Courses:

What happens on a PoetryAlive course?

Whether it be for a day, a weekend or a week, we aim to expose you to as much poetry as possible. Poetry from all over the world and from different times. And the important thing is you'll hear poems read by people who really know and love what they're doing. Who have chosen particular poems because they sound great. And what a difference that makes.

But will I have fun?

Yes, that's the idea! Laughter is a huge part of our courses. It's a strange thing, the more serious we get, the more we're able to laugh. Poetry's like that. Yes, but will it be intellectually challenging too? For sure. Because poetry tends to tap a deeper vein of experience, you're likely to be both mentally and emotionally extended and stimulated.

Will I be able to write?

Absolutely. We say writing is optional but it always turns out that everyone wants to write. Over time we have put together some great writing games and exercises that will get you going before you even know it. Naturally the length of the course will determine how much writing you get done. On longer courses people have been known to wake up at four in the morning on the last day and write a whole new piece!

 

OK so how does the day actually go?

A typical day would run from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. We generally start the day by reading out some poetry, based on a theme such as Childhood, Poetry Of Praise, Poems Of Extremity, The Natural World, etc. There's ample opportunity for giving feedback and really getting into the nitty gritty of how the poems work. Then there'll be writing exercises, ways to tune yourself into your own imaginative world and crystallise your response to what you've been hearing.

We're careful not to overload you because we know poetry is a potent force and most people aren't used to large doses of it! On the longer courses, afternoons (except the first day) are a time for you to get some feedback from us. This is on a one-to-one basis. Sometimes you'll bring something you're working on and want to get help with, mostly it's work you've begun on the course. There is at least one voicework session where Harry works with you on developing reading and performing skills. These sessions are vigorous, fun and very helpful. You'll be surprised what can be unlocked! At the end of the course there is a celebratory reading where you read a longer piece, something you've been working on over the days, to the group.

 

Who would a poetry course suit?

Anyone with an interest in poetry! Either as a reader or writer. Or if you want to refresh or extend your poetry knowledge. Or maybe you simply want to try something utterly new! The minimum age is 16.

 

Where do PoetryAlive courses happen?

In special places, of course. Weekends and longer courses are usually in a country setting. We always aim for a calm and peaceful atmosphere away from the usual distractions of everyday life. So far, weekends have been run at Varuna, The Writers' House and at private houses in the bush near Berry and Barrington. Longer courses have run at the Sturt Summer School in the beautiful buildings and grounds of Frensham College.