An overview of the program.

Climate Speaks 2020 has three stages: Workshops, Competition, and Performance

Stage 1: Workshops

In the first phase, students will meet with climate experts and teaching artists during separate workshops about climate and creative writing. Exploring the connections between climate change, social justice, and the arts, students begin to learn about the intersections of science, activism, and art. Then students will work with teaching artists in a creative writing workshop to begin finding their voice in the writing process.

Stage 2: Competition

After attending both a climate and a creative writing workshop, students will be invited to submit an original piece of writing, either as an individual or as part of a duo. Students chosen to continue in the program then enter the competition stage as Semifinalists.

Semifinalists will receive multiple opportunities for in-depth performance coaching and mentoring by expert teaching artists and performers. After they have honed their performance skills, students participate in a live rehearsal, followed by feedback from teaching artists, prior to auditioning before a panel of judges. Selected students will become members of the final performance cohort. Cohort members will then receive intensive additional coaching and mentoring in anticipation of the performance stage.

Stage 3: Performance

Throughout May, members of the final performance cohort will have opportunities to perform their work across the city in small, intimate performances that allow them to connect with their audience. Each cohort member will choose between 1-3 performance opportunities at which to showcase their writing.

After the series of smaller performances, cohort members will take to the stage for a large-scale final performance. The night will be one to remember as the performers raise awareness about the climate crisis and inspire the audience to spread the word and take action.