Spoken Word Workshop for Beginners

Ever wanted to try spoken word but weren't sure where to start? Or perhaps you enjoy writing and are looking for new ways to express your ideas with confidence?This immersive workshop invites you to explore your own voice through creative writing, storytelling, and performance in a welcoming, supportive environment.Inspired by choreographer Sheena Chundee's multidisciplinary performance work, Fractured Echoes, you'll be guided through a series of creative writing exercises exploring identity, the stories we inherit, the expectations that shape us, and the voice that emerges when we begin expressing ourselves authentically.Throughout the workshop, you'll experience original soundscapes created during the development of Fractured Echoes. These atmospheric recordings provide a unique backdrop as you experiment with spoken word, discovering how sound, rhythm, silence, and movement can transform the way a story is told.Working with Sheena, you'll refine your writing, explore performance techniques including pacing, pauses, repetition, and vocal expression, and experiment with simple movement to strengthen your storytelling. The workshop concludes with an optional, informal open mic where you'll have the opportunity to share your work in a supportive and encouraging environment.No previous writing or performance experience is necessary, just curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to explore.During this workshop, you will:

• Create your own original spoken word piece
• Explore creative writing prompts inspired by identity and self-expression
• Learn spoken word performance techniques, including rhythm, pacing, pauses, and vocal expression
• Discover how movement can support and enhance storytelling
• Respond creatively to original soundscapes developed for Fractured Echoes
• Build confidence expressing yourself through words and performance
• Develop practical creative techniques you can continue using long after the workshop

Meet Your ArtistYour workshop is led by Sheena Chundee, choreographer, performer, creative facilitator, and founder of Rebel Stepz Arts.Sheena began her professional dance career with The Royal Ballet in London before performing internationally with companies including English National Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre, Netherlands Dance Theatre, and The Australian Ballet. Alongside her performance career, she holds qualifications in Journalism & Creative Writing and Sound Engineering, allowing her to bring together movement, spoken word, storytelling, and sound in a distinctive multidisciplinary practice.For more than 15 years, Sheena has designed and delivered creative workshops for libraries, festivals, schools, universities, councils, and organisations throughout Australia. Her workshops are known for being engaging, inclusive, and highly creative, encouraging participants to discover confidence through artistic exploration.A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Fractured Echoes:This workshop offers a rare opportunity to experience the creative process behind Fractured Echoes, Sheena's latest multidisciplinary performance work, which is currently in development and set to premiere in the near future.Blending choreography, spoken word, immersive sound, and projection, Fractured Echoes explores identity, the stories we inherit, the expectations that shape us, and the search for an authentic voice in an increasingly noisy world.Throughout the workshop, you'll work with original writing prompts, creative tasks, and soundscapes developed as part of the making of the work, giving you genuine insight into how a contemporary performance is created.This experience is perfect for:

• Complete beginners curious about spoken word
• Writers looking to perform their work
• Performers wanting to strengthen their storytelling
• Creative thinkers looking for fresh inspiration
• Anyone wanting to build confidence expressing themselves

A few friendly reminders:

• Children are not permitted to attend the workshop
• This is a single session, so transfers to another session are not available if missed
• Please arrive on time so we can begin promptly
• Numbers are limited, so be quick to book

An original spoken word piecePractical tools for writing and performanceGreater confidence using your voice creativelyNew approaches to storytelling through words, simple movement and soundA unique behind-the-scenes insight into the creative development of a professional performance work Read more details