Nestled in the Oxford Road Building’s cozy living room with lo-fi radio humming in the background, the creative writing program celebrated its sixth bi-annual of their Open Mic Night on Nov. 12. Once all attendees signed in, grabbed complimentary refreshments and got comfortable, the event kicked off at dusk.
After the co-founder of Open Mic Night, Klaire Mason (25C), gave a brief introductory speech, readers began presenting their works to the audience.
Approximately 20 people participated in the event, reading their individual works aloud throughout the night. The pieces ranged from poetry performances to story excerpts of various genres, and from dramatic recitations of the LinkedIn terms and conditions to a performance of a self-composed hip-hop song.
Lauren Stephenson (26C), who read a narrative poem for the event and was one of the first performers, commented on the wide creative variation.
“It was really cool that people did a bunch of different types of things,” Stephenson said. “I like that there was a variety.”
The attendees’ backgrounds were just as diverse, with students and faculty alike gathering to present their art. From first years to seniors, some students were creative writing majors while others came in wearing scrubs after shifts at the hospital, but all stopped by to enjoy and engage with a creative respite. These diverse perspectives made for emotional and resonant pieces, something many readers and attendees noticed and appreciated. Greyson Morey (27C) felt that the event left an impression on him.
“I have a massive respect for the people that did share tonight, especially very intimate and emotional pieces,” Morey said. “I didn’t share anything tonight, and just observing everyone, it gave me the confidence, hopefully, to share something of my own next time.”
Initially, Tess Enemark (26C) was hesitant to present their work but left feeling satisfied and proud of their performance.
“Now that I’ve done it, I’m like, ‘I should go to all these and read again,’” Enemark said. “I just gained more comfort being at these kinds of events and reading my own writing too.”
In addition to emceeing the event, Mason shared an excerpt of a book she is writing as a double major in history and creative writing. While discussing the importance of creating safe spaces for writers to communicate with each other, Mason credited Professor of English and Creative Writing Robyn Schiff with inspiring her work both in the classroom and beyond.
“I took poetry classes from a former poetry professor, Professor Schiff, my freshman year and she brought up the fact she noticed there’s not really open mics on campus or spaces for creative writers to share their works,” Mason said. “This was an opinion that a lot of people in the class shared.”
This inspired Mason to take matters into her own hands. With support from the creative writing program and collaboration with Natalie McGrath (23C), she established the Open Mic Night, open to any major, in 2022. Two years later, Mason is the 2024-25 arts ambassador for the creative writing program, working with prominent figures in the department such as Academic Department Administrator Nora Lewis to continue these events.
“My hope is that this is an event that lasts and whoever is the next creative writing arts ambassador will want to take up this project, or someone else will still continue to make a space like I have for everyone in the creative community,” Mason said.
