Our Programs
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, RESIDENCIES, & WORKSHOPS
Phonetic Spit has engaged with tens of thousands of young people in the greater Phoenix area. Phonetic Spit teaching artists perform, demonstrate, educate, and conduct workshops that often feature poetry, spoken word, creative writing, and performance. We conduct residencies and workshops in group homes, shelters, schools, and juvenile detention centers.
Liberated Lyrics
Liberated Lyrics is a program specifically designed for young people housed in secure care facilities (detentions). On average we provide nearly 100 individual workshops each year.
RUSH DAYS : Single Day Presentations
These showcase-style presentations feature some of the most talented poets and performers in the valley. All assemblies are appropriate for middle and high schools and can be combined with theme-based creative writing workshops facilitated by trained Phonetic Spit teaching artists. We work with schools and communities to develop program formats that serve cater to individual community needs, parameters, and scheduling.
Mic Check: Youth Open Mic
“Arizona's Only Consistent Youth Poetry Open Mic
Mic Check is Arizona’s only consistent youth poetry open mic, occurring as many as twelve times a year. In collaboration with community partners, Phonetic Spit provides a space where youth ages 12–20 are invited to attend a creative writing workshop with a professional teaching artist, then either participate as audience members or take the stage to express themselves poetically, musically, and artistically.
Creative Writing Workshops
Each workshop is designed to make creativity and literacy fun, interactive, and an opportunity for connection and self-discovery. Phonetic Spit teaching artists lead sessions that include:
- Wordplay exercises and games
- Quick, poignant lessons on expressive techniques
- Moments to explore the power of language and voice
- Time to create original work — and if moved, to share it with the group