READ THE ROOM
A POETRY SERIES
JAN 17 | FEB 11 | MAR 4 | APR 8 | MAY 13 | JUN 10
Welcome to the Red Stage!
READ THE ROOM is more than a reading; it is an experience of collective vulnerability and defiant joy. We are committed to building audiences for poetry in all its forms, transforming this iconic space into a refuge for urgent truths and a laboratory for literary magic.
In a city of change, we believe community is all we have. Join us to witness poets who are excited and engaged, ready to share, and eager to nurture your love of poetry.
In their own words… the poets shared:
In times of chaos and fear, poetry serves as a refuge.
Poetry is, in this moment, an urgent act of resistance.
Poetry is air, and I’ve been holding my breath too long.
I come as witness and player, hungry to use writing as the magic wand it is. Abracadabra and poof.
All the freedom, joy and sanity we can imagine into being. This seems like a group that's recruiting magicians.
I want to offer myself as a vessel to show others how invigorating writing and performing your own work is. Whether it was to cope when I was in mental distress, or to write about how safe and reliable it is to order chicken on a menu at any restaurant.
Our words, our experiences, our troubles, and our triumphs connect us.
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Poetry, at its best, is high-quality art and powerful entertainment. It requires dedication, rehearsal, and vulnerability from the artist. Our goal is to change the perception that live poetry is anything less than essential.
The $20 ticket price directly reflects the professional quality of the performance and the unique atmosphere of the Dupont Underground stage. By purchasing a ticket, you are not just attending a show; you are making an explicit investment in the craft and in the financial sustainability of the artists who make the DMV creative community thrive.
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To create truly dynamic shows, our Selection Committee reviewed applications based on four core criteria:
Artistic Merit: The strength and quality of the writing on the page.
Performance Quality: Stage presence, vocal control, and the ability to command the audience. Since this is a live series, we look for poets ready to put on a really good show.
Experience Mix: Our series is intentionally curated to feature a balanced mix of Emerging Poets (new to the public stage) and Experienced Poets (established literary voices).
Diversity: We sought a vibrant mosaic of voices, ensuring a broad mix of styles, themes, and lived experiences, from profound political resistance to accessible, observational humor.
Each monthly lineup is designed to contrast and complement, giving you a full spectrum of emotional and artistic engagement
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Dupont Underground believes in compensating artists fairly for their craft. When you purchase a ticket to READ THE ROOM, you are directly funding the performance and the future of regional poetry.
Ticket Revenue Share: 70% of all ticket sales are split evenly among the performers featured that evening.
Tips Welcome: Audience members are encouraged to tip performers directly during the show.
Merchandise Sales: Poets are strongly encouraged to bring their books, chapbooks, and other merchandise to sell directly to the audience throughout the series. The sale of their work helps them sustain their artistic practice. (A small, one-time table fee is required for participation in the full series.)
MEET THE
POETS
