Jonathan Samuel Eddie - Writing Workshop - SAY? WHAT! NOW? 4-26-25

Location: ArtsXchange | Dooley Room

SAY? WHAT! NOW?

Is your poem suffering from a bad case of the "blahs"? Maybe it's lost its sparkle, its pizzazz, or perhaps it's even become a bit cringe (we've all been there!). This workshop offers a safe and encouraging space for artists to revisit their existing work with a fresh perspective through play, performance, and mindfulness. What message does your poem convey in this present moment? By engaging in theatre games, improv, rehearsal techniques, and mindfulness practices, participants will use the stage to explore the current meaning and relevance of their written work.

In this interactive writing and performance workshop, we will utilize our bodies as editing tools to revise and revitalize our poems. Please come prepared to move and with at least one poem you're interested in revisiting. The activities in the workshop are adaptable and can be modified to meet the needs of every participant, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and supported regardless of their abilities.

ABOUT

Award-winning teaching and performance artist Jonathan Samuel Eddie uses poetry and theater to educate and empower artists of all ages. His comedic poetry and storytelling have earned him national recognition, including becoming a 2024 Grand Slam Finalist in the Moth Atlanta Grand Slam Storytelling Competition and opening for renowned comedians Bruce Bruce and Earthquake. Jonathan has also been a runner-up for The Missouri Review's Miller Audio Prize for Humor and has appeared in numerous theatrical productions and an upcoming feature film, “A Southern Horror”. Jonathan has hosted, participated in, and represented the city of Atlanta at numerous national and regional poetry slam competitions for over 20 years. As the founder and director of the Fountain City Teen Poetry Slam, Inc., he spent 13 years inspiring hundreds of young creatives. Additionally, he served as an Apollo Stories Fellow with the Legendary Apollo Theatre, where he developed curricula and lesson plans to facilitate national, youth-led conversations on critical social issues through theater, poetry, and performance lessons. His work has been showcased in various digital and print platforms like Write About Now, The Root, All Def Poetry, and Lucky Jefferson. In recognition of his significant contributions to the arts and humanities, Jonathan received the 2023 Governor's Award for the Arts and Humanities. Follow him on Instagram at @jonsamedd.

In partnership with South Fulton Arts.