Word Play

 

Word Play is a fun and creative exploration of writing and storytelling. We use a number of generative exercises to find inspiration in play, art, our imaginations, and the world around us. Students write, draw, act, and share their work aloud. The mix of structured and unstructured writing time lets students explore and practice elements of storytelling, written or visual. As in all our programs, we encourage students to share their work. Word Play is a fun and supportive place for reluctant writers and passionate storytellers, and is open to those new to The Telling Room as well as experienced writing veterans.

THE REGISTRATION LOTTERY IS NOW OPEN! The lottery for the Fall 2026 semester will be open from September 1st - September 14th, 2026. Any students not admitted to the Fall semester program via the lottery will be given priority registration for the Winter 2027 semester.

ENTER LOTTERY

Led by:

 
Featured
Jack Gendron
Jack Gendron

Lead Teacher & Volunteer Manager Jack Gendron (he/she/they) grew up in South Portland and served as Preble Street's volunteer program manager before joining the Telling Room. Jack holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Syracuse and is the author of two poetry collections; their work has appeared in Tin House, Fence, The PEN Poetry Series, and elsewhere (mostly elsewhere). Jack enjoys the smell of almost all baked goods, the look of a dog wearing sunglasses, and the audible gasp of a net when a basketball passes through it.

Read more →

WHO: Word Play is open to students ages 7 - 10. Each semester is filled with a lottery system. Any student placed on a waitlist will get priority registration for the following semester.

WHERE: Word Play takes place at The Telling Room, located at our new location, 55 Washington Avenue, Suite 1E, in Portland, ME.


WHEN: Word Play is a semester program, and all sessions take place after school on Mondays from 3:30pm - 5:30pm. Fall 2026 semester of Word Play meets September 28th - December 7th, 2026. Any students not admitted to the Fall semester 2026 program via the lottery will be given priority registration for Winter semester 2026.

COST: Free! Please consider donating to help keep this unique afterschool literary arts program free for all students.

CONTACT: Any questions regarding Word Play can be directed to Jack at jack@tellingroom.org.

Sick & COVID-19 Policies
For Parents, For Students, After SchoolThe Telling RoomPrograms