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Unify and Progress: Open Mics and Performances

  • Theatre Royal Stratford East Gerry Raffles Square London E15 1BN (map)

Penny Pepper and Renaissance One present a Unify and Progress (UP) Open Mics and Performances

Journeys in Performing and Spoken Word

6pm to 9pm at Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN

This event of open mics and performances follows on from a performance masterclass earlier in the day, which explores the poet and the artist as a performer, and their relationship to their audience.  

It will present poetry, song and performances from Penny Pepper and a range of artists, some of whom will have taken part in the masterclass.

This session has been developed as part of a wider mentoring programme, Unify and Progress (UP). The space is fully accessible. It has been created by Penny Pepper, with support from Kate Lovell and Theatre Royal Stratford East, and production by Renaissance One.

How to apply

If you would like to perform at the open mic please email Renaissance One outlining your performance experiences to date, details of any access requirements you have and confirming that you are available to take part.

Email your request to UP@renaissanceone.co.uk FAO: UP Project Team

Deadline to apply: 5pm on Monday 18 December. We will contact applicants on or before Tuesday 19 December.

Attachments: You are welcome to attach a CV along with your email (max 1 side of A4). Do not submit any additional sheets, or samples of work other than a CV, as these will not be considered. 

Disabled and Black and Minority Ethnic applicants are encouraged to apply as they are underrepresented within the literature and arts sectors.

Additional Information: participants who attend the earlier masterclass at the same venue from 2pm - 4.30pm will be invited to take part, and to perform at the Open Mic. The performance space is fully accessible.

About the Performance Tutor, Sohail Khan: Sohail studied Theatre at Dartington College of Arts, The High School of the Arts Utrecht and acting at the Institute of Cinematography in Moscow. Based in the North of England, he makes performance, live art and theatre for himself and participants from many backgrounds, cultures and settings, and works as a writer, live artist, speaker, and singer.

About the Project’s Creator, Penny Pepper: a versatile writer and poet, Penny Pepper’s current work, a memoir, First in the World Somewhere, charts an extraordinary life in the 80s music scene as a disabled punk. She writes for the Guardian and guests on TV & radio. Penny has developed this new professional development programme, UP: Unify and Progress, to share her experiences and skills and to encourage new opportunities for emerging to mid-career artists.

About the Project Producer Renaissance One: we curate and produce high-quality, convivial and mood-changing literature, spoken word and combined arts experiences for audiences who are often curious and excited about the best in contemporary culture. We support artists to develop income streams and sustainability, and to remain creative. For UP, we will be offering mentoring during the project to artists who would benefit from it.

Penny Pepper's Unify and Progress (UP) is funded by Arts Council England.