Hullabaloo is BC’s Youth Spoken Word Festival. Students representing high schools from around the province share their poetry to appreciative audiences every year. Find out what the youth have to say.
All events will take place at the Vancouver Film School and all events are FREE
Spoken Word Jamboree and Alumni Showcase
Thursday, April 20, 6:00-9:00PM
The showcase will feature past Hullabaloo champions and integral poets from the festival’s history.
All Star Showcase
Friday, April 21, 2023 – 3:30 pm
The Hullabaloo All Stars are going to set you spinning round with a whirlwind of spoken word! Taking their cue from each preceding poem, poets will play off one another in rounds in this showcase of poems (and the poets who poem them!) living in conversation with one another. The round robin format allows the artists to respond to one another and build the energy in a spontaneous way. If you’ve ever seen a ‘workshop stage’ at a folk festival, you’ll know how exciting it is to see artists perform in this more relaxed and informal atmosphere where anything can happen. with Andre Prefontaine, Janice Jo Lee, Truth Is… Beth Anne Ellipsis and host Tawahum
Hullabaloo Poetry Slam Round 1!
Friday April 21nd 6:00-9:00PM
All Hullabaloo teams in Hullabaloo perform a mix of individual and group performances in poetry slam competitions! Poetry presented with gusto and the enthusiastic support of all attending teams!
Early Bouts: 6 PM
Late Bouts: 8 PM
Adventures in Poetryland
Saturday, April 22 10AM
Youth poets take up to two workshops designed to help expand their poetic horizons and learn about the breadth of spoken word from professional poets. Participants select workshops on offer by Andre Prefontaine, Janice Jo Lee, Truth Is… and Beth Anne Ellipsis .
Hullabaloo Poetry Slam Round 2!
Saturday, April 22, Early Bouts: 1 PM, Late Bouts: 3 PM
All Hullabaloo teams in Hullabaloo perform a mix of individual and group performances in poetry slam competitions! Poetry presented with gusto and the enthusiastic support of all attending teams!
Hullabaloo Feature Performance and Team Piece Showcase
Saturday, April 22, 6:00-9:00PM
Hullabaloo Team Finals featuring El Jones
Four Hullabaloo Finalists compete for the Billy Sharkespeare Trophy! Feature performance by El Jones.