What:
Payphone Poetry: an open forum style sharing session for new, unpolished, and unrehearsed poetry or writing. Come join other poets and artist to share your raw work away from the pressure of stages, competitions, or grades. This is a no ego, non-competition, limited critique, non-perfectionist event. You gain the chance to connect with other artist, a community of sharing and creativity, and 3-5 minutes to share one new piece (more if time permits.) Oh and share your socials, every audience member could be a new follower and vice versa.

Who:
Any poet or writer is welcome to share one piece of writing. Any artist or art lover is welcome to audience …. be the audience. For camaraderie, consider having your camera on.

Why:
What do you mean, “why”? You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have an idea of why! Unless you’re subscribed and can’t help but get my emails!
Oh, you mean what does payphones have to do with poetry? I find that the simplicity of poetry is often missed amongst so many gimmicks. But like a payphone in a world of cell phones, we see the simple things as a beautiful reminder of the importance of why we do what we do. How happy would you be to find a payphone when your cell has died and your tire is flat? The simple things!

When:
Sunday November 30th @ 5PM – 630PM. (And More to Come if this doesn’t crash and burn!)

Where:
Online. Register for Zoom Session HERE>
Why online, you ask? For accessibility. This space is for connecting across the divide that is open mics in a physical building, state lines, borders and limitations, busy life, mental health, etc. You could even call it selfish … I’m brining the poetry to me since I can’t always get to it. And maybe this could be the same for you.

Rules:

1. To share a poem/ writing, arrive on time. First come, first serve. The room will open 5 minutes early. UPON ARRIVAL, use the link on the screen to “sign the list”. The first 10 performers are guaranteed- in host chosen order. Everyone else will be allowed to share- in order of sign up- depending on how much time is left. There is no advanced sign-up.

2. When it’s your turn to share, turn your camera on. Share ONE piece, 3-5 mins long. If time permits, you can share again at the end of the night. Poetry, prose, essays, rap lyrics, monologues can be shared. Anything you write.

3. Content warnings are encouraged to help foster a safe and welcoming environment. There are no language restrictions. Racist, sexist, abusive, or hateful speech is not tolerated. If you make the space unsafe, you will be kicked out.

4. Poem 1st, Intro after. That means that when the host calls you, “Poet (your name), pick up the phone….” you begin sharing your poem. You may share you name, poem title, and trigger warnings. No prerequisites or introductions. After the poem, we’ll discuss who you are and what you shared. Don’t worry, I’ll remind us of the rules.

5. No harsh critiques allowed. Share strength-based feedback in the comments box, exchange social handles, ask questions. Promote your events. There will be no commentary out loud unless invited by the host.

JUST FYI

Paula Presents… isn’t just me presenting something. It’s the name of my new series of events dedicate to sharing, growth, and building a community of writers. Payphone Poetry is just the start. They’ll be more workshops, panels & talk-backs, featured events and more. So stay connect by subscribing to this blog below and following me everywhere @pgartistry