SWE #12 The Come Up with Ireon Roach and Justin Burns

Join us, writer/creator Justin Burns, and actress Ireon Roach as we explore their story world of The Come Up!  Winner of best dramatic pilot and best dramatic actress at Catalyst Content Festival, The Come Up is a unique limited series following three Chicago high schoolers who use slam poetry to navigate their increasingly complicated lives. Inspired by the creator and cast's time going to high school together in Chicago Public Schools, this inspiring character study offers a glimpse into the mental states of teenagers struggling to find themselves in a city where it's easy to be lost.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1DSUHacpMYI 

The power of this story is in how this group of friends band together through tragedy, finding their strength in their voices through slam poetry.  We often forget the stress there is on a high schooler, especially one who is under constant threat of school closings, teacher walk outs, and other budgetary issues that have nothing to do with them.  As we dove into the world, we were able to identify mental health and communities in Chicago already engaged in slam poetry went hand in hand in building their audience.

 It was a great, Chicago-focused episode!

Follow them:

Socials: @thecomeupchi

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