Reprinted by Sara Dudley Brown, Theatre Editor
Alexandria, Va., May 22, 2017 — Local poets are invited to perform their original verse at the first Great Del Ray Poetry Slam, 8pm, Saturday, June 24 at Fireflies, 1501 Mt. Vernon Avenue in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood.
The event is free and open to poets of all ages but will be capped at 25 participants. Those interested can sign up early on the Slam events page at www.facebook.com/delrayplayers, or place their name in a hat available onsite one hour before the event.
What is a poetry slam? Simply put, poetry slam is the competitive art of performance poetry. Poets are scored on both content and delivery of their original poems. A panel of judges will be selected from the audience. Participants should come prepared to read two or three poems, depending on number of contestants and rounds, and each poem must be performed in under three minutes.
The event is being sponsored by the Del Ray Players, a new performing arts company launched by local writer and musician Neal Learner. Co-slam masters are Learner and published poet Rob Krupicka, owner of Sugar Shack Donuts, and former Alexandria Councilman and Virginia Delegate. Alexandria Poet Laureate Wendi Kaplan will appear as special guest and expert judge.
For more information on the Great Del Ray Poetry Slam, visit www.facebook.com/delrayplayers. For more information on poetry slams in general, visit Poetry Slam Inc. at http://poetryslam.com/.
Contact: Neal Learner/[email protected]/703-706-5215
