The Hot spot to be this month for poetry is at PJs Coffee on the square in El Dorado, AR. On August 22 from 8pm-10pm, Chris and Angela and the South Arkansas Poets of the Pines present their Summer Spectacular Open Mic Night. For those who remember our last one, you know you'll hear some great poetry while enjoying the best coffee, drinks and eats in the area. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it's a great way to celebrate the Dog days of summer. Bring poems, bring friends, bring money to purchase goodies and drinks, and prepare for a passel of poetry.
For those of you who have never read at an open mic, or who need some reassurance, I am going to present over the next few days a short seminar on the tricks of the trade. I'll be doing this on this blog, which had been dormant for a while, but which will (hopefully) be a regular thing again.
Open mics are a chance to strut your stuff, to make an impression, to really shine. Proper preparation will ensure you not only enjoy your moment in the spotlight, but that the audience will want more from you. Here are a few Prep-steps for an open mic session:
1. Pick poems which will grab the attention and interest of general audiences. Shorter to medium-length poems go over better, and ensure you won't run over your allotted time and draw the dreaded hook from the timekeeper. Epic poetry is best read at home in your easy chair with a cat or small dog in your lap.
Also, try not to pick poems you wrote as memorials to loved ones who have gone on. It puts a damper on things when you can't finish your poem without sobbing and asking for a moment to compose yourself. These poems, too have a proper place, but it is usually not at an open mic.
2. Practice reading your selections at home aloud. Make sure the poem is a smooth read. If there are stumbling blocks, remove them or choose another poem. Practice until you are comfortable with the poem, comfortable with your reading voice, and familiar enough with the wording that you can make some eye contact with the audience. Time yourself, so that you know you can finish in the allotted time or less. No emcee wants to have to stop a poet before the poem is finished, but with time constraints and to be considerate to all who wish to read, some limits have to be enforced.
3. Print out your poem(s) in a large enough font that you can read them easily, even if the lighting isn't perfect. Don't trust your memory so totally that you think you can recite your poem without a little reminder on paper once in a while.
4. Arrive early, sign up, notice where your spot on the program is, and BE READY when called. Again, time is limited at most open mic readings, and other poets are in line behind you. A smooth flow is important in order to accommodate as many poets and poems as possible.
5. Bring more poems than you think you need. Sometimes, fewer poets sign up than expected. You may get to read several times. Be prepared.
6. Don't be nervous. This is a room full of poets and lovers of poetry (and maybe a few stray tourists or locals who don't realize they are attending a poetry reading). No one in the audience will be wishing you harm or hoping you mess up. Be your poem. See your poem. Read your poem like you want it to be heard. It's up to you. You can do this.
Next installment: What Not To Do, and Why.
Guidelines for PJs/Poets of the Pines Open Mic August 22 can be found on the Facebook page of South Arkansas Poets of the Pines and at PJs Coffee and Barton Library.
See you on the Square!
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