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"Racism pledges allegiance to a flag with 50 bullet holes for stars and prison bars for stripes."
Briana L 8th Grade

news &  events

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Pacifica After School Clubs are Back

Sign up for an after school program at your school

 Info and Registration +

Bring a Poet into your Class

Slam Poets teach creative writing, stage performance, and social activism in-person or remotely

Find out more +

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March Madness Open Mic & Poetry Slam

Poetry From All Over the Bay Area compete in a 2 round slam!

Starry Plough - Berkeley Satruday March 12 from 1:30pm until 4:00pm        More Info +  Sign Up +

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BAC Equity Statements

Our position on access, social justice, and equity

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Bay Area Creative Fam!


Youth all over the Bay Area will take the stage to tell their stories, share their passion, and celebrate each other's creativity.


Important Info

Where: Starry Plough (in person)

Address: 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705


When: Saturday March 12th

Time: 1:30pm - 4:00pm


Sign Up --> BayAreaCreative.org


Competition Rules

  • A poetry slam is a competition that scores poetry on an Olympic scale 1-10. There will be between 1 and 18 poets in the first round and 3 - 8 poets in the second round. Come with two poems ready! There may or may not be "cuts" between rounds depending on how many poets are participating

  • Judging is 100% subjective, but generally based on how well the writing, performance, and message come together on stage.

  • You may not use any props or musical accompaniment on stage.

  • Time Limit: 3min and 30 seconds (10 second grace period)

  • Time will not start with a trigger warning or content warning at the beginning of the poem

  • We are not censoring youth performers, but keep in mind that poems will be heard by an audience of all ages.

  • Group poems are allowed in this slam with a twist. After the first round if a group poem advances to the second round the same group of people have the option of performing another group poem, or slamming separately. Alternatively, anyone making it to the second round may perform a group poem with anyone else who has made it into the second round! (max 4 people)

  • Although memorizing poems is not required, memorized poems tend to score higher

  • Remember "slam" is just a stupid game that people invented to trick large groups of people into enjoying poetry. Have fun. Listen to everyone!

Sign Up --> BayAreaCreative.org

Updated: Sep 27, 2021




Use this page to find out where, when, and how to sign up!

As info changes, this page will be updated!


Ocean Shore (Sound Wave)

Thursdays starting Sept 30th - Dec 16th (tentative start date)

Location: C45 (Jonathan’s Room)

Time: 3:15pm - 4:30pm

Sign Up: BayAreaCreative.org/book-online (this site will be updated with club sign ups very soon)


Vallemar (Poetry on Point)

Wednesdays starting mid Sept 15th - Dec 15th

Computer Lab

Time: 1:45pm - 3:00pm

Sign Up: https://www.vallemarpto.org/catalog


Sunset Ridge (Sunset Slammers)

Mondays starting Sept 20th - Dec 12th

Location: Wet and Dry Room (Art Room)

Time: 3pm - 4:15pm

Sign Up: BayAreaCreative.org/book-online


Cabrillo (Blueprint Poetry)

Fridays starting Sept 24th - Dec 16th

Location: Band Room

Time: 3pm - 4:15pm

Sign Up: BayAreaCreative.org/book-online


Ortega (Boss Slammers)

Fridays starting Sept 24th - Dec 16th

Location: Wet and Dry Room (Art Room)

Time: 3pm - 4:15

Sign Up: BayAreaCreative.org/book-online


IBL (Slamception)

Mondays starting Oct 4th - Dec 12th

Location: TBD

Time: 3:15pm - 4:30pm

Sign Up: BayAreaCreative.org/book-online


Summit Dates: March 29th - April 2nd


Engage with Bay Area poets, authors, activists, and artists for a multicultural exploration of how the written and spoken word can liberate self-expression, start movements, and honor the community. Through a series of live sessions, you will interact with authors, educators, and performers. Whether you are a beginner or expert, fan or practitioner, you will be inspired by the interactive workshops, presentations, and engaging conversations.


See Full Line-Up and Register Today


SPARC Poetry Workshops:


Spoken Word Poetry 101 Tuesday, March 30th from at 3pm - 4pm

An interview with Mike Taylor and Patrick Ohslund of Bay Area Creative . Learn more about the performance aspects of poetry and the Spoken Word community in the Bay Area. Gain an understanding of the history of this art form and why it is so important and powerful in times of conflict and joy. You'll learn more about poetry slams, the value of competition, the defining distinctions between written and performed poetry, and the physicality of Spoken Word. You'll pick up some tips and techniques on getting your words from the page to the stage.

Register Now!



Poetry as a Team Sport. Tuesday, March 30th from at 4:30pm - 6pm

Learn from front-line poetry educators who help students write, share, and perform poetry. Learn how the process can transform youth by fostering both a sense of self and a sense of belonging. Join us for a lively discussion on teaching poetry in group settings to help students and young adults find their voices and overcome obstacles. This all-star panel features professionals from innovative, youth development non-profit organizations: America SCORES, SPARC poetry,, Youth Speaks.

Participants: Mike Taylor, Gabriel Cortez, Patrick Ohslund, Colin to introduce/moderate.


Register Now


Revisions Workshop:

Revisions: Spoken Word as Narrative Therapy. Wednesday, March 31st from @ 8:30am to 9:30am



Revisions is a therapeutic arts program designed by Bay Area Creative that seeks to heal, empower, and transform individuals dealing with extreme trauma. The program works with families, youth in detention, individuals in recovery and in abuse shelters. Hear how the activities and the process related to creating spoken word poetry can create a new narrative for those seeking to work through tragic events.

Participants: Jenna Robinson. Colin to provide introduction and help with audience q&a.


Register Now


Bay Area Creative Facilitators in Summit (left to right) Mike Taylor, Patrick Ohslund, Jenna Robinson









See Full Line-Up and Register Today

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