Sharpen My Pen is where poets grow.
This is where artists refine their voice, presence, and purpose through performance and feedback.
Healing Through Art. | Building With Community.
Embedded Files
Sharpen My Pen is a curated growth space. Poets don’t just perform, or compete for a cash prize. They are sharpened, and given a individual development plan.
Every artist receives:
Every artist receives:
Live performance experience
Real-time professional feedback
Personal branding takeaways
This is where potential becomes direction.
Flow of the Night
Flow of the Night
Connection Hour: Opening connection to meet members of the community and get to know the artist.
Sharp Start: The show opens by the winner of the previous show
The Sharpening: Poets perform and receive intentional feedback from a respected poet of the community.
Sharp Close: The Sharpener delivers a closing piece of the night and announces the sharpest pen of the show.
Closing Connection: Cool-down hour designed to give folks time to vibe, connect, and celebrate.
(Insert visuals from past sharpening moments here)
For Artists
Sharpen My Pen is Stage 2 of the Sharp Pens journey.
Artists receive:
Performance slot
Live feedback
Professional footage
Mini EPK
Custom shirt
Eligibility for Sharpest Pen Award ($200 Cash Prize + Sharp Start Next show)
For Attendees
Come witness growth in real time.
Each ticket includes:
Access to performances
Community Meal (Pay-What-You-Can)
Vendor Marketplace
Sharpen My Pen Q&A
Sharpen My Pen Q&A
How is the Sharpest Pen of the Night chosen?
The Sharpest Pen of the Night is selected through a brief deliberation between three voices: the Sharpener, who has been taking notes and listening closely throughout the night; the Host, who brings a different perspective based on flow, energy, and room response; and a randomly selected, unbiased guest, representing the everyday audience member. This process ensures both poetic craft and audience impact are considered.
Are there scores?
No. There are no numeric scores. Sharpen My Pen operates on verbal and written feedback focused on growth, clarity, and impact rather than point-based competition.
What is a Sharpener?
A Sharpener is a professional poet in every sense of the word. They are individuals who have spent years writing, performing, workshopping, slamming, teaching, publishing, or building poetry platforms. Beyond skill, a Sharpener is chosen for their space, grace, and willingness to share wisdom with care. They are specially selected to sharpen, not judge, and to pour experience back into the poetry community.
What will I be sharpened on?
Artists are sharpened on overall performance, delivery, authenticity, originality, stage presence, memorization, vocal control, emotional impact, audience connection, and fluidity. If multiple pieces are performed, transitions and cohesion are also considered.
How long do I have to perform?
Each poet has one round with a maximum of six minutes.
How many pieces can I perform?
You may perform as many pieces as you can fit into the six-minute window. More pieces do not equal more impact. Seamless flow matters. No disclaimers are allowed between pieces.
Do I have to use the microphone?
Yes. Sharpen My Pen is a filmed experience. The microphone is required for sound quality in the room and for final video production.
How do I connect with the poets?
Each artist provides promotional materials with their contact information and social links. These can be picked up before or after the show or during Recess.
Is there food?
Yes. Each event features a specially curated meal from a community chef, available on a pay-what-you-can scale.
Can I sign up at the door?
No. All poets must register in advance. Occasionally, the host may open a Hot Mic segment before the show begins, but this is not guaranteed and varies by event.
Are children allowed?
Children are not forbidden, but the experience is recommended for ages 18 and up due to mature language and themes.
Do you offer vendor opportunities?
Yes. Vendors interested in participating should text 248-252-7516 for availability and details.
How and when will I receive my performance video?
Artists receive their raw and edited performance footage within two weeks following the event, along with details on when their video will be posted to Sharpen My Pen platforms.
Do artists receive a plus one?
Artists do not receive an automatic plus one. However, select incentives and ticket options are provided directly to artists after registration.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse