Deep Center set for annual showcase of youth artistic expression and spirit

 

THE DEEP CENTER will host its "Deep Speaks: Winter Showcase" on December 14. The Winter Showcase will feature youth poets, writers, and artists from both the Young Author Project (YAP) and Block by Block.

The mission of the Deep Center is to inspire Savannah’s young people to grow in life as learners, community leaders, and those who inspire change. To accomplish this mission, the Deep Center uses creative writing, cultural production, and art.

Furthermore, the Deep Center aims to make Savannah a more just and equitable place.

Regarding this year’s showcase, I spoke with Program Manager Brandy Simpkins to learn more about this year’s performance as well as the impact that past performances have had on our community. 

SLAM competition winners

At this year’s showcase, 30 youth participants are performing from over 11 schools in the county. Preparations to go on stage begins the day that the youth join Block by Block.

“They're prepared when they come to workshops, and they engage in what we call joy bringers. This is our warmup for every workshop that's intended to create joy and get them in their creative flow. They're prepared when we have collective discussions about what's happening in their worlds and the worlds all around them," Simpkins said.

Deep Speaks has been an annual celebration for over a decade. Both YAP and Block by Block include high school students, and Simpkins says YAP also has middle school students.

"We also use writing prompts that are meant to inspire them into their creative thinking. The weeks before the showcase specifically, we do rehearsals. We rehearse, and we pick the pieces we want to share with the community as a whole because everything isn't shared," she said.

"However, they choose what they would like to share with their family and friends, and then we rehearse those pieces until they feel confident enough to say them on stage.”

Regarding how the audience receives the performers, Simpkins said the audience is warm and excited. The audience members consist of community members as well as family and friends of the performers.

The youth are impacted profoundly through the available programs. They gain a new sense of confidence within themselves, their voices, and the ability to impact the communities. The community members can learn the young people’s perspective about life.

The community is often surprised by their perspectives, as they can be different from the community's traditional views. Parents and guardians are sometimes almost shocked by their children’s expressions, and they learn new things as well.

In the end, there’s a sense of togetherness and belonging. Members of the next generation can express themselves in a setting where they can be authentic, honest, and creative. 

Simpkins said that the young people enjoying themselves and having fun would make the showcase a true success.

“I feel especially if they do it and they're excited for the day they do it again – which is going to be next summer. If they're looking forward to the summer after they do this winter showcase, then I feel like that qualifies,” Simpkins said.