Coffeehouse Readings!

Today, please continue to write your horror stories during 3rd period. At some point today, if you can, please select a piece of your writing to read at the coffeehouse performance. 4th period, move to room a240 to deliver your speeches.

Q: What should I pick?
A: The performance is to show you off to the public. We like to celebrate the fact that you created something out of nothing, wrote down your ideas, and are furthering your education. As such, please pick a piece of work that you are PROUD of. Look over your work that you have done from September until now and pick a piece that you feel best represents you and your talent.

Q: Do I have to perform a poem?
A: No. Listening to 26 students peform the same type of poem is maddening. You can choose: Your Hitman Story, Your Questionnaire story, any of your Sudden Fiction short stories, your wordspill poem, your Pablo Neruda poem, your Elk's Club speech, your horror story (if finished), your Run, Lola, Run story, or any other assignment we asked you to write. You can even perform a piece of writing we did NOT ask you to write, provided that you are proud of it and want to perform it.

A helpful hint: please select only one piece to perform as a requirement. This should be your top choice. Then select 1-3 other pieces that you MIGHT want to perform. During our open-mic section, you are free to read an additional piece.

Q: So, I just go and read, is that it?
A: No. All performances need rehearsing. To help you prepare for the event, we will spend Monday (and possibly Tuesday) rehearsing for next Tuesday night (Nov. 17). To help prepare, make some decisions about your piece. What moods happen in the story, what rate of speaking is most appropriate, which words will you stress, where will you pause, when can you make direct eye-contact, etc.? Decide and then rehearse.

Q: What time do I have to be there?
A: 6:45. It is sometimes helpful to get to a performance a few minutes before you have to perform so that you can get yourself ready. The Ensemble Theatre will be open at 6:30 for you to prepare.

Q: How long is the performance? Can I leave after I read?
A: The performance lasts about an hour and a half (depending on how many readers read during the open-mic portion of the evening). Please plan on staying for the entire performance. It is rude to leave after you've read. Refreshments are served after the performance. Please join us for those.