DeAnne Smith & Storytellers: Nils Hamster, Celeste Sawan, E. Nur Ali, and a few more surprises. Doors at 6:30pm Show at 7pm $15 or by donation Hosted by Wake Lloire of Curious & Kind. (Lukayo will be doing one story.)

We will be going through some activities and discussion on why we write, reviewing the question of our values and how that  manifests in our writing. What requires research? What are topics and experiences that we should be cautious about sharing with an audience? What are our stories to tell, and what are not our stories to tell? Bring your ideas. You're encouraged to take down notes, but no other requirements are needed. Sharing is optional. Poetry Workshops with Lukayo:…

The activities and discussion this week will focus on how we write. Do we have a distinctive voice? Does the poem come out in a rush of words that then needs to be streamlined? Does the poem come out piece by piece and needs to be assembled from various notebooks and paper scraps? Is writing a battle or a delight? Do we write best under pressure, in a routine, or spontaneously while having fun? You're encouraged to bring your notes…

Polishing written work is a separate craft on its own, which we'll explore through activities and discussion. How do we move from a "rough draft" to a "finished piece"? Do you revise your work immediately, or let it rest for a few weeks/months/years, before picking it up again? Do you have one large revision and then it's set in stone, or do you constantly update it every few years? How much do audiences determine the forms of our work? You…

We will be exploring and discussing techniques on how to present your poetry, including memorization, pacing, movement, stage blocking, body language, and tonal shifts. What are the emotions in your piece and how do you convey them? How can the themes in your piece be reinforced by hand gestures and the volume of your voice? How would you incorporate dance, music, and/or props? We'll also discuss if we'd like to go to an open mic as a class or organize…

Are you an astrology nerd? Ever wondered what your polycule looks like astrologically? Come hang out with me, Lukayo, for an hour as I demonstrate how to calculate relationship charts using midpoint composite methods (MAGICAL STAR MATH!). If you'd like help having your polycule's chart read, I'd need the consent of all members and info on at least everyone's birth date and birth location (extra points for birth time). We'll be using Astro.Com for calculations. If you need an Astrology…

"Preserve Your Gays" is a newer trope in fiction created as a backlash against the common stereotype of tragic ends for 2SLGBTQ+ characters across many types of work. In this workshop, we'll be exploring how to tell our stories of joy and perseverance first by jamming together about our favourite experiences as 2SLGBTQ+ people. Then, we'll go through some storytelling exercises that involve creating a structured arc with our anecdotes, and practicing performance techniques. At the end of the workshop,…