Open Mic Night Etiquette: Dos And Don'ts For Literary Artists

Many people think Open Mic Nights only apply to musicians

, but all across the country there are literary open mics in your local coffee shop, book store and library. I've hosted an Open Mic reading series for almost a year and these events bring out writers of all genres: fiction, memoir, poetry, spoken word and more. We've had crossover artists, but for the most part we stick to the written word. At these events, we have about 20 readers and about 40 folks in the audience, which is fantastic! Imagine, 40 people decided to get off their couch and listen to other people read their own poetry!

I have some great readers who come out to our Open Mics - they come on time, they read within the 5 minute time limit and they make sure they don't say or do anything inappropriate. They also RSVP to say they're coming so I can get them booked on the schedule. At every Open Mic I MC I give participants a program with all of the readers listed. That way, everyone can know each other's name and the readers know when they are up next. Having the names also provides a talking point for networking and for getting to know fellow writers.

Open Mic Do's

- Let the MC know you are coming at least 3 days in advance of event(especially mine since they are so popular!)

- Practice reading your work beforehand so you know it's 5 minutes or less

- Remind the MC if you have any specific requests for your introduction

- Keep it PG or PG-13 - sometimes there are children in the audience. And, yes, maybe the the kids watch HBO, but don't assume that it's cool to throw F-bombs every which way

- Do try to stay till the end of the open mic and if you can't, please tell the MC you have to leave

- Tip generously and patronize the bar, coffee shop, or bookstore

Open Mic Don'ts

- This is not the time or place to get on your political or religious soap box

- If the MC has motioned you to stop, don't take another 3 minutes to finish!

- Don't shuffle papers or chit chat while folks are reading

- Turn off your cell phone!

Most of all, have fun! Open Mics are meant to support writers and give artists a forum to present and practice their words before a live audience. There's always a special energy in the room during an Open Mic and it's because people are there because they want to be with other like-minded creatives who don't think they're funny because they scribble or mumble in odd places. See you at the next Open Mic!

by: Alice Osborn

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