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.
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...
What to Expect at an Open Mic
So you're going to, have been invited to, or are being dragged by your new lover to an open mic—and you want to know what you're getting yourself into. Well, I haven't seen it all, but I've seen a lot. Based on more than 4 years of going to open mics, sometimes 4 in...