Creighton University

What

The poetry slam is an Olympic-style poetry contest, created in Chicago in 1985 and now an international phenomenon.

Using friendly competition to gather the best and brightest young writers from within Creighton University (and the Omaha Area), the poetry slam is a safe space that emphasizes community building, education, and youth empowerment. By carrying on the rich tradition of oral storytelling and the spoken word, the CU poetry slam will encourage Creighton students to share stories, break stereotypes, speak the truth; challenging themselves and their audience.

Who

• Any poet who wishes to present their poetry

When/Where

• November 13^th, 2008 starting at 7pm at the Skutt Student Center lounge.

How to Get Involved

Those interested in participating will have until 9 pm Thursday, November 13th to RSVP by sending an email to MalisaMilitzer@creighton.edu. The email should list the poets first and last names (the poems need not be emailed).  There will also be sign-up tables in the Skutt Student Center Fireplace Lounge on November 10-11.

• On Slam night check in at at the table located in the fireplace lounge.
• The first 10 poets to check in will be the only to compete

Slam Rules and Guidelines

• There will be 3 rounds the 1^st Round will have all 10 poets, the 2^nd Round 5 poets, the 3^rd and final Round 3 poets until there is a winner.
• Slam is a game.  A mixed panel of artists, educators, youth and audience members judges each bout.  Judges are in no way affiliated with the poets who participate in the slam.  Judges are given criteria for judging poems according to performance and the strength of the written text.

 Rules

• Each piece must be under 3 minutes in length. Scores will be penalized for going over the time limit. Penalties will begin at 3:10.
• Each participant must perform a piece of (their own) original writing. Participants that plagiarize will be disqualified.
• Props and/or musical accompaniment may not be used in the slam.
• Poets must come prepared with 3 poems
• A different poem must be performed in each Round (a poem may not be repeated)
• Content matter may not exceed a PG-13 rating (avoid excessive violence, sexually explicit content and /or language that is degrading to any group of people). Failure to heed the PG-13 rating will result in disqualification.
• No profanity and PG-13 language is expected. Violations will result in penalty.

Recommendations

• We encourage you to memorize the poems you will compete with, though it is not required.
• Performances will be judged on both written and performance qualities. Keep this in mind when preparing.
• Don’t start until you are ready.  Make sure the mics are well placed and that the audience and judges can hear you.  Once you begin, your time begins, so be sure you are utilizing all your available resources on stage.  A bout manager will be there to assist you with what you need.
• Rehearse! Be certain that you are audible and understandable.
• Material that is offensive to individuals or groups of people may cause you to lose points with judges.
• Be respectful of yourself, the youth writing community and the group you represent.
• Bring people out to support you when you read.