RSVP Calendar: DaVerse Lounge: A Place for Youth to Express Themselves

Youth need a place to say what they think and express who they are. Youth need a welcoming community of adults and peers that celebrate their uniqueness, and encourage purposeful, clear thinking and expression.

DaVerse Works, a project of Big Thought, is a spoken word performance and youth development program for middle and high school students that provides a safe haven for self-expression. The program integrates a formal curriculum—that teaches critical literacy skills through spoken word and poetry—with open-mic showcases for teens and young adults.

Led by DaVerse Lounge founder, Will Richey, creative arts educators who specialize in spoken word have developed the DaVerse Works curriculum, and train educators and other teaching artists on how to effectively deliver the poetry curriculum to teens. DaVerse participants, ranging in age from 12-18 years old, take part in poetry clubs or workshops where they develop pieces that can earn them a performance spot at DaVerse Lounge events.

Each DaVerse Lounge combines open-mic spoken word with a house band that improvises behind the young poets. The event also features interactive art stations from local visual artists, DJ demonstrations, and other hands-on creative activities.

Check out this video for a behind-the-scenes look at DaVerse Lounge. You can also join DaVerse virtual online community on Facebook.