Sign-up:
Sign-up for both the open-mic and the slam will occur 15 minutes before Poêt-à-tête’s scheduled start time. The
list will close when filled or at the discretion of the host. The host will manage the sign-up list at all times. Because
of the timing of this event, elementary school aged children are restricted to open-mic participation near the beginning of
the event.
Copyright Ownership:
Authors retain ownership of all their original works performed at Poêt-à-tête.
English Language Poetry:
Poetry for this event will be in English only.
Release:
By signing up to participate in Poêt-à-tête, each poet acknowledges that there is no compensation for their performance
outside of the prizes awarded to slam winners (if any). Additionally, by signing
the rules, poets grant permission for their names to appear in e-mail announcements and/or on the website.
Time Limit:
Poets may present one poem only when called to the microphone. There will be a 3-minute limit for each poem.
Optional: Poets may submit a printed copy of the work(s) to be performed to the
host.
Open-mic:
Up to 10 poets may participate. Although each poet may read one poem, if time allows, an opportunity to read a second
poem later during the event may be granted. Host will determine order. Poets
participating in the open mic may not compete in the slam. Poetry for the open-mic
does not have to be original.
Profanity & Obscenity:
The penalty for poetic content including profanity or obscenity during the open-mic may include the interruption of
the poem and restriction of the poet from finishing the poem or returning to the microphone.
Poetry Slam:
Up to 10 poets may enter the slam. A minimum participation limit will be
set in order for the slam to take place. Each poet must be prepared to read two
(2) original poems. Poets entered in the slam may not participate in the open-mic on the same day.
Competition:
The first round will include all poets who signed up for the slam. The three top scorers will comprise the second round.
The host determines the order of the first round. Poets appear in the second
round according to ascending first round scores.
Judging:
The host will recruit three (3) judges prior to the slam section of the event. Judges
must not be friends or relatives of any slam participants. Each judge uses a
score sheet and may award up to 33 points in allotments of 11 points each for poetic composition, presentation and
entertainment value. Together, they may award one poet participating in the slam
up to 99 points.
Props, music, special effects and/or Costumes:
Poetry is the focus. To help maintain a fair and level playing field for
all poets, Poêt-à-tête prohibits the use of props, music, special effects and/or costumes during competition and may
incur a 2-point deduction for each violation per poet’s appearance at the mic.
Slam Time Limit Violations:
The host will keep time. After a 10 second grace period beyond the 3-minute
time limit, the host will deduct 1/2 (one-half) point for every additional 10 seconds until the poet finishes. Example: A poet earns 80 (eighty) points from the judges, but speaks for 3 minutes and 37 seconds. The host
will enforce the time limit by penalizing the poet with a deduction of 1 and ½ (one and a half) points awarding a final score
of 78.5 (seventy-eight point five). Judges will not be involved with the enforcement
of time limits.
Penalty for Profanity
or Obscenity:
Poetic content or gestures to include profanity or obscenity may be grounds for automatic disqualification from the
slam and restricted participation in future Poêt-à-tête events. Additionally, slam poets will incur
a 5 to 15 point deduction from their scores. The host calculates and applies
all penalties.
Prizes:
Prizes will be awarded for the 1st place highest scoring poetry performances.
When available, awards for 2nd place and/or 3rd place scores will be presented. If no prize
is available, the slam will not be held.
Special Event/Feature:
Featured guests may present poetry for 15-minutes. Featured poets should also uphold the family friendly standard for
the event. The 3-minute time limit is waived for feature presentations.
Revision of Rules:
Host reserves the right to revise rules without notice. Rules will be published
and/or posted for each event.
Slam Winners’ Responsibilities & Restrictions:
Slam Winners’ winning poetry (from either round of competition) may not be repeated in any slam during the calendar
year, but may be repeated during any subsequent open-mic.
Participant Declaration:
By signing up to participate in Poêt-à-tête, each poet declares that he/she has read and under-stands the rules and
intends to abide by them.
