By Jane Mingay

Based on the success of her last poetry salon, Owen Sound Poet Laureate Terry Burns is once again hosting From Page to Stage, a performance workshop. This free event is open to poets, actors and the public and will take place in the Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library auditorium at 7pm on Thurs, Jan. 15, 2015.

From Page to Stage takes advantage of the Owen Sound Little Theatre's sponsorship of the Poet Laureate program as well as Burns' background in theatre. It gives participants an opportunity to read on stage and get feedback on their delivery from a panel of experts. "At the last event back in October, we thought it might be fun to meld the local poetry and theatre communities in a performance workshop," said Burns. "We weren't quite sure what to expect, but it ended up being a very productive evening. A number of the participants thought it would be great if we could do a similar event again and I also heard from some folks who regretted that they couldn't make the first one. "

The format of the second workshop will be the same as the first. Burns is asking people to bring two selections of their work. Each participant will take the stage to read or perform for a maximum of five minutes. Panelists will coach them on their delivery, diction, pace, volume and dynamics.

Back by popular demand are coaches Tom Albrecht, Corry Lapointe and Liz Zetlin. "Tom and Corry have some really impressive acting and directing credits to their names, and of course Liz has been performing her poetry for many years now," said Burns. "All their comments were insightful and helpful to the participants."

Burns appreciates that the coaches know how to create an encouraging and safe environment for poets who perform. "I think last time around some people were pretty nervous about going through the process, but by the end of it no one felt as if they'd been through a critical wringer," she said.

Participation is on a first-come-first-served basis, doors and registration open at 6:30 pm. Members of the public are encouraged to attend this unique event. Donations for the Poet Laureate program are welcome.
The Owen Sound Poet Laureate 2013-2015 is a program of the Owen Sound Little Theatre generously supported by Frank Dabbs, the author from Annan, with additional sponsorship by David Madill, CFP of BMO Nesbitt Burns. Special thanks to The Library for providing the venue for this poetry salon.

Jane Mingay is a member of the Poet Laureate Advisory Committee.