Students invited to spin their own revolutionary cyphers in new contest

It’s no secret Lin Manuel-Miranda’s smash Broadway hit “Hamilton” has inspired tweens and teens across the country to become more acquainted with the country’s founding fathers. Now students are invited to be in “The Room Where It Happens” and create their own spoken word poem, rap or song showcasing a poignant aspect of the American Revolution. Eight students that “Blow Us All Away” will be selected to win tickets to see “Hamilton” at the Schuster Center in Dayton and a chance to perform their original work in the Schuster Center Wintergarden.  

Dayton Live Social Media and Communications Manager Kailey Yeakley explains how to enter the contest: “Write your own spoken word poem, rap or song from the viewpoint of a founding father that focuses on a specific founding father’s ideals or showcases a historical moment during the time of the American Revolution, but in your modern voice,” she says. “Then, share a video of you performing your piece with us!”

Students in 6th-12th grade in Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Logan, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby or Warren counties are eligible to create their own original piece. If the student is under 18 years old, permission from parent(s) or guardian is required.

Students should record their 2-minute-or-less performance of their original piece and post it to YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok by January 14. The video link must then be shared via the form at daytonlive.org/cypher. (Check permission and privacy settings to ensure the video is visible to the judges!) Eight winners will be selected from the submissions and invited to perform their piece in the Schuster Center lobby on Thursday, January 27, 2022.

“Each of the eight winning submissions will also receive two tickets to see the 8 p.m. performance of ‘Hamilton’ that night, and receive a customized swag bag,” Yeakley says.

For more information, or to enter the contest, visit daytonlive.org/cypher.