The Creative Reading Series welcomes students of all majors who enjoy expressing themselves to participate in the Death Match Battle Royale happening this month.
The readings will be held on March 18 at 7 p.m. in the Colonel’s Retreat located in the Student Union. The Death Match Battle Royale will feature a panel of judges who will critique student readings in an “American Idol”- type competition. Prizes will be given at the end of the event.
Admission to and participation in the Creative Writing Reading Series is free and the event is open to the public. Only original works are allowed to be performed.
All students who write their own poetry, non-fiction and fiction works can sign up to read their works during the Creative Writing Reading Series. This series began approximately three years ago and is coordinated by the Creative Writing Club comprised of students.
Whether students write funny poetry, dark poetry or poetry with explicit content, as long as the work is original, they can express themselves.
Although the Battle Royale is a competition, like the other installments of the Creative Reading Series, this event will have a very welcoming atmosphere in which students can express themselves.
“It’s very lively,” said Aaron Lirette, English senior from Marrero and the president of the Creative Writing Club. “It’s not like what most people would consider for a poetry reading. It’s not a bunch of quiet people. It gets very rowdy and we encourage people. It is a place for students to express their own written works.”
Even if it is a student’s first time sharing their literary writings to an audience, Lirette promises this is a safe setting to do so.
“It’s very difficult to read in front of people, so the first thing that leadership has to do is make sure students, especially younger students, feel comfortable,” Lirette said.
Lirette asks all English majors and those with minors in creative writing to seek friends who are writers and want to express themselves in an open forum.
“If you are a poet or a writer, we want you,” Lirette said.
If students are too shy to read their own readings, they are welcome to have a friend read their original works for them.
Sodexo will also be offering two-for-one drink specials in the Colonel Retreat throughout the Death Match Battle Royale.  Students must be 21 or older to purchase alcohol.
The following installment for the Creative Writing Reading Series will be the Senior Showcase on April 15. This event is more formal because it gives seniors a last chance at reading their literary works to the student body. Only seniors who are English majors or seniors who have creative writing minors are allowed to participate in this showcase. Even though the Senior Showcase is not required of English majors, Lirette encourages seniors to come and participate.