First Posted: 7/22/2014
On Friday, July 25, the Dietrich Theater’s Open Mic Night will return with its monthly installment, this time featuring a crowd favorite. The Breaking Ground Poets are back from competing at Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival, the largest youth poetry competition in the world. Returning to the Dietrich for another stirring night of performance poetry, the Breaking Ground Poets will take the stage after an open mic.
Doors open for seating and open mic sign-ups at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free. Open mic sign-ups will be welcomed to the stage at 7 p.m. and the Breaking Ground Poets will close the evening.
The Breaking Ground Poets are youth poets on a mission. Led by Tunkhannock teacher Katie Wisnosky, the group promotes creative writing, public speaking, emotional literacy and civic engagement within the community. They compose and share their poetry, offer youth poetry workshops, host slams and coordinate poetry events. Recent guests and mentors included performance poets Jeanann Verlee, Clementine von Radics and Buddy Wakefield.
The group also organize competitive youth slams that abide by challenging regulations, such as time and content restraints. Fresh from Brave New Voices, the group will storm the Dietrich stage for a performance that will feature some of the pieces they presented at the international competition, and more.
Held on the fourth Friday of the month, Open Mic Night provides a venue for performers of all types and ages, welcoming musicians, poets, ventriloquists, comedians and more. Hosted by Scranton poet, Laurel Radzieski, the showcase is always looking for new talent for the open mic and first time attendees are encouraged to come prepared to get onstage. This free event is made possible by the efforts of the Dietrich Fundraising Committee.
For additional information, call the Dietrich at 570-996-1500 or visit dietrichtheater.com.