Wax Lyrical

Wax Lyrical is a 7-week creative programme that blends poetry, spoken word, and movement to help young people develop their creative voice and performance skills. Throughout the course, you’ll learn a variety of spoken word techniques and movement styles, work on writing and shaping your own pieces, and collaborate with others to create original group performances. 

The programme also includes practical well being sessions designed to support your confidence and resilience as a performer. By the end, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your work in a live performance, gaining experience and skills that can help you take your next steps in the creative arts. Beyond creativity, the skills you build, like communication, presentation, teamwork, and self-expression, are highly valuable and transferable to many professional environments.

What do I get by taking part? 

• Learn spoken word, poetry and movement skills from professional artists
• Explore your creativity in a safe, supportive and collaborative environment
• Take part in a final live performance to showcase your work
• Build confidence in expressing yourself through words and movement
• Gain transferable skills like communication, teamwork and presentation
• Receive support from experienced well being practitioners
• Free lunch and travel provided (plus childcare support if needed)
• Free 1-year Roundhouse Creative Studios membership

Who is teaching the project? 

You’ll be guided by a team of professional artists, including a poet, a movement director, and a music producer — all here to help you develop your ideas and bring your performance to life. Alongside them, experienced arts and well being practitioners will support you with tools to manage nerves, build confidence, and reflect on your creative journey.

Who can join?

This course is for 16-25-year-olds. You cannot be considered for the course if you are:

• In full time employment or training
• An experienced / professional poet, dancer or spoken word artists

Do I need any particular skills or experience to take part?

No, the course will cater for all skill levels, including entry level.  

You only need an interest and enthusiasm for these art forms but you do need a willingness to work collaboratively with others as part of a group.

This opportunity provides a stepping stone into the creative arts and will support you to take that next step in your creative development.

We especially welcome applications from those under-represented in the performing arts and welcome referrals and self-referrals from experienced young people, young people who are refugee or asylum seekers, young people who are disabled, neurodivergent and those who are not in education, employment and training. 

How to join

You can apply yourself, or a support worker can refer you.

If the applicant meets the criteria, they’ll be invited to a taster workshop to meet the team and try out some of the activities. Attending a taster is required to be considered for the full programme.

After the taster, those who are offered a place will be sent a link to enrol. Anyone not selected will be contacted and signposted to other opportunities at the Roundhouse.

Roundhouse positive action statement

The Roundhouse champions diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe in a just society and in the benefit for all gained from the richness of diverse experiences and expressions within cultural output.

I’m not sure I can afford to take part…

All participants are supported with travel and lunch. If the project runs into the evening, dinner will also be provided. If you need help to pay for things like project fees, transport or childcare, we can help. Find out how you can get support. If you are using a bursary to pay for the project, please ensure you arrange this with the Advice Base with plenty of time before the start of the project.

I have additional needs. Can I still take part?

We are committed to supporting D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse young people, those with medical conditions, access requirements or any lived experience that may require adaptation, support or sensitivity. If there is anything you would like to let us (our youth workers, tutors or staff) know that will support your enjoyment and access, you can do so by emailing us at advicebase@roundhouse.org.uk, and we will contact you to discuss further how to best support your engagement.