English and Creative Writing Open Mic Nights

Open Mic nights for English and Creative Writing students allow collaboration, improved confidence and joining part of the supportive, creative community at Staffs.

Regular Open Mic Nights for all English and Creative Writing Students

All Staffs English and Creative Writing students are eligible to attend regular, social Open Mics.

These sessions attract students from all years of study, a diverse group of academics, and even English and Creative Writing alumni.

They’re a great opportunity to hear the great variety of work our creative community is crafting.
You can also choose to participate, improve your confidence and reveal your work to a friendly, supportive audience, or find like minds to collaborate with.

At our last Open Mic, students, alumni, and academics debuted a variety of poetry, short stories, one-act plays, and more.

 

3rd year student Jamie debuted a one-act play with their friend Marshall.  

“I’m doing something tonight with one of my friends, it’s the first time I’ve written a thing that’s not just me. A lot of things I write are more monologue based, so I thought tonight I might as well experiment and try something else.  I get quite nervous but I quite like the notion of coming together in this genuinely quite friendly environment where we all tell stories or whatever.”

 

Returning English alumnus Danny Morris showcased a dramatic piece of poetry.

“It’s these Open Mic nights that have allowed me to kind of bring myself out and try different things. It’s a really great atmosphere. The lecturers, even beyond graduating, they still foster a kind of creativity and academic journey for you. They’re really invested.

Creatively, this is the place to be for me.”

 

A Vibrant Celebration

"Our Open Mic Nights are a vibrant celebration of the developing and carefully crafted products of our writing, literary and creative community. Showcasing poetry, short scripts, stand-up comedy, and short prose alongside literary readings, critical observations and music.  These events provide the opportunity for students to give authentic professional performances within a supportive and celebratory environment alongside their tutors and visiting writers."

Dr Philippa Holloway
Senior Lecturer, English and Creative Writing (Fiction)

I quite like the notion of coming together in this genuinely quite friendly environment where we all tell stories

Jamie, 3rd Year English and Creative Writing Student

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