RWC will once again celebrate National Poetry Month in April 2011. As in the past, the RWC Department of English and Communication, under the direction of Professor Rhonda Pettit, will sponsor a variety of free events. Monday, April 4, is the deadline for submissions to the poetry and songwriting contests. For the poetry contest, entrants may submit up to three poems, with two typed copies of each poem, one with name and contact info and one without name and contact information. Any subject and form are accepted. Submit to Professor Rhonda Pettit, Room 132 SAHB, or email as attachment to Rhonda.Pettit@uc.edu.
For the songwriting contest, songs must be submitted in both recorded form (on CD) and typewritten form (lyrics only). On a separate page, type the song title(s), your name, address, phone number, email address, and school or university affiliations. Also name the performers on the recording, if other than the songwriter. Submit to Professor Rhonda Pettit, Room 132 SAHB, or email as attachment to Rhonda.Pettit@uc.edu.
On Friday, April 8, there will be a free performance of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” by the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. The performance will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, in the Muntz Auditorium, Room 119. Reservations are required: call Debbie Thomayer, (513) 745-5655.
On Wednesday, April 13, poet Dana Wildsmith will give a poetry reading. The time and location are still to be determined. For more information, contact Professor Rhonda Pettit.
The festivities will conclude on Monday, May 9, with the Poetry Cafe, featuring author P. Andrew Miller and the winners of the poetry and songwriting contests. There will be free food and music during the evening. The grand prize for the songwriting contest, a Michael Kelly acoustic guitar, is being provided by Willis Music.
Throughout the month there will also be a Poetry Wall display in Muntz Hall, where students, faculty, and staff can post their favorite poems. Submit a favorite poem by a known poet to Professor Pettit.