Workshops & courses

Creating wellbeing through the power of poetic language

Self expression, play and human connection are essential to our well-being.

And one of the most powerful vehicles for this is writing and sharing our stories through the power of poetic language – a language that cuts through small talk and  allows us to articulate what’s on our heart and mind with honesty and clarity. And it’s easier than you might think!

Our very existence is poetry.

When we come together in a group that feels safe, supported, and inspired, something opens up inside us. With guided discussions,  prompts, creative exercises, and exploration of the process, our words start to flow… words that can surprise us with their wisdom, insight, truth, wit, unique flare – our particular genius. It’s incredible when we create something extraordinary from nothing. It builds confidence and can be nothing short of transformative.

At the heart of my workshops is a deep love for poetry and self expression and the belief that anyone can be a poet. The more we are ourselves, the more our poetry will sing.

I’ve performed my poetry at festivals and events across Australia, have a published poetry collection and have run countless workshops and courses. I’ve connected with thousands of humans on a truly intimate level thanks to the power of poetry

Participants experience a rare opportunity to:

  • Try new things, learn a new skill and surprise themselves by creating and sharing exciting new poetry in a safe, supportive,  inspiring environment
  • Learn more about the art of poetry, and how to drill down to the heart of what they are wanting to express 
  • Learn how to tap into their creativity and inspiration more often
  • Learn how to be proud of and embrace the quirks that make their poetry and presence within a group unique
  • How to get more comfortable sharing their work and exposing their vulnerability when sharing their words with others
 

Testimonials

“I brought the whole of me into that room. I felt cherished. Some absolutely gorgeous writing came out of it.’

– liza dezfouli

‘the feeling of freedom and beauty poetry unlocked was something else!’

– Kimberly Gillan

Poetry isn’t all about rules and rhyming. I’ve learned  it’s about having fun with words, taking risks, diving into your soul and sharing what it has to say with those who are there to share and listen.”

– LIZ SKITCH

“I did Amy’s course twice! Amy creates a unique space for inspiration, reflection and laughter. So good for the soul and practical too; I’m now working on a number of new poems that came out of the experience.” 

– LAURA BRINSON

“Amy is adaptable, approachable and more than a little bit quirky! She facilitates with sensitivity and respect, creating a safe space for participants to unleash their creative voice. We loved her so much we’re having her back!”

– SARAH NATALI, DIRECTOR ‘ART IS… FESTIVAL’

It was an experience like no other – an energised, dynamic Amy baring her soul and allowing us to do the same.  Her raw, honest approach continues to inspire. Highly recommended.”

– MARY CHYDIRIOTIS

Join me for my next 2 offerings

The Gold Within Day-long poetry immersion!
SATURDAY 12TH Sept
Uncovering the Gold 2 day poetry weekend
Medicine for the soul

The Gold Within Day-long Sat Sept 12

 Come and spend the day with me and a small group of incredible humans, uncovering the gold inside us through the power of poetry! Together, we’ll travel into the place where poetry comes from.

We’ll write exhilarating new poetry and share it in a supportive, nurturing and inspiring space.

Create amazing new poetry

I’ve found ways to tap into my poetic voice — to nurture it, feed it, and allow it the space to emerge. On our day together:

  • I’ll share my process with you
  • You’ll write to juicy quick-fire poetry prompts and guided exercises that will get you in touch with your expression and inspire your words to flow
  • We’ll engage in playful experimentation with language and ideas
  • We’ll explore reflective writing exercises designed to shake up our usual ways of thinking
  • We’ll have invigorating conversations and sharing within the group

You’ll walk away with fresh new poetry, new creative tools, and a renewed confidence in and connection with your own creative expression.

Share your words and discover your presence

When we speak what we’ve written out loud, we connect even more deeply with the poetry, ourselves and each other. It allows the poetry to grow, evolve and breathe.

On our day together, we’ll:

  • share our work in a supportive and nurturing space
  • explore our own unique presence within a group
  • explore and play with our unique voice and use of language
  • develop the courage to go where we haven’t gone before
  • connect with each other’s experiences and discover what our own unique voice has to offer
 
Become part of a creative community
 

When we come together to share our poetry and bounce off one another, not only does it ignite our creativity and help us generate work we may never have created on our own, it also gives us a sense of being part of something bigger.

Throughout our day together, we’ll build our own little community. We’ll exchange ideas, inspire each other, discuss our blocks and our process, and have FUN!

8 spots available to ensure participants receive the maximum benefit. Don’t miss out!

Who is this for? Anyone who wants to explore their poetic expression and connect with themselves and others. Whether you write/perform poetry a lot, dabble, or you’re curious and looking for a new outlet, this workshop is for you.

When and where? Saturday 12th Sept, 10 am – 4 pm

at Jika in the park, 2 East st, Northcote, 1B Plant St, Northcote (Venue is fully accessible)

Price :

Community Access — $60

Early Bird — $90

Standard — $120

Pay-it-forward — $150

Participants over 17 only. All genders welcome. This is an LGBTQI+ friendly space.

Uncovering the Gold weekend 

Oct 17& 18

If, like me, you have been feeling a lot and would like a sanctuary to let go and be your weird, free, wild, creative self, and connect with others, this might be just the medicine you’re looking for. Spend a weekend with myself and a glorious group of like-hearted humans creating poetry, laughing, work-shopping, having wildly stimulating conversations. We will listen deeply – to ourselves, each other, the world. And we will have fun!.

Saturday 10 – 4 pm 

We’ll lay the foundations of poetic discovery and joy.

We’ll get to know each other through fun games and guided conversaions, then go deeper into what we loe about poetry. What we know of poetry. How it makes us feel, and prepare to enter our own unique poetic voice!

Through quick fore prompts and writing exercises designed to shakep up our notions of what we think poetry is and get out of our usual ‘tropes’, we’ll suprise ourselves, and each other, with fresh, shiny poetry GOLD.

Sunday 12pm – 4 pm

Creativity needs time and space to ferment. We sleep on them, let them settle, take a step back. and in the background our imaginations keep working. Like duck legs beneath the water.

On Sunday, we’ll come back together and see what’s cooking. We’ll pick up the threads, and go in even deeper. We might even polosh up some gold that is finished.  And we’ll see where our poetry wants to take us next.

8 spots available to ensure participants receive the maximum benefit. Don’t miss out!

Who is this for? Anyone who wants to explore their poetic expression and connect with themselves and others. Whether you write/perform poetry a lot, dabble, or you’re curious and looking for a new outlet, this workshop is for you.

When and where? Saturday Oct 17 & Sunday Oct 18

at Jika in the park, 2 East st, Northcote, 1B Plant St, Northcote (Venue is fully accessible)

Price:

$180 full, 

$150 Early-bird – ends Sept 27th

$90 Community access

$220 pay-it-forward

**Please note: No refunds.**

Participants over 17 only. All genders welcome. This is an LGBTQI+ friendly space.

I respectfully acknowledge that this workshop is being held on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. I extend my deepest respects to their elders past, present and emerging. This always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Workshops & courses to suit YOU...

Every orginisation has different needs & it’s my pleasure to work with you & tailor my offerings to suit them…

For more than ten years, I’ve held space for a diverse range of humans – age, gender, abilities, experience, cultural backgrounds – to connect with their creativity through poetry and artistic expression.

I offer workshops from 2 hrs to a full day, or a series of sessions over a designated time period.

I’ve run workshops under titles like ‘Soul Language’ and ‘You can be a poet’. Whatever feels right for the project.

About Amy

Critically acclaimed spoken word artist, published poet and cabaret legend Amy Bodossian is an eccentric and unforgettable performer who’s been captivating audiences for over 15 years with her uniquely wacky, whimsical, heart wrenching and hilarious performances.

She’s appeared on ABC’s Spicks and Specks and Please Like Me, performed at major festivals across Australia, headlined all of Melbourne’s top poetry events, been nominated for a Green Room Award and won the 2017 MSW Convenor’s Choice Award. 

Contact me to enquire about workshops at your organisation today!
 

Amy’s workshops reach into the shimmering light of language, a light she helps foster in each participant. Highly recommend attending if you have the chance.” 

– SCOTT-PATRICK MITCHELL, SPOKEN WORD PERFORMER AND PUBLISHED POET 

Want to know more? Send me a message!

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Buy Amy Bodossian's debut book "Wide Open" featuring original poetry and illustrations.