The following rules apply to all MO Poetry Slams. Occasionally we run slams with alternate rules, in which case we will announce those rules below.
1. Poems can be on any subject and in any style
2. Each poet must perform work that s/he has created
3. No props
4. No musical instruments or pre-recorded music
5. No costumes
6. No poem should last longer than three minutes. After three minutes, the poet will be allowed a ten second grace period, then points will be deducted. Time starts when the poet connects with the audience.
7. There will be three rounds of poetry. All poets read in the first round, poets may be cut before the second round, poets will be cut before the final round (usually down to the three highest scoring poets).
8. Poets must pay the door cover to compete.
Masquerade Slam:
All the above rules apply, however, props, costumes, and music are not only allowed they are encouraged.
Haiku Slam:
Poems are limited not by time, but by length, with 17 syllables being the maximum. These are head to head matches and poets may need up to 30 haiku or more to go the distance.
Take Back The Mic – A Celebration of Women’s Voices and
Women of The World Poetry Slam (WoWps) Qualifier!
Female Poets, or individuals who live their lives as Women,
who have participated in at least one MO Poetry Slam, since
Jan. 2011, who are also 18 years of age, are eligible to participate.
Round 1 – All poets must read a poem of under 4 minute in length
Round 2 – All poets must read a poem of under 1 minutes in length
Round 3 – All poets must read a poem of under 2 minutes in length
Round 4 – All poets must read a poem of under 3 minutes in length
* Scores are cumulative.
* First round order is by random draw.
* In subsequent rounds the order is highest scoring poet goes first and then down the list.
* Ties for first place will be settled by a tie-breaker additional round.
* The first 10 poets to sign up at the door may compete.
* All participants will also be required to pay the $5 cover fee
* Each poem must be of the poet’s own construction.
* If the poet goes over time (plus a ten-second grace period), points will be deducted from the total score.
* The poet may not use props, costumes or musical instruments.
* If winning poet is unable to attend WoWps, the runner up will move into the representative slot.
*Winning poet must become a Poetry Slam, Inc (PSi) member to compete at WoWps (register here)
MOPoetry Slam Springfield will pay the winners WoWps application fee and try to help the winning poet with trip expenses.
Winning poet may still be subject to some or all of financial obligations toward travel costs, boarding and food.
Individual World Poetry Slam (iWPS) Qualifier
Any poet that has participated in two or more MO Poetry Slam Springfield Slams since August Slam of last year are eligible to qualify. Winning Poet will represent MO Poetry Slam Springfield at the Individual Poetry Slam.
Round 1 – All poets must read a poem of under 1 minute in length
Round 2 – All poets must read a poem of under 4 minutes in length
Round 3 – All poets must read a poem of under 2 minutes in length
Round 4 – All poets must read a poem of under 3 minutes in length
* Scores are cumulative.
* Bout Order will be randomly determined
* Ties for first place will be settled by a tie-breaker additional round determined by the bout manager
* The first 10 poets to sign up at the door may compete.
* All participants will also be required to pay the $5 cover fee
* Each poem must be of the poet’s own construction.
* If the poet goes over time (plus a ten-second grace period), points will be deducted from the total score.
* The poet may not use props, costumes or musical instruments.
* If winning poet is unable to attend iWPS, the runner up will move into the representative slot.
MOPoetry Slam Springfield will pay the winners iWPS application fee and try to help the winning poet with trip expenses. Winning poet will still be subject to some financial obligations toward travel costs, boarding and food.
Winning poet MUST become a Poetry Slam, Inc (PSi) member to participate at iWPS. Please visit PSi here for more information about membership.
Winning poet may also be given the feature slot for the September Slam.
