Poetry
Slam Rules for entry:
1. Anyone, regardless of, race, sex education, class, disability,
gender, or sexuality, can compete (age restrictions apply).
2. Poems can be about any subject and any format including free verse
but must be the creation of the performing poet.
3. Poems are not to exceed a three-minute limit (with 10-second grace
period); if they do, points are deducted by the scorekeeper. The
poem/performance will lose .5 (point 5) off of their score for each 10 seconds
they go over.
4. No props may be used when performing the poem.
5. No musical accompaniment or musical instruments may be used when
performing, but the poet is allowed to sing, clap, hum, or make noise with the
mouth or other body parts.
6. Poets may perform on their own or in groups with other poets.
7. Memorization is not required or necessary. The poet may choose to
bring a sheet of paper or chapbook to the stage to read off of their phone(s)
What is a
‘Prosetry' Slam?
Generally a
Prosetry Slam is pretty much the same as a Poetry Slam we just changed it up a
bit. It, combines the elements of performance, writing, competition, and
audience participation.
What Makes
Slam Poetry Different From Traditional Poetry?
The
difference is simple: this type of poetry is meant to be performed, spoken
aloud and listened to, not read off a page. The name slam came from how the
audience has the power to praise or, sometimes, destroy a poem and from the
high-energy performance style of the poets.
A typical poetry slam might include all sorts
of different types of poetry, including love poems, critical social commentary,
hilarious comic poems and moving personal confessions.
Though it is a “competition,” poetry slams
are a safe, supportive space for artists and participants to share in the
experience of poetry.
THE 5 RULES
OF HOW TO WRITE SLAM POETRY
1. Make your poetry slam original. The written piece must be
original. ...
2. Pay attention to time. Each poet has 3 minutes to perform. ...
3. Keep it simple and relatable. Your poem should be able to reach
your audience the first time it's heard. ...
4. Perform with rhythm and passion. ...
5. Practice
9 Topics
& Ideas for Your Next Slam Poem
- Write a letter. When I was in grade school, the teacher once
asked us to write a letter to anyone who is no longer with us. ...
- I'm sorry. ...
- Religion. ...
- Social Issues. ...
- An incident that shaped you or changed you. ...
- Love. ...
- The Biography. ...
- Frustration or Anger.
We recommend trying your hand at Blackout
poetry?
What is blackout poetry?
Blackout poetry is when you take a written
piece of text from a book, newspaper, or magazine and redact (blackout words),
in order to come up with your very own poetry!
Examples can
be found here
