Dcenter Inc

LXCL:Enjoy the full program with access to all main activities.

General Admission

LXCL:If you would like to further support the Read the Room series. Proceeds are divided between the house and the performing poets.

Pay What You Can

Welcome to the Red Stage!&nbsp; READ THE ROOM is more than a reading; it is an experience of collective vulnerability and defiant joy. We are committed to building audiences for poetry in all its forms, transforming this iconic space into a refuge for urgent truths and a laboratory for literary magic. In a city of change, we believe community is all we have. Join us to witness poets who are excited and engaged, ready to share, and eager to nurture your love of poetry. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1766260547/wysiwyg/jjosiakyofe5r3goajke.jpg" style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; position: relative; max-width: 100%; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> In their own words&hellip; the poets shared: In times of chaos and fear, poetry serves as a refuge.Poetry is, in this moment, an urgent act of resistance.Poetry is air, and I&rsquo;ve been holding my breath too long.I come as witness and player, hungry to use writing as the magic wand it is. Abracadabra and poof.All the freedom, joy and sanity we can imagine into being. This seems like a group that&#39;s recruiting magicians.I want to offer myself as a vessel to show others how invigorating writing and performing your own work is. Whether it was to cope when I was in mental distress, or to write about how safe and reliable it is to order chicken on a menu at any restaurant.Our words, our experiences, our troubles, and our triumphs connect us.

Dear Supporter, Thank you so much for purchasing your ticket to the Read the Room Poetry Series. This series is particularly special to us; after a rigorous competition, we are proud to be presenting 20 incredible poets alongside our guest judges over the next six months. Bringing this caliber of work to the Dupont Underground stage is a major part of our mission to support local creators. The Value of the Art: Why We Pay for PoetryWe believe that poetry, at its best, is high-quality art and powerful entertainment. It requires dedication, rehearsal, and vulnerability from the artist. Our goal with this series is to change the perception that live poetry is anything less than essential. The $20 ticket price directly reflects the professional quality of the performance and the unique atmosphere of the Dupont Underground stage. By purchasing a ticket, you are not just attending a show; you are making an explicit investment in the craft and in the financial sustainability of the artists who make the DMV creative community thrive. Thank you for standing with us in that mission. Event LogisticsTo ensure you have the best experience in the Underground, please note the timing for our sessions:<ul data-path-to-node="10" fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Doors Open: 6:00 PM</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Show Starts: 6:30 PM</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Location: 19 Dupont Circle NW (The entrance is the white semi-circle building next to Starbucks).</li></ul>Checking In: Since we are using Zeffy, your ticket will be sent to your email. You do not need to print it; simply have the QR code ready on your phone when you arrive, and our team will scan you in. We look forward to seeing you in the Underground and hearing these powerful voices fill the space. Warmly,Kate Mereand Director of Outreach &amp; Community Liaison Dupont Underground

Welcome to the Red Stage!  READ THE ROOM is more than a reading; it is an experience of collective vulnerability and defiant joy. We are committed to building audiences for poetry in all its forms, transforming this iconic space into a refuge for urgent truths and a laboratory for literary magic. In a city of change, we believe community is all we have. Join us to witness poets who are excited and engaged, ready to share, and eager to nurture your love of poetry. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1766260547/wysiwyg/jjosiakyofe5r3goajke.jpg" style="width:600px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;position:relative;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" /> In their own words… the poets shared: In times of chaos and fear, poetry serves as a refuge.Poetry is, in this moment, an urgent act of resistance.Poetry is air, and I’ve been holding my breath too long.I come as witness and player, hungry to use writing as the magic wand it is. Abracadabra and poof.All the freedom, joy and sanity we can imagine into being. This seems like a group that's recruiting magicians.I want to offer myself as a vessel to show others how invigorating writing and performing your own work is. Whether it was to cope when I was in mental distress, or to write about how safe and reliable it is to order chicken on a menu at any restaurant.Our words, our experiences, our troubles, and our triumphs connect us.

Dcenter Inc

Read the Room Poetry Series 2026

19 Dupont Cir NW

General Admission

$20

Pay What You Can

Add a donation for Dcenter Inc