Register

Guidelines

1. Entry must register by deadline (Feb 20) via the online registration form. Registration is mandatory for competitors & optional for spectators.

2. Poems must be written by the performer. If you would like to have a group slam performance, please reach out to halliedongr@gmail.com separately. Only 1 poem is allowed per entry.

3. Poems must be memorized (no notecards/script).

4. Poems must adhere to 1 of the 2 themes: 1) identity; 2) social justice.

5. Poets are allowed to sing, clap, hum, or make noise with the mouth or other body parts.

6. The audience may be interactive (finger snapping, clapping, cheering) for the duration of the poem, so be prepared!

7. Poem must be performed in 4 minutes or under. Poets may time themselves, but it will not count for official time (there will be a separate timekeeper). There is a 10 second grace period, and poets will lose .5 points out of the possible 20 for each 10 seconds over the grace period.

8. No props, costumes, or music is allowed.

9. Poems must adhere to the document submitted in the registration form.

Eligibility

Entries must adhere to 1 of the following age categories:

1. Junior Division: attend a middle school in the Pittsburgh or immediately surrounding region(s), grades 6-8

2. Senior Division: attend a high school in the Pittsburgh or immediately surrounding region(s), grades 9-12