Join Guelph Spoken Word on the third Saturday of every month for Guelph Poetry Slam
This event includes a feature poet, an open mic and the well-loved, much missed poetry slam competition, where the winning poet takes home a cash prize.
Guelph Poetry Slam is interactive all-ages spoken word event where anyone can sign up to perform on the open mic or compete for the cash prize. The event starts at 8:30 PM with an open mic, followed by a feature poet set and an interactive poetry slam competition, where one winning poet takes home $100.
For three minutes, it’s just the poet, their poem, and an audience.
The poetry slam competition uses elimination rounds for the reading and performance of poetry. Anyone can sign up and members of the audience are selected to be judges at the slam, assigning each poetry performance a score from 0 to 10. Only original writing can be performed, and no props or musical accompaniments are allowed. Poems must be three minutes or less to avoid a penalty. Poets who compete in a slam have a chance to win the grand prize of $100. You can check out the Guelph Poetry Slam rules here.
”Slams were created to transform spoken poetry from static readings for the artistic elite into stunning, interactive, dynamic and competitive performances.”
– Guelph Spoken Word
About Guelph Spoken Word (GSW)
Founded in 2008 by Guelph-based performance poet Beth Anne Ellipsis, GSW’s popularity has grown – evolving into a registered not-for-profit arts organization with a board of directors and a group of dedicated volunteers. Their mission: “To create open, intergenerational, diverse community spaces that foster spoken word artists and provide quality arts & culture experiences for audiences.”
(Photo credits: Guelph Spoken Word.)
Event details
Hosted by: Guelph Spoken Word
Type of event: monthly poetry event
Feature poet: varies by month and is announced on their Instagram account
Date: Every third Saturday of the month (for example, the event for November 2024 will be on Saturday, November 16)
Start time: Doors @ 8:00 PM ET (please do not arrive before 8:00 PM, as they have to set up the event space before patrons arrive) / Show @ 8:30 PM ET
Duration: 2.5 hours (till 11:00 PM ET)
Cost: Audience: C$16.93 / Poets: C$11.62 (prices including fees). There is also a Pay-What-You-Can ticket option. Book your tickets online in advance, as there is limited availability at the door.
Location: Which Craft, 91 Wyndham St. N., Guelph, ON, N1H 4E9, Canada
Booking link: Book your tickets by clicking on the specific event date here.
Contact details: Guelph Spoken Word; guelphspokenword@gmail.com, guelphspokenword.org
Content warning: Language and content of GSW events can sometimes be intense and triggering. While GPS is an all-ages event and they do most often have an active listener on hand, attendees’ discretion is advised.
Accessibility: Unfortunately their regular venue for GPS is not wheelchair accessible – but, whenever possible, Guelph Spoken Word makes a conscious effort to accommodate a wide range of ability needs. The entrance to the venue has two manual doors (no automatic doors) and no steps. Main floor single and multi-stall gender-neutral washrooms are available at the back of the room, past the stage. There are no AODA-standard washrooms. The audience space includes low-top tables and chairs/booth seating, high-top tables and chairs, bar stools, and standing room. Seats are limited, first come first served. Organizers are happy to reserve or find seats for patrons for accessibility reasons. There are two steps up to the stage. Poets can either use a wired microphone on the stage or a wireless microphone from anywhere in the room. The space can be loud. There are background music and overhead lights during breaks. If you have any questions about the venue or if you have accessibility needs not listed above, please contact the organizer. They will do their best to provide accommodations.
Refund policy: Contact the organizer to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is non-refundable.