The Mayhem Poets resources

The Mayhem Poets are theatre-trained, comedically-gifted, lyrical virtuosos who seamlessly blend raw elements of hip hop, theatre, improv, and stand-up comedy to tell gut-wrenching truths that leave audiences forever changed.

The New York Times has called the Mayhem Poets’ performances “an amazing ride” and described the experience as “The Simpsons meets Malcolm X at a Notorious B.I.G. concert.” In 2006, The Mayhem Poets won first place in the Microsoft Idea Wins Challenge and were featured on The Today Show and Eyewitness News. 

The group has toured nationally and internationally at prestigious venues such as the Apollo Theater, Lincoln Center, New Victory Theater, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and other stages – in addition to countless universities, schools, group homes, and incarceration facilities. The Mayhem Poets are Kyle Rapp (co-founder), Scott Raven (co-founder), Mason Granger, and Mikumari Caiyhe.

ABOUT THE NJPAC ON THE MIC PODCAST

NJPAC On the Mic allows students to engage their listening skills and deepen their understanding of creative content. This installment features three exclusive, curriculum standard-aligned episodes that supplement the film screening of Till, presented as part of NJPAC’s 2023-2024 SchoolTime Performances series.

How to Listen to njpac on the mic podcast

Episode: ABOUT (6 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for an introduction to the
performance, the artist or company, and the venue.

Episode: CONNECT (7 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for reflection questions, a closer
look at an aspect of the performance such as historical context or background on
the art form, and a brief selection of vocabulary words.

Episode: SPOTLIGHT (10 minutes)
Listen to this audio via the embedded media below for an exclusive interview with
an artist from the production or an NJPAC staff member followed by discussion
prompts.