So, it’s February, and you still haven’t made a start on those resolutions. Well, you have 11 more months. And after those 11 months, you have 12 more months. And, a little secret between you and I, you probably have a couple dozen more after that.

Trying new things shouldn’t be exclusive to the first month of the year, and they shouldn’t be a chore to better yourself. They should be explored at a pace you’re comfortable with and only when you’re ready. January wasn’t your month? That’s cool. It’s February now and if you choose to make this month your month for trying new things then check out some upcoming workshops in creative writing, storytelling, comedy, and performance poetry.

First to Derry where Abby Oliveira facilitates a weekly workshop for performers in the Arts Factory in the Gasyard Centre. Funded by the Bluebell Arts Project, the Thursday Evening Performers’ Workshop is a creative space for all types of performers from circus acts, magicians, spoken word artists, playwrights and actors. Participants will receive feedback from an experienced facilitator and group of fellow performers on new material. The workshop takes place from 5-7pm every Thursday. Sessions run on a drop-in basis however you must book your place prior to the session and include an excerpt of the material you wish to receive feedback on. For more information on the classes available, please email project co-ordinator Frank Rafferty: tlufs59@gmail.com

Beau Williams returns to Waterford on 8th February for another Performance Poetry Workshop at the Parlour Vintage Tea Rooms from 10am to 12pm. The workshop will be focused on the performance aspect of poetry and how to have a strong presence on stage. Cover charge is €20 with lunch included. All writers of any experience level are welcome, slots are limited. Confirm your seat by email beauwilliamspoet@gmail.com.

Funny Women present Time of the Month, a night of two parts, Playtime and Showtime on 11th February in The Workman’s Club in Dublin. Playtime is a comedy workshop for like-minded women with a passion for comedy to learn how to generate material through improvised comedy, share scripts, set jokes and ideas from comedians currently performing on the circuit. All levels are welcome to join.

Tickets are €10 to take part in the Playtime workshop which kicks off at 6.30pm. Participants will have free entry to Showtime which starts at 8.30pm, also in The Workman’s Club. Bare witness to a new range of Irish talent, plus a variety of fantastic featured female comedians. This night provides a platform for women to get on stage and perform comedy for the first time. Even if you’re already a regular on the circuit, Time of the Month is a great night to try out new material in front of a warm and supportive audience. For those interested in taking part, there are 12 five minute slots available. Email FWIR@funnywomen.com.

Mother Tongues Festival takes place this month in Tallaght and Blanchardstown on the 22nd and 23rd February. The festival has a number of workshops on their 2020 programme.

Multilingual Poetry Creation is a workshop facilitated by María Ortega García in Red Rua Arts Centre. The workshop will teach attendees different ways to write poetry in different languages, your mother language, a language you are studying or the combination of many. The ultimate goal is to connect you with your inner polyglot with a focus on self expression and creativity as a means to explore yourself.

Create your own story performance using Japanese Kamishibai (Paper Theatre) skills and unique storytelling processes. Most Everyone Can Tell a Good Story is a day-long project that involves creating stories using pictures/images created by collage and putting short written and spoken texts with them. Participants will work together to share a familiar story and create a new one over the course of the workshop. Working with Kamishbai design artist Tadashi Kato and storytelling artist Juliette Saumande, children and adults will be encouraged to create a shared story by the end of the day.

Visit our Gig Guide for more spoken word events happening during the month of February.

Written by Melissa Ridge

February Spoken Word and Creative Writing Workshops