Poetry Workshop and Open Mic night with Heidi Sander

Aug. 28, 2026

The Laurier Academy of Music and Arts welcomes poet and teacher, Heidi Sander, for two exciting poetry events this fall. Everyone is welcome to join - no experience necessary!

Jump to:

• Poetry Made Simple Workshop
• Open Mic Night
• About Heidi Sander
• Contact information

Poetry Made Simple

Poetry doesn’t have to be complicated - it begins with your own voice. In this relaxed and supportive beginner workshop, you’ll discover simple, practical ways to write poems that reflect who you are and what matters most to you. Together, we’ll explore imagery, language and personal reflection through short, engaging exercises that make poetry approachable, fun, and deeply rewarding. Whether you’re brand new to poetry or returning to writing after many years, this session will help ignite the creative spark within and leave you inspired to keep writing long after the session ends.

What You'll Learn:

• Identify and express your own poetic voice with gentle guidance from a supportive instructor
• Turn thoughts and everyday experiences into simple, meaningful poems
• Gain confidence exploring your creativity in a relaxed, encouraging environment where sharing is always optional
• Learn approachable techniques and creative practices to continue writing independently

Workshop details:

• Date: Wednesday October 28, 2026
• Time: 7 - 9 p.m.
• Location: Laurier Academy of Music and Arts - Room 7, 190 Lester St., Waterloo, ON
• Cost: Free

Register Now

Poetry Open Mic Night

Enjoy an inspiring evening of poetry at our Open Mic Night, facilitated by poet and teacher Heidi Sander. Bring a poem you wrote during the “Poetry Made Simple” workshop, share something new, or come and listen. There's a place for you, everyone is welcome, no experience required.

• Date: Wednesday November 4, 2026
• Time: 7 - 9 p.m.
• Location: The Mezz, Savvas Chamberlain Music Building, Wilfrid Laurier University, 75 University Ave W., Waterloo, ON
• Cost: Free

Register Now

About Heidi Sander

Multi-award-winning poet, Pushcart Prize nominee, best-selling author and passionate performer Heidi Sander’s poems have appeared in literary journals, anthologies, multiple artistic collaborations and her bestselling poetry collections. Her award-winning poetry book series, Stratford Gems is her love song to Stratford, and her award-winning books, When I Miss You, and Grief & Loss Guided Journal are used in hospice programs. The short film, “How We Live On,” based on her award-winning poem, was featured in the inaugural Stratford Film Festival.

Whether sharing the stage with dancers and musicians, or with aspiring poets and artists, Heidi's greatest joy is encouraging others to share their voice. She is the founder of Pathways to Poetry Festival, the multimedia online course, “Pathways To Poetry,”, "Canada Is Our Poem" national poetry prize, and co-founder of Stratford's monthly Community Poetry open mic event. Some of her artistic collaborations benefit Rotary Hospice, Optimism Place and Wellspring Stratford through partnerships with benefactors.

www.heidisander.com
www.instagram.com/heidisanderwriter
www.facebook.com/HeidiSanderPoet

For more information:

Contact Becky at LAMA@wlu.ca