Beginners Poetry Workshop

Hopeful. Overwhelmed. Sparked with anger. Moved by beauty.This workshop will explore how we write poetry that emerges from the many ways we meet the world, from moments situated deeply within ourselves to the ways we encounter public, social, and political pressures.We will look at examples of contemporary poetry that engage with this meeting in different ways and then generate a number of new poems, using a range of techniques.This workshop is suitable for beginners. Emilie facilitates a warm and welcoming environment where all ideas are encouraged. Everybody has poetry in them, and this workshop will help you tap into your unique voice.In this transformative beginner's poetry workshop, you will learn to craft poetry inspired by the diverse encounters you have in the world around you. From personal emotions to societal influences, you will explore how to express a range of feelings through your writing.Alleviate any fears of inadequacy by knowing that this workshop is designed for beginners, where all ideas are celebrated and nurtured in a welcoming atmosphere.

• Discover how to write poetry that reflects your innermost thoughts and responses to the world.
• Learn from examples of contemporary poetry that tackle various themes and emotions.
• Experiment with different techniques to create your own unique poems.

Throughout the workshop, you will work with various materials to bring your poetry to life. The experience may leave you feeling hopeful, empowered, and more connected to your creative voice.By the end of the workshop, you will take home a collection of your own poems, each a reflection of your individual perspective and experiences. Unleash your poetic potential and uncover the beauty of your own words.About Your TeacherEmilie Collyer lives on unceded Wurundjeri land, where she writes poetry, plays, and prose, published and produced locally and internationally. Her work mines the intersection of the personal, the existential, and the socio-political, and she is interested in bringing different forms into conversation with each other.Emilie’s debut full-length poetry collection, Do you have anything less domestic? (Vagabond Press 2022) won the inaugural Five Islands First Book Prize. She has been runner-up in the Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize and shortlisted for the Newcastle and Judith Wright Poetry Prizes. Her plays include Contest, Dream Home, and The Good Girl, which have had multiple international productions.Emilie’s plays have won and been nominated for numerous awards, including the Theatre503 International Playwriting Award (London), Queensland Premier’s Drama Award, Green Room Awards, George Fairfax, Patrick White, and Malcolm Robertson. Emilie is currently under commission with The Street Theatre and Red Stitch Actors Theatre, where her play Super premieres in 2025. Emilie works as a dramaturg, text consultant, and teacher with artists and institutions, including VCA, RMIT, and Writers Victoria. She has just completed her PhD researching feminist creative practise at RMIT, where she is now an Adjunct Industry Fellow. Materials provided.Enjoy snacks and drinks on us! Read more details