First Youth Poetry Slam offering cash prizes

Get back to the roots of Slam Poetry.

[quote_box_right]If You Go
What: Youth Poetry Slam
Who: Kids age 5-13
When: Nov. 4, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Maricopa Public Library
How much: Free
Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1138522449561321/ [/quote_box_right]Maricopa kids age 5-13 are invited to share their poems in a unique and supportive forum. The first Youth Poetry Slam in the city is Nov. 4 at the Maricopa Public Library.

There will be cash prizes.

“Poetry is important to kids whether they know it or not,” said Slam Master Bernard Schober, aka The Klute, who is hosting the event.

Dr. Seuss has a lasting impact, he said. With her isolated life, Emily Dickinson, whose work students are inevitably introduced to, always seems to remain relatable to teens. Poetry in all forms is integrated into young lives.

Slam Poetry, as a competition, is different than a typical poetry recitation. Five judges selected from the audience will score the poet from 0 to 10. The Youth Slam will also break one of the rules of the adult slam world by allowing costumes and props, even music.

Otherwise, the slam will follow the same rules. Poems are limited to three minutes and they must be performed. The poem and poet are scored.

Schober calls the organization of the Youth Slam “more kinetic and more freeform” than was originally planned. Instead of facing an early deadline, they can register the day of the event.

Feedback will also be more careful than it would be for a teen slam or an adult slam.

“A teenager has that kind of self-criticism that younger kids don’t,” Schober said. “We don’t want to crush their dreams.”

The Youth Poetry Slam is part of the “Got Arts, Maricopa” art expo that will continue into spring. An Adult Poetry Slam is scheduled for January, with a Teen Slam coming later.

To sign up early, email [email protected].