Page to Stage: Exploring the Poetry Slam – New!
Adult Multi-Week | Available
Dive into screenwriting in this seven-week class exploring the core elements of storytelling: character, conflict, and climax. This class breaks down the essentials of a compelling script, exploring how to craft memorable characters, create dynamic conflict, and build tension to a powerful climax. You'll have the chance to develop your ideas from concept to outline, learn to shape story arcs, and write scenes that captivate readers. Through hands-on exercises, in-depth feedback, and industry insights, the instructor will guide aspiring screenwriters in transforming raw ideas into structured, engaging screenplays. The class is taught by award-winning filmmaker and screenwriter Cleve Lamison. All levels welcome—bring your story to life!
- Poems may discuss sensitive topics. Please bring notebooks and writing utensils.
Accessibility notes: Many artmaking processes require the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, fine motor skills/finger dexterity, repetitive motions, vision, and some amount of physical strength. VisArts values making classes accessible to everyone, and is always happy to work with students to make accommodations when possible. Please reach out to info@visarts.org with specific questions related to accessibility or accommodations.
Classes are confirmed one week prior to the start date. In order to help us confirm classes, please register as early as possible.
On-site courses do not come with studio access outside of class time. Paid open studio access is available through our Studio Access Program. Please visit visarts.org for more information.
Roscoe Burnems
Roscoe Burnems, also known as Douglas Powell, is a father, author, spoken-word artist, educator, and Richmond, Virginia’s first poet laureate. He is the author of the collections God, Love, Death and Other Synonyms (310 Brown Street, 2019); Chrysalis Under Fire (The Writer’s Den, LLC, 2018); Fighting Demons (Prysmatic Dreams Publishing, 2014), and defyne (Lift Bridge Publishing, 2024). During his time as a slam poet, Burnems has been a three-time Southern regional team finalist, National Poetry Slam Champion, and two-time NUPIC/Undeground Poetry Slam Champion. As a poetry slam coach, he has been a NPS Group Piece finalist and taken Virginia Commonwealth University’s poetry team to rank third internationally. Burnems is a TEDx speaker and the founder of the poetry-based art collective The Writer’s Den. In 2021, he received an Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship. He recently claimed two Telly Awards as a host and producer of "Verses" for VPM.