CommWorks Comes Together with NCNW, RHA and AASU to Host Open Mic Night
University students and alumni performed in the poetry slam hosted by CommWorks entitled “Bum Rush the Stage,” in the Quad on Thursday, October 6.
CommWorks is a group on campus for “students committed to performance.” Students do not have to be Communication majors in order to participate in CommWorks and students get to choose how involved they become with CommWorks.
The Residence Hall Association, The National Council of Negro Women, and the African-American Student Union also promoted this poetry slam.
CommWorks started off the night with a team huddle and chant. Student Michael Corsey of CommWorks, who recited some poetry of his own, hosted “Bum Rush the Stage.”
Corsey explained how the audience could react to certain things they were going to hear, if they felt moved by something, the audience would say “Go in,” if they liked something, they would snap their fingers.
President of CommWorks, Brian Morelli, also recited his own comical poem about playing Xbox 360.
“Poetry slams give students the opportunity to perform their works in a judgment free zone,” said Nicole Vitale, senior.
To prepare for the poetry slam, CommWorks met the day before to get their “creative juices” flowing. Each member of CommWorks brings material of their own, or already published poems and practices reciting them in front of an audience. They provide constructive criticism and give suggestions and tips on how to improve their presentation.
“I thought our practice was a major success; a majority of our members are new, and they really showed us their writing talent and performance talent for the first time… I can definitely see some future CommWorks leaders at our meetings,” said Vitale.
Participants ranged from University undergraduates, alumni, and even former undergraduate students. They sang, recited poetry both original and published, played instruments, and rapped.
“Jaclyn Kouefati (sophomore) told me about the poetry slam and since I did it last year, I decided to participate this year, too,” said former University student Amanda Zwiggy, “It’s exciting to be back.”
This year CommWorks collaborated with Late Night Lounge, so there were more musical performances then normal.
The poetry slam was judged by Samantha Hopkins, junior, Erin Smith, sophomore, and Katherine Dranoff, sophomore.
There was a representative from substance awareness handing out raffle tickets for those who came out. Those with wining raffle tickets received free t-shirts.
Seats were filled to capacity, and as the night carried on, the crowd grew. By the end of the night, there were groups of people standing along the back of the chairs.
There was free hot chocolate and hot apple cider available to help counteract the crisp air.
“It’s a perpetual cycle of creativity and that’s really something magical,” said Vitale. Friends and family came and showed their supports for the participants. “You see all types of people at the poetry slams, from football players to the quietest people on campus,” said Vitale, “…It really brings people together.”
The winner for best musical performance was Melissa Buchanico, freshman, with her performance of “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac.
Crowd favorite went to DJ Fountain. Nick Summons won best original performance with his poem titled “Just A Number.” Lena Suarez took the award for best performance of a published work.
There will be another Late Night Lounge on November 3 in Oakwood Hall.
CommWorks was founded in the Department of Communications for those interested in the pursuit of excellence in performance to work together as a group in the planning and execution of performance events.
The organization encourages students interested in performance studies by providing opportunities to explore and expand their performance skills in a wide variety of venues and contexts. CommWorks is open to all students at the University who are committed to the study of performance. CommWorks meets on Tuesday’s at 3:00 pm in the Plangere Center in room 235.
PHOTO COURTESY of Alexis Orlacchio
