BE NATURAL Poetry Slam

Now in its seventh year the 'Be Natural Poetry Slam' is open to either compete or to simply watch and enjoy. Giving the participants the opportunity to stretch their creative ‘limbs’ and think about what nature and the natural world means to them. The rules are simple - one poem, two minutes maximum, no props, no costumes, no music, just you and the power of your words. Poets sign up from 2.00pm, slam commences at 2.30pm. Prizes for 1st and 2nd place poets. Plus guest performer MIKE LADD. See below for some rules but really it's all about having a go and having some fun! 1. Maximum of 20 contestants. The first 15 are guaranteed. If we exceed 20 the last five are drawn randomly. 2. Enter at the venue on the night of the heat 30 minutes before the heat commences. 3. ONE POEM ONLY. ABSOLUTE two minute limit. Time starts at your first word or when the timekeeper feels your performance has begun (no additional time for introductions). Points will be deducted from the final score for exceeding the time limit. 4. Five judges chosen by the host at random from the audience. 5. Poems must be the original work of the performer. No plagiarism folks. One or two recognisable pop culture references are okay. 6. No musical accompaniment. No props. No costumes. (IE: clothing related to the poem) Personal poem transcripts permitted. 7. In the case of a tie the MC will conduct a “slam off” tie-breaker performance. Contestants must be prepared with a second poem to allow for this eventuality.