Dos and Don’ts at Open Mic Nights for Literary Artists
Many people think that open mic nights only apply to musicians, but all over the country there are literary open mics in your local coffee shop, bookstore, and library. I have organized an Open Mic Reading Series for almost a year and these events attract writers of all genres: fiction, memoirs, poetry, spoken word, and more. We have had crossover artists, but for the most part we stick to the written word. At these events, we have around 20 readers and around 40 people in the audience, which is fantastic! Imagine, 40 people decided to get off the couch and listen to other people read their own poetry!
I have some great readers who come to our Open Mics – they arrive on time, they read within the 5 minute time limit, and they make sure they don’t say or do anything inappropriate. They also confirm their attendance to say that they will come so you can reserve them on time. At each Open Mic I MC, I give the participants a program with all the readers listed. That way everyone can know each other’s name and readers know when they will be next. Having the names also provides a talking point for networking and meeting other writers.
What to do with an open mic
o Inform the MC that you will come at least 3 days before the event.
(Especially mine as they are so popular!)
o Practice reading your work beforehand so you know it’s 5 minutes or less
o Remind the MC if you have any specific requests for your presentation
o Keep it PG or PG-13 – sometimes there are kids in the audience.
And, yeah, they might watch HBO, but don’t assume it’s cool to drop F-bombs in all directions.
o Try to stay until the end of the open mic and if you can’t tell the MC you have to go
o Tipping generously and sponsoring the bar, cafeteria or bookstore
What not to do with the microphone open
o This is not the time or place to get into your political or religious soap box
o If the MC has told you to stop, don’t take another 3 minutes to finish!
o Don’t shuffle papers or chat while people are reading
o Turn off your cell phone!
Above all, have fun! The open mics are intended to support writers and provide artists with a forum to present and practice their words before a live audience. There is always a special energy in the room during a reading event like this and it is because people are there because they want to be with other like-minded creatives who don’t think they are funny because they doodle or mutter in strange places.