How to Have a Poetry Night

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A poetry night can be done for entertainment, a friendly get together or even for fundraising reasons. Poetry reading is performance art, so creating the atmosphere is key. No matter where you decide to host your event or the age group for which it is intended, you can provide the feel of an open-mic cafe with some curtains, some artwork and a handful of tables and chairs for your audience.

Instructions

  • Decorate the space you will be using. Whether it's your own living room, basement, community center or the cafe down the road, create the ambiance.
  • Hang black fabric from the wall as a backdrop for the stage to help create an artsy feel. This can make the atmosphere appear cozy and theater-like.
  • Consider hanging vintage style posters around the room. These could be given away as prizes for the best poets.
  • Set up tables or furniture. If you're not using a cafe already, set up some card tables and cover with dark tablecloths. If you're in your own living room, utilize your furnishings from other parts of the house. Gather your chairs, couches and armchairs around the "stage" area.
  • Provide refreshments. Depending on the age and size of the group, beverages cold include wine, coffee, or tea. Make a beverage station where guests can help themselves.
  • Set the mood with music. Some classic jazz or even Parisian cafe music make a good background aural setting for a poetry night.
  • Remember the lighting. Keep the lights dim with maybe some candles interspersed throughout the room on tables. A brighter light can be near the performance stage.
  • Have your guests provide their own works. When working with a class or youth writing group, this a creative outlet for exposing the kids to public speaking and learning to perform their own words. This idea can also work for adult groups.
  • Pick a poetic theme. Choose French poets, Romance poets or 20th century poets. Each guest can choose a poem corresponding to the theme to read.
  • Perform improvisational poetry. Write some prompts on pieces of paper, fold them and put them in a jar. Have guests take a piece of paper and make up a poem from the prompt.

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