How to Start a Poetry Slam in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas, is a city rich in cultural expression, where the rhythms of the Southwest meet the raw energy of urban storytelling. From the historic Sundance Square to the vibrant neighborhoods of Near Southside and the Cultural District, the city has long been a canvas for artists, musicians, and poets. Yet, despite its thriving arts scene, organized poetry slam events remain underdeveloped compared to cities like Chicago, New York, or even Austin. Starting a poetry slam in Fort Worth isn’t just about hosting a night of spoken word—it’s about cultivating a community space where marginalized voices, young creatives, and seasoned performers can connect, challenge, and heal through language. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to launching a sustainable, impactful poetry slam in Fort Worth, grounded in local context, practical logistics, and cultural authenticity.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define Your Vision and Mission

Before booking a venue or recruiting poets, clarify the purpose of your slam. Ask yourself: Who is this for? What kind of energy do you want to create? Is this a platform for political expression, emotional vulnerability, humor, or all of the above? Your mission statement should be concise but powerful. For example: “The Fort Worth Poetry Slam is a monthly gathering that amplifies underrepresented voices through competitive spoken word, fostering community, courage, and creative connection in the heart of North Texas.”

Consider the cultural landscape of Fort Worth. The city has deep roots in African American, Latinx, and Indigenous communities—each with rich oral traditions. Your slam can honor these lineages by intentionally creating space for diverse voices. Avoid a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Instead, center inclusivity: welcome poets of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and experience levels. A slam that feels welcoming to high school students and retirees alike will have far greater longevity.

2. Research Local Poetry and Spoken Word Scenes

Fort Worth already has pockets of poetic activity. Research existing events like the monthly open mics at Bookmans in the Cultural District, the spoken word nights at Latino Cultural Center, or the youth poetry programs run by Fort Worth Independent School District and Arts Council of Fort Worth. Attend these events as an observer—not to compete, but to learn.

Take notes on what works: How long do events run? What’s the audience turnout? Who emcees? What’s the vibe? Are poets using microphones? Is there a house band? Are judges selected from the audience? Identify gaps. Maybe there’s no regular competitive slam. Maybe poets need more structured feedback. Maybe the audience doesn’t know how to score performances. Your slam can fill that void.

Connect with local poets on Instagram, Facebook, or through the Fort Worth Writers Cooperative. Send direct messages. Ask: “What would make you come to a weekly slam?” Their answers will shape your event more than any business plan ever could.

3. Choose the Right Venue

The venue is the soul of your slam. It must be accessible, affordable, and atmospherically aligned with spoken word. Consider these Fort Worth locations:

• Bookmans Entertainment Exchange – Known for its open mic nights, this bookstore has a cozy, literary feel and a built-in audience of readers.
• Latino Cultural Center – Offers affordable rental space and has a history of supporting diverse artistic expression.
• Fort Worth Community Arts Center – A city-run facility with a stage, sound system, and seating for up to 150. Ideal for larger events.
• Local Coffee Shops – Places like Wandering Rooster or Red Cup Coffee Co. offer intimate settings and are often open to hosting community events.
• Public Libraries – The Fort Worth Public Library system has branches with event spaces and may offer free or low-cost rentals for cultural programming.

When scouting venues, ask:

• Is there a stage or elevated area for poets?
• Can you plug in a microphone and speaker system?
• Is there parking or public transit access?
• What are the rental fees? Are there minimum bar sales requirements?
• Can you serve food or drinks? (Many poets and audiences appreciate snacks or coffee.)

Avoid overly commercial spaces like bars with loud music or venues that prioritize alcohol sales over art. Your slam should feel like a sanctuary for words, not a backdrop for drinking.

4. Establish Event Format and Rules

A standard poetry slam follows the rules of the Slam Poetry Organization (Slam Inc.), but you can adapt them to fit your community’s needs. Here’s a recommended structure for your first event:

• Duration: 90–120 minutes
• Open Mic: First 20 minutes for 3-minute slots (non-competitive)
• Slam Rounds: 5–8 poets per night, each performing a 3-minute original poem (no props, costumes, or musical accompaniment)
• Scoring: Five randomly selected audience members score each poem on a scale of 0.0 to 10.0, dropping the highest and lowest scores. The middle three are summed for a total out of 30.
• Emcee: One host to keep energy high, introduce poets, and manage timing.
• Judges: Selected from the audience before each round. Encourage diversity in age, race, and background.
• Prizes: Small, symbolic rewards—gift cards to local bookstores, handmade poetry zines, or free coffee for a month.

Emphasize that poems must be original and performed by the writer. No reciting Shakespeare or song lyrics. This is about personal voice, not performance mimicry.

Establish a clear code of conduct: No hate speech, no harassment, no interrupting performers. Create a “safe space” policy that is visible on flyers and announced at the start of each event.

5. Recruit and Train Poets

Don’t wait for poets to find you—go to them. Reach out to:

• High school creative writing teachers
• University English departments (TCU, Texas Wesleyan)
• Local youth organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA
• Community centers serving immigrant and refugee populations

Host a “Poetry Slam 101” workshop two weeks before your first event. Teach basics: how to write for performance, how to use breath and silence, how to handle nerves. Invite a local slam veteran to lead it. Offer free snacks and hand out a one-page “Slam Starter Kit” with tips on writing, delivery, and scoring.

Encourage first-timers. Many people think they’re “not good enough” to perform. Your job is to make them feel seen. Offer a “New Poet Spotlight” segment where first-time performers get extra applause and a small welcome gift.

6. Secure a Team

You can’t run a slam alone. Recruit a small core team:

• Emcee: Someone charismatic who can keep time, hype the crowd, and handle technical glitches.
• Timekeeper: A quiet person with a stopwatch who signals poets with hand signals at 2:30 and 3:00 minutes.
• Scorekeepers: Two people who record scores and calculate totals. Use a simple spreadsheet or paper form.
• Volunteer Coordinator: Manages sign-ups for judges, ushers, and setup crew.
• Social Media Manager: Posts event reminders, performer highlights, and photos.

Train your team. Role-play scenarios: What if a poet goes over time? What if someone argues with a score? What if the mic cuts out? Prepare responses. Keep it calm, respectful, and focused on the art.

7. Promote Your First Slam

Marketing is not optional. Use these channels:

• Facebook Events: Create a detailed event with time, location, rules, and a compelling description. Tag local poetry groups and artists.
• Instagram: Post short video clips of poets rehearsing. Use hashtags:

  FortWorthPoetry #TexasSpokenWord #PoetrySlamFW

• Local Media: Email community calendars at Fort Worth Star-Telegram, DFW.com, and FW Weekly. Offer an interview with your emcee.
• Posters: Design simple, bold flyers with the event date, location, and a quote from a local poet. Distribute at libraries, coffee shops, bookstores, and community centers.
• Word of Mouth: Ask poets to invite friends. Offer a “Bring a Poet” incentive—like free entry for two if someone brings a new performer.

Don’t rely on paid ads. Organic reach through community networks is more authentic and sustainable in Fort Worth’s arts scene.

8. Run Your First Event

On the day of your first slam:

• Arrive 90 minutes early to set up chairs, test the mic, and create a welcoming space.
• Place a sign-in sheet at the door. Collect names and emails for your mailing list.
• Have printed copies of the rules and scoring sheet available.
• Play soft background music as people arrive—jazz, ambient, or acoustic.
• Start with a 5-minute welcome from the emcee: explain the mission, thank the venue, remind everyone of the code of conduct.
• Let the open mic flow naturally. Applaud every single performer.
• During the slam, keep the energy up. Don’t let silence linger too long between poems.
• After scoring, announce the winner with genuine enthusiasm—even if they’re a first-timer.
• End with a group photo and a thank-you to the audience.

Afterward, send a thank-you email to all participants. Include a link to a Google Form for feedback: “What did you love? What could we improve?”

9. Build Momentum and Frequency

Don’t stop after one night. Aim for monthly events. Once you’ve established consistency, consider:

• Quarterly “Championship Slams” with higher stakes and guest judges
• Themed nights: “Poetry for Justice,” “Love & Loss,” “Fort Worth in Verse”
• Collaborations with local musicians or visual artists
• Workshops on writing, publishing, or performance

Track attendance. Keep a simple spreadsheet: number of poets, audience size, age range, diversity metrics. This data helps when applying for grants or partnering with arts organizations.

10. Apply for Funding and Partnerships

Once your slam has 3–6 successful events under your belt, seek support:

• Arts Council of Fort Worth – Offers microgrants for community arts projects.
• Texas Commission on the Arts – Has grants for literary arts and youth engagement.
• Local Foundations – The Meadows Foundation and the Fort Worth Foundation sometimes fund cultural equity initiatives.
• Business Sponsorships – Ask local bookstores, coffee roasters, or record shops to sponsor a night in exchange for logo placement.

Frame your request around community impact: “Our slam has provided 47 poets from 12 zip codes a platform to share original work. We seek funding to expand youth outreach and provide free transportation for participants from underserved neighborhoods.”

Best Practices

Center Equity and Inclusion

Fort Worth is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse cities in Texas. Your slam must reflect that. Actively recruit poets from Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities. Offer free or sliding-scale entry. Provide translation services if needed. Avoid “tokenism”—don’t just invite one person of color to “represent.” Build relationships with cultural organizations and let them help you reach their networks.

Make It Accessible

Ensure your venue is ADA-compliant. Offer ASL interpretation for deaf poets upon request. Use large-print scoring sheets. Avoid events on holidays or during major sports games that could reduce attendance. Consider holding a “Family Slam” on a Sunday afternoon for parents and teens to perform together.

Keep It Low-Cost, High-Impact

Don’t charge admission. Rely on voluntary donations, a tip jar, or a “pay what you can” model. This removes financial barriers and builds goodwill. Use free tools: Canva for flyers, Google Forms for sign-ups, Facebook for promotion. Your value isn’t in expensive production—it’s in authentic connection.

Document and Archive

Record performances (with permission) and upload them to a YouTube playlist titled “Fort Worth Poetry Slam Archives.” Include poet names, poem titles, and dates. This creates a living history of your city’s spoken word movement. It also helps attract media attention and future funding.

Build a Feedback Loop

After each event, send a 3-question survey:

• What was your favorite moment?
• What could we do better?
• Would you come again? Why or why not?

Read every response. Change something based on it—even if it’s small, like switching the start time from 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This shows your community you’re listening.

Collaborate, Don’t Compete

Other cities have thriving slam scenes. Reach out to organizers in Dallas, Austin, or Houston. Exchange poets. Host a “North Texas Slam Tour” where performers travel between cities. This builds regional networks and elevates Fort Worth’s profile.

Train New Emcees and Judges

Don’t let one person become the face of your slam. Mentor others to take over. Hold quarterly “Leadership Circles” where volunteers learn hosting, scoring, and conflict resolution. This ensures your slam survives beyond your personal involvement.

Tools and Resources

Essential Tools

• Google Sheets/Excel – For tracking poets, scores, attendance, and feedback.
• Canva – Free graphic design tool for flyers, social media posts, and posters.
• Facebook Events + Instagram – Primary promotion channels for local audiences.
• Google Forms – For registration, feedback, and volunteer sign-ups.
• Zoom – For virtual open mics or hybrid events during inclement weather.
• SoundCloud or Anchor – To host audio recordings of performances.

Recommended Reading

• How to Survive a Poetry Slam by Saul Williams
• The Spoken Word Revolution by Mark Eleveld
• How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy (for understanding emotional honesty in performance)
• Speak, Memory by Vladimir Nabokov (for the power of personal narrative)
• There There by Tommy Orange (for Indigenous storytelling in modern contexts)

Local Fort Worth Resources

• Fort Worth Public Library – Offers free meeting rooms and event support.
• Arts Council of Fort Worth – Grants, networking, and artist directories.
• Latino Cultural Center – Hosts poetry nights and can be a partner venue.
• TCU Department of English – Faculty and students often participate in community arts.
• Fort Worth Writers Cooperative – Monthly meetings for writers of all genres.
• North Texas Poetry Society – A regional group with members in Fort Worth.

Free Online Learning

• YouTube: Search “Def Poetry Jam” or “Button Poetry” for performance examples.
• Poetry Foundation – Offers free lesson plans and audio archives.
• Slam Inc. Website – Official rules and scoring guidelines.
• TED Talks: “The Power of Poetry” by Sarah Kay, “Why I Write” by Claudia Rankine.

Real Examples

Example 1: “The Sundance Slam” – A Grassroots Success Story

In 2021, a TCU student named Marisol Reyes launched “The Sundance Slam” in the courtyard of Bookmans. With no budget, she used a borrowed mic, handmade flyers, and Instagram stories. Her first night drew 14 poets and 38 audience members. She invited a local high school teacher to bring his poetry class. One student, a 16-year-old girl from Southside on Lamar, performed a poem about her mother’s deportation. The room fell silent. When she finished, people cried. That night, the slam became more than an event—it became a movement.

By 2023, the Sundance Slam had grown to 60 attendees per month, partnered with the Fort Worth Public Library, and received a $2,000 grant from the Arts Council to produce a chapbook of selected poems. Marisol now trains other young leaders to host slams in other neighborhoods.

Example 2: “Voices of the Cultural District” – A Community Collaboration

The Latino Cultural Center teamed up with the Fort Worth Independent School District to create “Voices of the Cultural District,” a monthly slam featuring students from 12 Title I schools. Each poet received a free notebook and pen. A local artist painted a mural of the poets’ words on the center’s exterior wall. The event was covered by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and featured on a PBS Texas segment. The initiative didn’t just host slams—it transformed public space into a living archive of youth expression.

Example 3: “Black Words Matter” – A Response to Social Injustice

In 2020, during the nationwide protests after George Floyd’s murder, a group of Black poets in Fort Worth organized a one-night-only slam titled “Black Words Matter.” Held in a church basement, it drew over 100 people. Poems addressed police brutality, ancestral memory, and healing. The event was not competitive—it was a ritual. No scores were given. Instead, attendees passed a single microphone for open mic responses. The night ended with a candlelight vigil. This event inspired the creation of a permanent monthly slam focused on Black voices, now in its third year.

FAQs

Do I need to be a poet to start a slam?

No. Many successful slam organizers are not performers. What you need is passion for community, organizational skills, and the ability to listen. You’re not there to be the best poet—you’re there to create the space where others can be.

How much does it cost to start a poetry slam?

You can start for under $100. Costs include printing flyers ($20), buying a used microphone ($50), and snacks for performers ($30). Many venues offer free or low-cost rentals for nonprofit cultural events.

Can I charge admission?

You can, but it’s not recommended for your first year. Charging creates barriers. Instead, use a donation jar or partner with a local business that will sponsor the event in exchange for exposure.

What if no one shows up?

It happens. Your first event might have five people. That’s okay. One person’s life can be changed by hearing one poem. Keep showing up. Consistency builds trust.

Can I host a slam during the summer?

Absolutely. Summer can be ideal—many students are home from school, and outdoor venues like parks or courtyards are available. Just be mindful of heat and humidity. Offer water and shade.

How do I handle controversial poems?

Respect the poet’s right to speak, but uphold your code of conduct. If a poem promotes hate or violence, calmly intervene: “Thank you for sharing. We’re here to build community, so we ask that all work be respectful of others.” If needed, have a private conversation after the event. Most poets want to be heard, not to hurt.

Can I turn this into a nonprofit?

Yes. Once you’ve established consistent programming, consider forming a 501(c)(3) under the name “Fort Worth Poetry Collective.” This opens doors to grants, tax exemptions, and institutional partnerships.

How do I get media coverage?

Send a press release to local newspapers, radio stations, and blogs. Include a compelling quote from a poet, a photo of the last event, and your mission statement. Follow up with a phone call. Local media loves human-interest stories.

What if I move away or can’t continue?

Build a leadership pipeline. Train at least two other people to take over. Document your systems. Leave behind a folder with contact lists, vendor info, and past event calendars. Your slam should outlive you.

Conclusion

Starting a poetry slam in Fort Worth is not just an artistic endeavor—it’s an act of civic imagination. In a city often defined by cattle, cowboy hats, and oil, you’re carving out space for something quieter, deeper, and more enduring: the human voice. A poetry slam is where a teenager reads about her father’s addiction and finds she’s not alone. It’s where a veteran recites a poem about PTSD and receives a standing ovation from strangers who understand. It’s where a non-English speaker whispers a poem in Spanish, and the crowd responds with a chorus of “¡Sí, se puede!”

This isn’t about winning. It’s about belonging.

The steps outlined here are not rigid rules—they are invitations. Invite poets. Invite silence. Invite discomfort. Invite joy. Invite the city to listen.

Fort Worth doesn’t need another bar. It needs another stage. And that stage? It’s waiting for you to turn on the lights.

Begin. One poem at a time.