SPOKEN WORD RESIDENCY
Empowering young voices with a chance to be heard
Bringing his in-depth spoken word workshops to select Central Florida high schools, former Orlando Poet Laureate Shawn Welcome helps students find their creative voices as they observe, process and respond to the world around them.
Twice a year, the weeklong Spoken Word Residency culminates in a live performance showcase, where students share the stage in Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater with renowned spoken word artists from across the country. Voices of Freedom and Celebrating Hispanic Voices shine a light on the power of language to spark discussion, shape perceptions and address social issues worthy of artistic response.
Click here to be the first to know when showcase tickets are available. For schools, please visit the Programs for Schools page to inquire about tickets.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Shawn Welcome is a former Poet Laureate of the City of Orlando and has been engaged in community related work since 2006. He is the Founder and CEO of Diverse Word, LLC, a creative arts organization dedicated to the cultivation and exportation of performance poetry among other creative arts offerings. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a degree in English Literature and has since written NBA commercials for the Orlando Magic, performed voiceovers for university ads and traveled the U.S. speaking and performing.
UPCOMING RESIDENCY SHOWCASES
- Our next Spoken Word residency showcase,
Voices of Freedom, is scheduled for:
Date: February 5, 2027
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
Tickets: Free
GET TICKETS - Our next Spoken Word residency showcase,
Celebrating Hispanic Voices, is scheduled for:
Date: September 25, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater
Tickets: Free
GET TICKETS
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