Philly Uptown Theatre Celebrates National Poetry Month 2026

Philly’s legendary Uptown Theatre hosted it’s 3rd annual poetry workshop series

Photo by Trust “Tru” Katsande on Unsplash

Hey Philly and the rest of the world —

Happy National Poetry Month!

On April 11, 2026 Philly’s legendary Uptown Theatre’s Entertainment & Development Corporation (UEDC) hosted it’s last workshop and recording session for the 2026 National Poetry Month workshop series. This virtual, four‑part, intergenerational program was open to the public, and this year the women showed up strong — teens, college students, moms, empty nesters, and grandmoms.

By the way, I’ve had the honor and pleasure of facilitating this series for the last three years. I teach the basic elements and styles, but I customize the lessons. The program has evolved and has some interesting iterations. The first year, it was all boys. In the second year, we saw a true mix of ages and stages — from pre‑teens to Mompreneurs — and this year the women ruled. College‑age lyricists, busy moms, and grandmoms brought wisdom and words, sometimes literally pulling their cars over to participate. That kind of dedication reminds me: when you want to do something, you make it happen. I love Philly.

Throughout the series, participants explored different forms of poetry and the elements of writing and reading. This year was Haiku‑ and Tanka‑heavy, and we shared multiple poems across the sessions. The final class was dedicated to practice and a recorded reading. A small stipend was provided from a City grant, and their work will be featured on Uptown’s community radio station.

If you’d like to hear this year’s poems, check out WJYN 98.5 Uptown Community radio station at 12:00 pm. While you’re listening, check out and support Uptown’s other community programs.

Special thank you to the participants, Uptown Radio, and Jacob’s Northwest, who graciously offered to host last year’s Thoughtful Thursday live reading.

Thank you for reading and please share your favorite poetic element or style.

Glorious Raine Obinna Morton Michele James Roberts Lucy Dan 蛋小姐 (she/her/她) John Hansen PAL

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