Hello everyone!
December's slam is fast approaching. This is the month where we find out who will be representing Victoria at the next Verses Festival of Words in Vancouver. This is Canada's National Individual Poetry Slam.
The format is different for this Slam in a few ways. First is the format of the show itself. There will be four rounds, each having it's own different time limit.
Round 1 - 4 Minutes
Round 2 - 1 Minute
Round 3 - 2 Minutes
Round 4 - 3 Minutes
All other rules of Slam still apply, but we are now asking poets to come prepared to meet the time constraints of each round. We also have the brilliant poet, Marie Muddy, who has agreed to be our sacrifice for each round!
The other important thing to note about this competition is the selection process we used to determine who competes. This is something that is asked about, and I'd like to take this opportunity to discuss how we have approached this in previous years, as well as this year.
For the third year in a row, Indies will be an invitational competition. Invites were extended to team members of Vic Slam teams going back two years, as well as the winners of the first three regular season slams of this season. Competitors must also be a resident of Victoria in order to compete. You will notice that there are fewer performers than the criteria would suggest. This is due to a poets withdrawing.
With the Canadian National Individual Slam going into only it's third year, it is the only way we've ever done things. No system is perfect, but this process has served Vic Slam quite well in the past. However if you've been to any of the slams that have happened so far this year, you'll notice an increasing amount of new faces, and strong contenders coming out every month. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that the current process is no longer the best way, and as a result we will be seriously considering the way in which we decide who gets a chance to compete. To the point where I feel comfortable in guaranteeing you that it WILL change next year. To what extent, is currently undecided but there are a number of ways to shift things.
A few ideas would include adding Summer/Fall slams, separate from the regular season as a means to determine who competes at Indies. This is one of the more obvious options, and is currently used in other cities. With the increasing number of different poets competing, this is certainly a viable option.
We will keep you up to date on any and all things related to these changes, as soon as decisions are being made. If you have any comments, questions, ideas or concerns please e-mail me, at seescotttalk@gmail.com I would love to hear from you!
The wonderful Rose Jang has once again made the poems performed at Vic Slam November available to you all! Thank you Rose! Spread the word everyone, let's share the amazing work we've been doing with as many people as we can!
Here is the link to the playlist containing the performances!
Vic Slam November
See you all on the 20th!
-Vic Slam
Follow VicSlam on Twitter: @VicPoetrySlam
E-mail the Slam Master: seescotttalk@gmail.com
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