Festival Poetry Slams

Throughout the year EWU's Writers in the Community program sends MFA students into K-12 schools to teach students about poetry slams. Students who have practiced throughout the school year bring an enormous amount of heart and energy to the Poetry Slam competitions during the festival.

What is a Poetry Slam?

A poetry slam is a competition in the art of presenting poetry. It puts emphasis on both writing and performing poetry, encouraging poets to focus on what they are saying as well as how they are presenting it.

Youth Poetry Slam

Saturday, April 17

Hosted by Eastern Washington University's Writers in the Community

Kress Gallery, River Park Square, 808 W. Main

2:00 pm (open registration begins at 1:15 pm)

Description: The Get Lit! Youth Poetry Slam consists of teams of two or more students, ages 5-12, who compete against one another for prizes. Any student team may enter, including students who are home schooled. The first place winner of the Youth Poetry Slam will open for Patricia Smith, the Performance Poet on Wednesday, April 21.

Teen Poetry Slam

Saturday, April 17

Hosted by Eastern Washington University's Writers in the Community

Venue TBA

6:00 pm (open registration begins at 5:15 pm)

Description: Participants in the Get Lit! Teen Poetry Slam may compete alone or in teams. Anyone from the age of 13-18 may compete, including students who are home schooled. The first place winner of the Teen Poetry Slam will open for Patricia Smith, the Performance Poet on Wednesday, April 21.

College Poetry Slam

Saturday, April 17

Venue TBA

9:00 pm (open registration begins at 8:15 pm)

Description: Participants in the Get Lit! College Poetry Slam may compete alone or in teams. Anyone from the age 18 and up who is currently enrolled in college may compete. The first place winner of the College Poetry Slam will open for Patricia Smith, the Performance Poet on Wednesday, April 21.

The registration fee for all slam participants is $2 per entrant plus a can of food for a Spokane food bank. The events are free to audience members.

For more information/rules on the Youth and Teen Slams or to schedule a poetry slam workshop, contact Brandon Getz at Eastern's Writer in the Community program: witc@ewu.edu or (509) 359-7437.

For more information on the College slam, contact Daniel Harrington: lotuscreation4u@gmail.com or (509) 218-8426

For more information on the Youth and Teen Poetry Slam visit: http://www.ewu.edu/x55048.xml

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