Basement Poetry

05/28/2026

Thank you WDIY 88.1 FM for showing love.!
Listen to Magnus Mateo be amazing and vulnerable ♥️

Chloe Cole-Wilson is joined by Magnus Mateo, a genderfluid, neurodivergent poet, performer, and event organizer whose work expresses feelings of grief and healing.

05/27/2026

In partnership with we are launching a new film series! Our first film is in celebration of Black womanhood and love “She’s Gotta Have It” join us for a chill afternoon celebration the beauty of Black films. Free event right before Juneteenth ♥️

05/25/2026

We’ve been sitting on this announcement for way too long! We’re excited to officially share that our Scripted Together play reading series has now evolved into a full-length play series. Each year, we will develop and produce either new works or plays that speak to the current state of our country and our community.
Our first production will be “Sweat” by Lynn Nottage!
We are hosting both virtual and in-person auditions beginning Wednesday and open to the public.
Here are the roles we are looking to fill: EVAN, 40s, African-American
JASON, 21/29, White American of German descent
CHRIS, 21/29, African-American
STAN, 50s, White American of German descent
OSCAR, 22/30, Colombian-American
TRACEY, 45/53, White American of German descent
CYNTHIA, 45/53, African-American
JESSIE, 40s, Italian-American
BRUCIE, 40s, African-American Come ready to read scenes from the script and meet our wonderful director

05/12/2026

We’ve got another beautiful episode of Restoring Petals coming your way. This month’s episode explores grief, artistry, and the understanding that healing isn’t just a destination, but a journey.

Our special guest is organizer, poet, and community leader. Join us for moments of joy, reflection, and honest conversation as we navigate complex topics together.

Tune in next Thursday at 6PM only on ✨

04/28/2026

Say hello to Chloe Cole-Wilson (Executive Director) & Deirdre Van Walters (Board President) - baby edition! We're thrilled to share a special announcement as we celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We’re going back to our theatrical beginnings. More to come! 🤍

04/18/2026

Registration is open for Get LOUD Camp 2026! 💖

We are so excited for our THIRTEENTH annual youth empowerment camp for cisgender girls + trans and nonbinary youth ages 10-17! We use music as the vehicle to teach young people that it's fun to be brave, learn new things, and be themselves. Campers learn to play an instrument, form a band, write a song, and play a show all in just one week – and all while attending educational workshops on self-care, community building, and social justice. No experience necessary!

This year's camp theme is "Write to Resist!"⚡️
In the words of Madonna: express yourself! This year, campers will explore how songwriting and other forms of self-expression enable us to show up for one another and make our individual & collective voices heard when it matters most. Art allows us to build community and process the uncertainties of the present moment. Self-expression IS resistance.

Camp is July 13th - 17th in Bethlehem with our big showcase on July 18th at a bigger, new-to-us venue, which we'll announce soon! Mark your calendars for the showcase! You won't want to miss it.

Link to register in comments! ✨✨✨

04/07/2026

JOYFALL 🦋☔️: A Rain Poetry Project is coming soon!
We are so excited to bring this project to the Lehigh Valley. A huge thank you to for selecting our organization!

Water-activated poetry is hitting the sidewalks as local youth transform public spaces with powerful words that appear like magic throughout our community. Basement Poetry is hiring teaching artists for this special youth program. Apply by April 30th to be a part of supporting our youth. Stay tuned to see how creativity meets the street.

Email [email protected] for more information and to learn how you can be part of the magic!

03/23/2026

Have you ever wanted to bring original theatre pieces to life? Now is your chance with Touchstone’s Young Playwrights’ Festival! 🎭

We’re looking for willing actors with big imaginations from all backgrounds and experiences! Join us for our auditions April 4th from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm to help us bring these students written pieces to the stage. Click the link in our bio to register for your audition today!

03/21/2026

Unfortunately due to the last night weather and the garden being very cold and damp, we will be canceling today’s Joyful Voices. We look forward to the next time we come together to sing 💙🦋

02/05/2026

Basement Poetry is looking for new board directors! We are looking for community leaders and artists who believe in the power of storytelling and creativity! Board directors are the governing body of our organization and would be helping us shape the future of our organization. This role is a volunteer-based position. Email [email protected] if you are interested in inspiring original art!