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Workshops and Poetry Showcase Event: May 2nd, Tuesday at 4:30pm: Welcome!

Information, dates, locations and supplemental sources for the Brandon Leake workshop series.

Masterclass Workshop Virtual Zoom Links

Poetry Showcase Information

How to Compete

Merced College Poetry Showcase is open to ALL performers, rappers, writers, and poets, ALL ages, language and abilities. Performers DO NOT need to be a Merced College student to qualify for Grand Prize.

The Poetry Showcase is a FREE event open to all members of the public. Blanket and chairs are recommended as the seating is a slanted, outdoor amphitheater, but there will be a limited number of chairs available.

Rules for Poetry Showcase

  1. All poems, raps, songs, presentations, etc., must be original work, performed in-person at date and event location.
  2. Topics are open, and performances cannot exceed 5 minutes. You may use prompts that you bring.
  3. Sign-up with Merced College Librarian Karrie Bullock by Friday, April 28th to be included on roster.
    1. Email: karrie.bullock@mccd.edu
    2. Call: (209)386-6703
    3. Drop by: Downey Learning Resource Center Library, Office 210
  4. There is NO level of expertise required for this event: this is a SAFE, OPEN SPACE. We just ask that you speak your truth.

Poetry Workshops

There are a limited number of Poetry Masterclasses available and open to anyone interested in tips, writing and performance skills, or  "workshopping" an existing piece. The dates for these workshops are below and are lead by Brandon Leake. Attend in-person or via Zoom.

  • Thursday, April 20th from 3:00 - 4:00pm Zoom link: https://MercedCCD.zoom.us/j/88589331836
  • Tuesday, April 25th from 3:00 - 4:00pm

Brandon Leake Masterclass Flier

Contact Information

Contact Information

Librarian Karrie Bullock 

karrie.bullock@mccd.edu

209-386-6703

Promotional Video

Spoken-word Masterclass Series with Brandon Leake

About  Brandon Leake

Brandon Leake is best known for his 2020 America's Got Talent (AGT) win, earning the coveted golden buzzer, and is the competition's first (and only) spoken-word poetry champion. He is also a father, an educator, a mentor, and a Central Valley (Stockton) native. Merced College Library is thrilled to host a series of free (enrolled MCCD students) masterclass workshops, both virtual and in-person, throughout the Spring 2023 semester.  

About the Masterclass Series

Through a generous one-time President's Circle award, Merced College is offering Masterclass Spoken Word Workshop Series FREE to any enrolled Merced College Student. Most workshops are virtual and run throughout the semester, open to all MCCD students. Brandon provides skill based, engaging, and inspiring poetry curriculum for any student--all talent, skill levels, language, and comfort levels are encouraged! Bring an original poem to workshop! Brainstorm and expand your creativity! Ask Brandon a mind-bending question about life! 

Brandon will also facilitate multiple performance opportunities, culminating in a Spoken Word Final Performance in May 2023, location and time TBD.