So, what can a poet do for you..?
Will has been a guest artist and speaker at numerous conferences and events and is able to write material around specific themes to help support your larger vision. Having a spoken word artist at your event can help affirm and clarify big ideas and enable participants to learn and process concepts on a deeper level. Whether it’s a backyard gig lined with fairy-lights and candles, a lively poetry slam in a pub, an intimate underground venue or a crowded concert hall Will has had experiences performing in all contexts and has a diverse repertoire of work to meet any occasion and connect with audiences from all walks of life. Will is in his element with a microphone in his hand and a live audience to connect with, and he will bring fresh life and rhythm to your event.
Will is available to write commissioned pieces for live or recorded performances. He has experience collaborating with musicians, videographers and other writers and is always interested in exploring the possibility of commissioned and/or collaborative projects. Will is also a published writer of poetry, short fiction and op-eds and is available to write commissioned articles or pieces for publication.
Will has had extensive experience in schools, working as a High School Chaplain, a Youth Worker and running specialised poetry workshops in countless classrooms. Will has run successful programs and workshops in a broad range of public, private and independent schools, with a focus on introducing students to contemporary forms of poetry (such as hip-hop and slam) and mentoring them to write and perform their own pieces. Will brings together his own experience as a performing writer with an Honours degree in English Literature, having written a research based thesis evaluating student attitudes towards poetry and suggesting contemporary methods of engaging with students that align with Australian curriculum frameworks and outcomes. Will's work in schools combines content around poetic techniques and forms, practical tips for writing and motivational messages encouraging students that their voice is powerful and poetry can be a way to turn 'messes into masterpieces'. Will is able to offer your school inspiring and practical workshops in the areas of poetry and performance, in-school events and performances, as well as special sessions to support educators in connecting with young people in creative and engaging ways.
Will has a Cert IV in Youth Work and extensive experience working with youth from all different backgrounds and circumstances as a School Chaplain, a Youth Worker and a Volunteer. He has developed programs and lead teams in Youth Justice Centres, spoken and performed at numerous Youth Groups and has a solid working knowledge of the Youth Sector. Will combines a passion for poetry with content around anger management, mental health issues and the power of creative arts as a coping strategy and tool for empowerment. Will's communication style and heart for disadvantaged youth give him a strong rapport with marginalised young people, and his workshops instil a message of self-worth and an affirmation of every young person's story. Will is available to speak at youth events, run workshops at Youth/Community Centres and support organisations and Youth Workers in connecting with young people through hip-hop and spoken word poetry.
"There are those who 'have to say something', and those who 'have something to say'. Will Small sits squarely in the later category. His ability to craft words in such a way to evoke engagement, discussion, and action is unparalleled in my experience... His communication is able to cut though the background ‘noise’ of so many other messages and touch the heart. I warmly commend him to you."