TIPS FOR
Open Mic Performers
The first time someone steps up to the mic, it can take some encouragement. Or a dare. Or Dutch courage.
Some of us needed all three.
Early-stage poets and singers typically have jitters and doubts and questions, like what’s the best way to intro my poem? What do I do at the end of my set? How can I get more comfortable at the mic? Should I bring my mom/dad/friend/boss/neighbor?
Well, here’s some answers, gathered from open mics that span 10 years, nearly 3 dozen states, and countless performances—from the awkward to the honest, the magical, and the weird.
Don’t stress. You got this.
How to Do Open Mic, Get Applause, and Never Feel Awkward Again
A while back, I wrote about how to introduce yourself and your work at an open mic. This post is that post’s bookend. Open mic poets (and musicians and storytellers and comics) are an earnest lot. We’re amateurs and we know it—amateurs who aim to get better,...
By Way of Introduction: What to Say When You Take the Open Mic Stage
In the last 6 years, I’ve probably gone to more than 50 open mic nights. Each night featured anywhere from 2 to 20 performers. And depending on format, those performers may’ve stepped to the mic as many as 3 times. Throwing out extremes and giving it my English...
The Best Open Mics in the United States
Hoo boy, if ever a blog needed a subtitle, it’s this one. I’ve been to maybe 20 open mics total, a dozen of those outside North Carolina, and at least a few of the ones I attended have moved or ceased operation. Nonetheless, and with awareness that my sample size is...
Finding the Right Open Mic For You
Open mics are like hair styles and lovers and garden art and…well, anything we choose based on what we like or what fits. But what if we don't know what we like? If you're new to poetry performance, here's a reductive but well-meant list of common variations on open...
How to Find an Open Mic in Another Town
It hasn't happened often, but more than once an open mic I showed up for failed to show up for itself. Once, I drove 900 miles from North Carolina to Maine to tick off what would've been my northeastern-most open mic ever. The night before, they posted about it on...