Add Verb 's artist development program for girls, Say It Loud, promotes personal and social change through writing and performance. Participants develop their unique voices and make themselves heard in public spaces using hip-hop and spoken word poetry as a means of self-expression.

Through workshops with artists spanning a diversity of genres – poetry writing, spoken word performance, hip-hop, breakdancing – the girls train together in artistic disciplines, create new work, and prepare for public performances.  Say It Loud is currently under the creative direction of Marita Kennedy-Castro and Tess Van Horn.

Say It Loud originated in 2003 as an after-school youth artist training program at the Center for Cultural Exchange.It was developed under the creative guidance of visiting guest artist, poet, rapper, educator, feminist and social activist Toni Blackman.

If you live in Maine, and would like to have a Say It Loud performance at your school or other performance venue,contact us!

Watch our calendar for upcoming performances.

 

Check out some of Say It Loud’s current guest artists:

 

Sontiago

Bread  

"We can't thank you enough for performing at Take Back the Night 2007. Your insightful words

and passion for social justice inspired everyone who attended.  We know that young women like all

of you are going to become powerful women who continue to create important social change. 

Keep up the amazing work!"   -- Stephanie Bouffard, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine