HRYP is a unique opportunity for students 13-19 years of age that puts young people at the center of their learning experiences as a way to engage them in their own education, through performance poetry.
Teens With a Purpose (TWP) believes that everyone has a story to tell. So, we are looking for committed, opinionated teenagers with an interest in performance poetry, theatre, song writing, debate, rap or just being heard. We are also seeking students who you identify as having a need or desire to develop a creative outlet that will help them build self-esteem and enhance their learning experience.
Together students will read, write, critically analyze, bond and can perform on premier stages throughout our region. At the end of the festival, six finalists will qualify to represent all of Hampton Roads at Brave New Voices. The Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival, powered by Youth Speaks, it is the only festival of its kind. Every year, over 500 young poets, their mentors, and the nation’s leading artists and cultural workers convene in a different U.S. city for 4days of arts education, artistic expression, and civic engagement. This year’s festival will take place in California July 15-18th.
Poetry Coaching & Workshops Available: The HRYP Festival includes weekly writing and performance workshops on Wednesdays held in person & Virtually.
