This event is PAY WHAT YOU CAN.
Ever been to a spoken-word event and been dazzled by the host? Wondered how they brought the evening together and made sure it was a good time for everyone involved? Do you fancy giving it a go yourself?
In this hands-on, half-day masterclass, compère extraordinaire Katie Ailes will take you through the key techniques you can use to host a poetry event. You’ll learn how to gauge and manage the energy of the room, set the emotional tone, and also care for both your acts and your audience.
Of course, the role of the host doesn't start when the event does. You’ll also get practical advice on best practice before, during, and after events. For instance: what do you do if an audience member has a medical crisis during the show? If a poet has a panic attack onstage? If there's heckling? You’ll learn how to deal with all these difficult situations, from someone who’s been there and done that.
So come along, boost your confidence and take the first step to becoming a host with the most!
About Katie
Dr. Katie Ailes is a poet, producer, educator, and researcher focusing on spoken word poetry. Since 2015 Katie has worked with I Am Loud CIC to coordinate hundreds of Loud Poets spoken word events, workshops, videos, podcasts, and other projects, and she currently serves as their Education and Access Director. In 2023 she was the Glastonbury Festival Poet in Residence. Katie’s PhD focused on the performance of authenticity in contemporary UK spoken word. Katie is also a classically trained dancer and choreographer interested in the intersection between speech and movement.
This event is taking place on Saturday 5 April, 11am - 3pm at Nottingham Central Library (Meeting Room 4), 1 Carrington Street, Nottingham, England, NG1 7FH
Any enquiries can be directed to Bridie at info@gobscollective.org.
A huge thank you to Apples and Snakes and Nottingham Central Library for supporting this event.