How to run a poetry slam
A poetry slam is an event in which poets gather to read their poetry to an audience and then judges choose the best one. Slams are typically held in venues that promote or have become associated with the event, from coffeehouses and independent radio stations to arts spaces and university campuses. In the case of a poetry slam, the organizers often enlist a panel of judges to score the performance and select a winner. Whether local or nationally attended, this type of event is great for aspiring poets and performers, but it takes hard work and dedication to put one together. If you’re interested in learning how to run a poetry slam, here are some helpful tips and considerations.
Define the Competition’s Rules
The first step to organizing a poetry slam is to define the competition’s rules, such as the number of poets and the duration of each performance. Most poetry slams are two-minute long, which limits the type of poems that can be shared. It’s important to make these rules known to the participants beforehand so that they can prepare for their performance. Additionally, the rules should include a scoring system for the judges to evaluate the performance of each poet.
While poetry slams are generally free-form events where poets express themselves in whatever way they prefer, some slams put limits on the content and topics discussed. All of these rules should be set before the slam begins to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Choose the Right Venue
Once the rules are established, the next part of producing a successful poetry slam is to determine the right venue. Most slams are held in coffee shops, independent radio stations, or small theatre house. It’s important to select the right venue, because having poets perform in an intimate environment allows their true voice to be heard. Furthermore, the venue should have enough space to accommodate all of the attendees, as well as any additional equipment needed for the performances.
When choosing the venue, you should also consider accessibility, since some slams might not be accessible to those with physical disabilities. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the space is large enough for those in wheelchairs or walkers to move around. Additionally, choosing a venue with a microphone, support stands, and power outlets is vital for a smooth performance.
Choose the Judges for the Event
Another key step in running a successful poetry slam is to pick the judges for the event. The judges should consist of members of the literary arts, literary professionals, or established poets who will be unbiased and look at the performance objectively. It’s important that the judges be impartial and not favor any particular poet or team, as it could lead to unfair outcomes. The judges should also have in-depth knowledge of the art of poetry writing, as well as a familiarity with the works of notable poets, which will come in handy while judging the performances.
In addition to having the right judges, you should also make sure that there’s a good mix of judges who come from different backgrounds and languages. This will guarantee a more diverse perspective when evaluating the work presented by the poets. Lastly, it’s important to make sure that the judging process is fair and transparent so that all poets are able to have their work judged equally.
Secure Sponsorship
Another important step to organizing a successful poetry slam is to obtain sponsorship for the event. Sponsors can help cover the costs associated with the event, as well as generate additional funds for the artists performing. Having sponsors can also bring credibility to the event, since it will show that local businesses are also behind the slam and recognize the talent of the poets.
When looking for sponsors, it’s important to look for companies or organizations that are aligned with the concept of the event. This can include arts institutions, non-profit organizations, or local businesses. Additionally, the sponsors should be aware of the rules of the slam, especially if content is restricted, to ensure that their support is not misinterpreted. Finally, it’s also important to contact the sponsors ahead of time to ensure that they’re ready to provide essential resources during the slam.
Promote the Event
The last step to organizing a successful poetry slam is to properly promote the event. Given that slams are relatively unknown compared to other types of live-performance venues, it’s important to spread the word about the event across social media and local newspapers. The event should also be promoted directly to potential attendees to make sure that people are aware of what the event is and where it’s taking place.
Another important aspect of promoting the event is having an attractive poster or flyer that caught the eyes of potential audience members. It’s also recommended to organize promotional events leading up to the slam, such as workshops and other performances that will help draw attention to the event. Lastly, it’s important to provide updates and reminders about the event, so that people don’t forget.
Build the Community
Once the slam is planned and promoted, the next step in running a successful poetry slam is to build a community. This can include creating networking and collaboration opportunities before, during, and after the event. This may include creating an online platform to facilitate communication and engagement between poets, judges, and audience members. This can also help foster a sense of camaraderie and community amongst those involved in the slam.
Organizing events that are centered around a poetry slam is another great way to develop a community. This may include hosting open-mic nights and poetry-writing workshops to give attendees more opportunities to express themselves and connect with other poets. Lastly, it’s important to recognize and thank the poets and judges at the end of the competition; this will help to further build the community and help foster a positive atmosphere.
Set the Event Financially
The final step in organizing a successful poetry slam is setting up the finances for the event. This includes deciding who will cover the costs of the equipment, venue, and promotion, as well as if you will offer prizes for the winners or establish a fee for the poets. You should also make sure that you have an appropriate budget in place to cover any unexpected expenses. Additionally, it’s important to track the financial records of the event to ensure that there are no discrepancies or mismanagement of funds.
If your event includes a prize for the poets, you should also determine how much each winner will receive and how it will be distributed. It’s also important to consider if the prize will be in the form of a cash prize or if additional resources such as books or journals will be provided in addition. Finally, you should clarify any rules around expenses, such as which meals are covered by the budget.
Evaluate the Event
Once the event has been held, it’s essential to evaluate the performance to find out how it went and how to improve it in future events. This includes gathering feedback from both the participants and the audience to identify what went well and what could have been done better. Additionally, you should also track the attendance numbers to get an overview of the success of the event.
Evaluating the event also includes looking into any mismanagement of funds or disagreements between the participants. This process will help to ensure that any issues are addressed and resolved in future slams. Finally, you should also ask for any suggestions or recommendations from the participants, as this can help you to improve future events and ensure a successful experience for everyone involved.
Consider Political Context
When planning a poetry slam, it’s essential to consider the political context within which the event will take place. This includes understanding the rules, regulations, and cultural norms in the place where the event is being held. This may include considering the country’s legislative structure, legal rights, freedom of expression, and censorship laws.
It’s also important to be aware of how the event could be perceived politically, especially if the event is being held in a place with a turbulent political history. Being aware of these potential issues and having a plan in place to address them if they arise can help to ensure that everyone involved in the event remains safe and secure.
Stay Up to Date on Trends
Finally, it’s important to keep informed about current trends in poetry slams, as this can help ensure that your event remains relevant and engaging. This includes staying informed about new poets, styles, and forms of poetry, as well as listening to what other poets have to say about their craft. Additionally, it’s important to stay informed about cultural and technological changes that could influence how the event is run and how poets use technology in their performances.
Keeping up with trends can also help to inform the rules and regulations of your slam, as well as help you understand what types of performances will draw in the most attendees and generate the most interest. Overall, staying informed can help ensure that your event remains successful and engaging each time it’s held.
