This workshop aims to provide insight into slam poetry. From the page to the stage, this includes writing, performance, and strategies for competitive success at a poetry slam. This workshop offers a comprehensive overview to all levels of poets. From inexperienced performers to the seasoned slammers, we will provide key takeaways for spoken word performance that can be utilized beyond this workshop.  

Esman Rodas Calderon is a slam poet based in Lincoln, Nebraska. He has been writing poetry for over a year, and has over a decade of experience in the arts. In addition to being a full time band teacher, he coaches speech and is a sponsor for a slam club for youth in Lincoln. His work depicts a variety of personal and societal topics at the intersection and social justice and representation.