READ THE ROOM
A POETRY SERIES
GET TICKETS NOW
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
Watch our social media and this page for lineup announcements for each month! Selected poets received notice in December 2025, and we are working on scheduling now.
C. Alexandria Bernard
Pronouns: They/Them
Poet | Teaching Artist | Orator
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MEET THE JUDGES
C. Alexandria Bernard
Pronouns: They/Them
Poet | Teaching Artist | Orator
An unstoppable force of creativity, activism, and inspiration. As a Queer Black Non-Binary Poet and survivor of child abuse, Chris has transformed lived experience into a life of service using poetry, teaching, and advocacy to champion healing and justice for marginalized communities. Read more.
Adrian Gaston Garcia
Adrian Gaston Garcia is a queer Latine storyteller whose mission is to share narratives that build community. His work is a love letter to his younger self and a shout out to all the queer brown boys who choose joy as their form of resistance. His poems have been published in Latino Book Review, Split This Rock, A Gathering of the Tribes, and DC Pride Poems. He co-hosts Los Bookis Podcast and founded Tintas DC. Read More.