for adults. See thte 'Tunin' workshop described below.

March 6, Sunday

1:00 pm

The Drum Speaks Workshop will be conducted by members of Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet Company. This workshop is open to poets of all ages. Dundu Dole is a well known local organization that provides opportunities for young and old participants to learn and perform African American dance and drumming. Demonstrations of drum speak will be given and drumming instruments will be provided to students. Students will practice both historical rhythms and make up their own systems of communication.

3:00 pm

Kwabena Dinzulu will lead this workshop for young poets. This workshop will introduce young people to the rich history and expressiveness of poetry.
Kwabena Dinizulu is a critically acclaimed, internationally know Performance Artist, Poet and Griot. For over a decade, he has captivated, educated, enlightened and entertained audiences of all ages.

March 12, Saturday

1:00 pm

Ranney provides a 'Tuning' workshop for young poets twelve years old and up. This workshop starts out with a purging, a series of exercises that wipes the mental. physical, and spiritual slate clean. With the instructors assistance, the artists will go through a series of exercises designed specifically for finding the artist's best connection and performance avenue through the piece. Ranney was a nominee for best international poet by the Farrago Group. He is a key figure in the Tampa Bay performing arts scene.

March 13, Sunday

1:00 pm

Bob Devin Jones will go over the powerful elements of communication through body language. In addition the workshop will include the concepts of stage presence. Students will have the opportunity to practice their newly learned skills in front of their fellow students.

3:00 pm

Susan Alexander will conduct a workshop dealing with methods that can be used to memorize and internalize poems. Techniques include exploring how to manipulate sound, breath and movement to clearly communicate ideas. Susan is a well known actor in the Tampa Bay area. She has performed extensively at American Stage and other venues in our community.


View the full program schudule.

Workshop Registration

Sign up now to ensure your space at on or more of these insightful workshops. Each workshop costs $5.00 and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Please indicate the workshops you plan to attend along with your name, address and contact information.