Word Play

Welcome to WordPlay! Thanks for coming to visit our shiny new home on the internet. Feel free to look around and poke things. We’ve made a list of some things that you might want to know (we like lists). If you want to know something else and you think we might be able to tell you, contact us through our request form.

What is this thing you call WordPlay?

WordPlay is a program that operates by sending poets into high schools, elementary schools and community centres to run performance and writing workshops. By bringing contemporary, active poets into the classroom, the program makes poetry immediate and relevant to teachers and students alike. If you go to our About page , you can find out all about our goals and aspirations and plans to take over the world.

What am I doing here?

If you’re a teacher, you’re probably looking for information on our workshops or our booking form. If you’re a student, you can check out our writing exercises, the youth slam, and info on some of the poets who might visit your classroom. If you’re a parent, a poetry enthusiast, or a garden gnome, you should probably just look at everything.

How did I get here?

You might have found us through Vancouver Poetry House, our parent organization. In addition to having lots of information on poetry in Vancouver, audio samples of local poets, and a great list of current events, they also make great pickles. Go say hi. Tell them we sent you.

I’ve heard that WordPlay is awesome. Why?

You heard correctly. WordPlay yanks poetry out of the clutches of old dead white men. WordPlay makes poetry exciting. WordPlay gives poetry street cred.

Whoa. How do you do that?

Here’s how we do it: combine world-class poets with brilliant students, throw in some hilarious and thought-provoking exercises, and watch as the writing inspires us all.

How do I get poets in my classroom?

Here’s our booking form. You can also use it to contact us with any questions you have. Once you send us your request (or a question), you can expect us to call you within a few days.

Will the youth of today like your poetry?

Yes. In the words of the youth of today, WordPlay is “better than a math test.”

I want to write a poem. Can you help me?

Yes. You should participate in one of our workshops or check out our writing exercises. If you need inspiration, go listen to some brilliant poets.