Participants will compete in front of a li ve\, supportive audience with cash prizes available for the top three poet s. Whether participating in the slam or cheering on competing poets\, enjo y music\, food and a shared love of the written &ndash\; and spoken &ndash \; word. Slots in the poetry slam are limited\; registration required. No registration necessary to cheer on the poets.
\nRules for the slam:< /p>\n
1. Each poem must be original to the participating poet. \;
2. Each poet has three minutes \;to read one poem. There will be a
10-second grace period. If the poet goes overtime\, points will be deducte
d from the total score by the scorekeeper. For every 10 seconds passed ove
rtime\, \;0.5 points will be deducted from the total score.
3. Th
e poet may not use props\, costumes\, pre-recorded/taped music or musical
instruments while performing. Performers are allowed \;to sing\, beatb
ox and make any other sounds with their bodies during the performance.&nbs
p\;
4. In the event of a tie\, the top two poets will face off in a f
inal round\, so poets should come prepared with at least two original poem
s.