Slam Some Poetry with Word Up

November 12, 2024

Word Up's Poetry Slam
The 15th Annual Poetry Slam Returns Nov. 25.

Word Up's Poetry Slam Returns Nov. 25

Walters State’s Word Up, the college’s English Club, invites the public to attend and participate in its 15th Annual Poetry Slam. This year’s Slam will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25 in the theatre of the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex on the Morristown Campus. 

“A poetry slam brings poetry to life,” said Sheri Mahoney Jacobs, associate professor of English and advisor to Word Up. “It’s not just reading words on a page. It’s sharing the meaning of the poem through actions.”

The top three finishers will win gift cards, with the top winner also taking home the coveted Word Up Beret. 

Extra points are given to those who perform original poetry, but Jacobs said many choose favorite poems. There is a limit to how long a performance can be, but she said that has never been a problem.

“Our limit is five to ten minutes, but most people don’t need that much time,” Jacobs said. 

Those planning to perform should arrive 15 minutes early to register. There is no charge for admission or to perform. Coffee and cookies will be available.