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! Registration for the Winter 2026 semester will be open from January 5th - January 18th, 2026.

Signup for Word Play is done by lottery. The lottery will remain open until Monday, January 19th. Later that week, you will be notified of acceptance via email. Any students not admitted to the Winter semester program via the lottery will be given priority registration for Fall Semester 2026.

Enter Lottery

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Teaching Artist & Volunteer Coordinator 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.

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 225 Commercial Street, Suite 201 (second floor) in Portland, ME.

WHEN: Word Play is a semester program, and all sessions take place after school on Mondays from 3:30pm - 5:30pm. Winter 2026 semester of Word Play meets February 2nd - April 13th, 2026. Any students not admitted to the Winter semester 2026 program via the lottery will be given priority registration for Fall 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 Marjolaine at marjolaine@tellingroom.org.

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For Parents, For Students, After SchoolThe Telling RoomJuly 15, 2025Programs