Asheville Community Theatre hosts local young poets in "Poetry in Motion"

Asheville Community Theatre is thrilled to host Poetry in Motion, a showcase of classic, modern, and original poetry performed by local young poets. The show will feature many rising stars of the youth poetry community and will spotlight the Slam Asheville Youth Team in their final performance before they travel to Philadelphia to represent Asheville in Brave New Voices, the world’s largest poetry festival. Poetry in Motion will be held Sunday, July 13 at 2:30 pm on the Mainstage of Asheville Community Theatre. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and are available over the phone, online, or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre Box Office at 35 East Walnut St. in downtown Asheville.

“These young poets are absolutely astounding,” said Susan Harper, Managing Director of Asheville Community Theatre. “The power of their words and the strength of their performances are remarkable. It is so moving to experience their poetry.”

In addition to performances of classic and contemporary poetry, Poetry in Motion will feature the competition pieces – both solo and group – that the Slam Asheville Youth Team has crafted for the Brave New Voices festival. The Slam Asheville Youth Team consists of Bryan Head, 19, a student at UNCA; Luke Saragus, 17, a student at TC Roberson; Chase Woodsen, 18, a graduate of Asheville High; Colin Miller, 19, a student at UNCA; Shanita Jackson, 17, a student at Hendersonville Early College; and Liam Kelley Black, 16, a student at SILSA. Traveling with the team, and also performing in Poetry in Motion are Devin Jones, 16, and Davon Dunbar, 15, both students at SILSA; Brooke Paly, 18, who will be attending Appalachian State in the fall; and Hope Zurval, 18, who will be attending UNC in the fall.

This will be the third year that an Asheville team has traveled to the Brave New Voices festival. Last year, the team placed 6^th out of 50 teams, an unusual feat for a team so new to the festival. Asheville is also one of the smallest towns to send a team to the festival.

Proceeds from ticket sales of Poetry in Motion will help to support the Slam Asheville Youth Team. 

For more information on Poetry in Motion, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org or call 828-254-1320.