WORD’S A STAGE

This event has passed

  • Apple here
A group of young adult poets relaxing on the steps outside a country house

Word’s A Stage is Apples and Snakes’ poetic performance development programme aimed at poets aged 21-30. We’re thrilled to say that it’s back for 2025.

We are looking to bring together 12 emerging artists from this age group to equip them with the skills and confidence to advance in their performance poetry and writing careers. This is a great opportunity to learn from experts and, through peer learning, form long-lasting connections with each other as well as networking within the sector.

Participants will commit to attending eight online workshops, during which they’ll work with poets, performers and facilitators with an end goal to create a 15-minute performance set. 

The sessions will focus on a different area each week, led by tutors including Malika Booker, Nick Field, Bohdan Piasecki, Myah Jeffers, Vanessa Kisuule, and more. Workshop sessions will include writing focus, thinking about the audience, performance to camera, looking after your voice, connecting with your word, and more.

Following the online sessions, participants will attend an in-person five-day writing and performance residential hosted by Arvon.

The development programme is structured so that the online sessions directly impact the Arvon retreat. To ensure the best outcome possible, we require you to attend all of the online sessions (within reason).

Please think carefully before applying to make sure you can commit to the programme as much as possible.

[APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED]

Online sessions dates

You must be able to attend the following online sessions – these will be held online via Zoom between 7-9:30pm:

June 2nd
June 9th
June 16th
June 23rd
June 30th
July 7th
July 14th
July 21st

Arvon Residential

The dates for the 2025 residential will be 18th – 23rd August and will take place at The Hurst, Arvon House.

The Hurst is a place you can write, without the distractions of daily life. Once the home of playwright John Osborne, it’s surrounded by the idyllic forest-covered Shropshire Hills. Giving you the perfect space to write.

There’s more information about this Arvon location on their website here. You can also find all a comprehensive accessibility guide about the venue on their website.

Please note that Arvon can be an intense process and we will not have a wellbeing professional on site. We ask you to consider your own selfcare/wellbeing prior to applying. 

How to Apply

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

We will be in touch by 6pm, 23rd May on the outcome of your application.

As part of our commitment against ableism, we will ask for your access requirements only if your application is successful.

Photo credit: Suzi Corker