Tips for Poets on How to Organize a Poetry Reading

Aug 21, 2010
Linette Rabsatt

Poetry Reading Microphone - Hidde de Vries

A poet who wants to organize a poetry reading for himself or to include other poets needs to plan early and advertise the event to get community support.

Poets use poetry readings to share and promote their writings with an audience. In some places, the reading is called an open mic. A poet can choose to host a reading of his work solely. On the other hand, poets can collaborate and host a reading where they share their respective works or read the works of others. The organizer of the poetry reading should select an appropriate venue, advertise the event and invite other poets to plan and attend.

Poets Need to be Invited to a Poetry Reading

If the reading is for a solo poet, he should still invite other poets to attend because they can give positive feedback on the body of work shared. For a reading that is intended for other poets to take part, then before planning the reading, liaise with other poets to encourage them to attend. A poetry reading cannot happen without poets.

Poetry Readings Need a Good Venue

What is a good venue for a poetry reading? The ambiance desired will determine the venue selected. Organizers can choose an outdoor location or an indoor location. For both indoor and outdoor readings, be sure to seek permission from the property/business owner.

Outdoor Poetry Reading: Be mindful of the weather, the supply of power, lighting, seating and restroom access. Performers and guests will want to be comfortable while enjoying the event.
Indoor Poetry Reading: Find a clean and spacious venue that has chairs and space for poets to perform. Some poets use libraries, coffee shops, community centers, restaurants, conference rooms or lounges. If there will be a drummer, guitarist or a dramatist or dancer(s), there should be enough room on stage for them to comfortably perform.

Advertise the Poetry Reading Everywhere

The poetry reading organizers need to send notices to all of the local media in their area including television, websites, radio and newspapers. The Academy of American Poets on Poets.org share in “Organize a Poetry Reading in Your Area” that organizers should “advertise your reading online and in print” and also offer a form on the site for events to be posted.

Poets should also share the poetry reading information on social networks such as MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other sites. Simple flyers can also be printed and distributed at supermarkets, the post office, laundromat and other places where people congregate. Flyers should definitely be posted at the venue for the reading.

Don't Forget the Microphone, CD or MP3 Player and Sign-Up Sheet

As with planning any event, important things can be forgotten. The microphone, something to play music and the sign-up sheet are key to having a successful reading.

Microphones give a louder voice: The microphone allows a poet to project her voice farther especially in a larger room. Unless the reading is on a very small scale with only five to fifteen attendees then the small audience can sit in a circle and a mic would not be needed.
CD or MP3 Player for background music: Some poets like to perform with pre-recorded instrumentals so there should always be apparatus to play music. Also, before the reading starts, playing soft reggae, jazz or R&B music helps to build ambiance.
Sign-up sheet for poets: Unless the poets are following a set program, send around a sign-up sheet so that poets can identify themselves as wanting to perform. Organizers can also add columns for contact information so that a list of poets can be compiled.

Poetry is a very creative art form which comes alive when the spoken word is shared with others. Poets can organize poetry readings once they take time to plan and advertise the event so that it is a success.