Contribute a Verse: Why Every Voice Matters at Upstage
“That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”
— Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass (quoted in Dead Poets Society)
There’s a scene in Dead Poets Society where Robin Williams’ character, Mr Keating, invites his students to consider their place in the world:
“What will your verse be?”
It’s a question that has echoed through classrooms, studios, and rehearsal rooms ever since—and one we ask in spirit every time someone steps into an Upstage class.
Why Drama, Why Now?
In a world that often values speed, output, and certainty, the arts invite something softer. A moment of pause. A space to wonder, to empathise, to express. A single improv scene or warm-up game can open doors that no formal curriculum could ever force.
At Upstage:
Children learn that their voices matter.
Teens discover that their weirdness is a gift.
Adults remember that play isn’t just for kids—and creativity doesn’t come with an expiry date.
A Verse Doesn’t Need to Be a Masterpiece
There’s a myth that creativity must be polished to be valuable. That you have to be loud to be heard. That you have to be confident to belong.
But at Upstage, we see magic in the small moments. The quiet kids. The ensemble scenes where everyone lifts each other. The strange ideas that spark something unexpected. A verse can be one word—or none at all. It just needs to be yours.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
Years ago, I had a student in one of our adult classes who was non-verbal. She showed up every week, participating in her own quiet, steady way. I’d often ask gently if she’d like to contribute to an activity, always without pressure. And always, she’d meet me with a kind smile, neither yes nor no.
The other students embraced her as part of the group. There was no fanfare, just a quiet respect—an unspoken agreement that this was her space too.
Then, one night, I offered the same invitation I had so many times before. Just once.
She looked me straight in the eye and said, clearly and simply, “No.”
It was the first time we had ever heard her speak.
The room lit up. Spontaneous cheers, beaming smiles—not just because she had finally spoken, but because she had told us, in her own time and her own way, exactly what she wanted.
That was her verse.
She felt safe enough to express a choice, and we were privileged to hear it. We didn’t linger on the moment. We moved on. But we all knew something powerful had happened.
That’s the beauty of drama. Sometimes it’s bold. Sometimes it’s quiet. But it always matters.
The Powerful Play Goes On
One of the reasons I love Upstage is that it isn’t just a drama school. It’s a community built on kindness, connection and creative courage. Whether we’re staging a full production or playing a silly warm-up game, we’re doing the same thing: helping people find their voice.
Because now more than ever the world needs:
More stories.
More listeners.
More moments of shared humanity.
What Will Your Verse Be?
If you’ve ever wanted to speak up, play, or feel truly seen—come along. Drama might be exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for.
No experience needed. Just bring your story, your curiosity, and your willingness to try.
We’ll be here, ready to listen.