Jump the Turnstile 2024 – $4,875
Over 200 Morristown High School creative writing students in grades 9-12 participated in a program with Arts by the People. During 2 intensive workshops, Director Paul Rabinowitz taught students a new way of approaching their poetry and prose. Students received direction and engaged in public speaking lessons to deliver powerful performances through spoken words.
At the end of the program, students submitted their work to a panel of judges where 21 pieces were selected as being ‘exceptionally creative’. Eight of those poets saw their words interpreted into dance performances at Jump the Turnstile, a collaboration of original works at Montclair State University featuring its choreographers and dancers as well as animators from the Maryland Institute College of Art. The 13 runners-up also showcased their poems through spoken word and improvisational dance at MHS.
"It is imperative that students are given the freedom to create pieces and develop their voices," said Jen Furphey. "This grant provided all of that in a nurturing environment with published writers, and professional animators and dancers all working collaboratively to help students reach their goals."
