CommWorks: Students Committed to Performance and the Monmouth Oral Communication Center (MOCC) will be hosting a performance next Wednesday, entitled A Look Inside Our Minds.
The event will be held in Jules Plangere Center Room 235 Wednesday Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. This event will feature members of both CommWorks and MOCC performing poems, excerpts, and more focusing on the topic of mental health.
Najah Pryor, a senior communications student, is also the Vice President of MOCC. A member since spring 2017, she has seen an increase in membership and a new commitment from its current members.
“The purpose of this event is to de-stigmatize mental health,” said Pryor. “We often hear about the neagtives of mental illness, anxiety or depression. We never hear any of the good things. The bad comes with the good, so we’re trying to see both sides.”
Deanna Shoemaker, Ph.D, professor of communication and advisor for CommWorks, is excited about the upcoming event.
“Students will offer funny and moving original performances exploring a wide range of mental health issues that impact us in deeply personal ways,” said Shoemaker.
At least 12 students will be performing solo, small group, and full cast performances. This event is free and open to the public. Snacks will also be provided.
CommWorks and MOCC are two clubs committed to helping students gain a command of oral communication. MOCC is built for more professional and business communication, while CommWorks is more casual performances. You do not have to be a communication major to join. If you have an upcoming presentation or project, you can workshop it with the members who will be happy to help.
“There’s two sides to MOCC,” said Pryor. “We tutor students and faculty on becoming better public speakers, and we also host fun performances.”
In the spring 2019 semester, CommWorks and MOCC will host a poetry slam and other performances, as well as something to honor Women”s History Month.
“This dynamic club collaboration is open to ALL students on campus who are interested in building their public speaking, public performance, creative writing, and collaboration skills,” said Shoemaker. “We also welcome students who are interested in promotions, event planning, and community-building across campus.”
Weekly meetings are held in Plangere Hall Room 235 every Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. Feel free to stop by and get involved! Follow Commworks and MOCC on Instagram @mucommworks and @mocc_mu!
IMAGE TAKEN from mucommworks
