Welcome to Louder Than a Bomb University

November 22nd-November 24th 2013

University (n. Latin: universitas”, “a whole”, “community of teachers and scholars”): referring to a number of persons associated into one body, a society, company, and community.

Louder Than a Bomb University (n., English):

As part of the world’s largest poetry festival, #LTABU brings together poets, writers, spoken word artists, and emcees who have a vested interest in growing their craft in the context of community.  Through writing and performance workshops, an Olympic-Style slam and other special events, #LTABU students will sharpen the skills of literary artists and explore ways their art impacts society.

Continuing the Tradition

#LTABU aims to carry on the tradition of Louder Than a Bomb –the Chicago youth poetry festival that provides an annual platform for middle and high school students to share their stories.  Since its founding year in 2001, the festival has grown from 20 participants to more than 900 a year.  While many of these young people have aged out of the high school competition, they remain committed to participating in LTAB programming and giving back to the community.

Equal Opportunity

#LTABU is not only for “University” or “College” students.  Writers, poets, spoken word artists – anyone with a pen/page – who are high school graduates between the ages of 18 – 25 are invited to register.  Young people from out of the city or state may also enroll.

Fall at #LTABU is for individual competitors only.  #LTABU will host a team festival alongside Louder Than a Bomb between February 15th – March 9th, 2014 in the spring.

Providing Stages for the Leaders of Tomorrow

#LTABU provides professional development opportunities over the course of the festival.  Participants who are interested in learning how to coach a Louder Than a Bomb team, do the work of a teaching artist in their hometowns, or explore how their craft connects to social justice are encouraged to take advantage of these workshops. (A full program of #LTABU events will be uploaded soon).

How to Enroll

Enrolling at #LTABU is easy—simply fill out the registration form below and click “Submit” when done.  After you fill out the form, remember to check out the right hand side of the registration page and click on the “PAY BUTTON” to process the payment online.  Checks are also a form of payment.  Please make them out to Young Chicago Authors and write #LTABU in the memo line.  Checks should be mailed to:

Young Chicago Authors

1180 N. Milwaukee Ave. #2

Chicago, IL. 60642

Want to participate but can’t afford the registration fee? Contact Director of Programs, Anna Festa, at anna@youngchicagoauthors.org or 773-486-4331 #17 for more information about the LTABU work-study program.

Get Involved:

–Enroll as an individual.  Refer three friends (have them register and pay) and get free tuition.

–Volunteer. Join the #YCAfam and dynamic staff of over 200 teen and adult volunteers and help run LTAB events in 2013/2014.

–Bring a group out to see the events – an engaged audience gets just as much out of the experience as the poets. Who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll be the one on stage!