This is a Tyler Public Library event in which we offer a space for our patrons to perform stories and poems based on the theme “What Colors Your World?” Two TSA members will be judges for this competition. Entries do not need to be a member of the TSA, nor do they need to have a Tyler Library card to join.

They simply need to register the day of or here at this URL: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B054AA9AD2FA0F49-56921849-spoken#/

Rules for the slam:

Age Limits
The Spoken Word Slam is intended for adults.
Participants must be over the age of 18.
Those under 18 may enjoy the show, but guardians must understand that some of the content of this show may deal with hard, painful topics that may not be appropriate for children.

Registration
Registration ahead of time is strongly recommended.
Registration will be available on day of, but those who register beforehand and/or added their name to the sign up’s waitlist will have priority.
Participants must enter the Slam with either a Poem or Story, not both. This is to assure everyone has a chance to participate.
This is subject to change on the day of the Slam.
Maximum performers: 10 Poets and 10 Storytellers

Works You Perform
All works must be original, written by the participant.
Published works by other authors may not be performed.
You may use your own published work.
Works created with the use of generative AI are strictly prohibited.
Poems and Stories must be inspired by the question “What Colors Your World?” It is up to the participants to determine what that means to them and to create a piece based on that theme.

Content
Content may discuss hard topics, but must keep language, descriptions, etc. PG-13.
No “-isms”,“-phobias,” or stereotypes of any sort. No personal attacks and/or libel.
Works will not be vetted ahead of time, but Library staff may stop a set at any time for any reason, and may disqualify any performer if it has been deemed they disobeyed any rules.

Time
All works will be performed under a time limit.
Poems: 4 minutes maximum
Stories: 5 minutes maximum
A time-keeper will keep score and give the participant warnings.
Warnings will be given at 30 seconds, 15 seconds, at time, and when time penalties have begun.
There is a fifteen second grace period. After that period has been exceeded, the participant will have .5 points deducted from their final average for every ten seconds they go over.

Judging
Three judges will grade each performance on how they used their body, their speech, and the quality of the text.
These rubrics will each be scored on a ten scale.
Each judges’ rubrics will be averaged together to get their score.
These three judge’s scores will also be averaged to get the participant’s final score.
All judging will be silent.
There will be two first place prizes, for Poetry and Storytelling.

Time(s): 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Event Location Address: 201 S. College Ave, Tyler
Event Phone: 903-574-9474
Event Email: trankin@tylertexas.com