wordchefsteph's Poetry Tour Planner

by wordchefsteph

How to plan your performances to reach a wider audience!

I’m a writer, teacher, designer, and the CEO of the literary arts community, Karma Comes Before. I’m currently on my Skintight summer tour, where I’m reading poetry about my body throughout New York City. Thank you for supporting my small business! Here’s my best advice for planning an epic poetry tour!

A poetry tour is a chance to perform your writing for multiple audiences. The goal of a poetry tour is to get your writing out there, so you can say your piece, heal your heart, and connect with likeminded creatives. A successful poetry tour will include at least three performances, but you can mix it up by signing up for open mics, spoken word showcases, and poetry slams. You can also widen your audience by joining spoken word events online. In this guide, we’ll explore how to find the right platforms, contact hosts to secure your spot, plan your poems, design eye-catching promo, and prepare for your big days! Follow me...

1. Choose the right platforms: The platforms you choose will say a lot about your vibe and the communities you resonate with. Choose a platform that aligns with your values. Is it important for your voice to be heard by an LGBTQ+ audience? By a BIPOC audience? By teens or seniors? Everyone?! Decide on your vibe and hop on Instagram to explore open mic opportunities in your area. For folx in NYC, you can try searching the following hashtags:

#openmicnyc #nycopenmic #nycpoetry #nycpoet

Meet some of my favorite open mic hosts:

Bero @trimicopenmic

Jenn & Rocka Jamez @spokenmoonopenmic

Natalie @hotpplreadpoetry

JRose @therosegardenevents

Scarlet @bxpoetryhouse

Pauly @spokenwordz.nyc

Leah V @mictasticnyc

It’s important to build healthy relationships with the open mic hosts in order to secure your spot in their shows. Reach out to them via DM, follow up three days later, and/or hit them up via email if they don’t see your DMs. You can say something like: “Hi, I’m X. I’m currently working on a poetry tour in Y and I wanted to know if I could perform at one of your next events. I’d love to tag your community in a social media post before Z. What’s your process for signing up? Thanks!” They’ll tell you when to sign up and how much time you’ll have, so you should plan to get there 10 minutes before sign-up starts. Keep in mind, you may need to purchase a ticket before you can get on the list. While you wait for your big day, engage with the platform’s social media accounts.

3. Plan your poems: Now’s the fun part! You get to choose a theme for your set. Just like I’m focusing on my body for my Skintight tour, you can focus on a part of yourself or your life for your set. You can also skip the theme altogether and perform some old shit, but if you’re down to write new shiiit, then here are some topic ideas: Life Family Dreams Religion Home Culture Love Music If you’re feeling stuck, think of the part of yourself that needs the most healing. I aim to heal my body through my set by raising my voice and watching myself back to really see and accept who I am. When you’re ready to write, just write. And write. And write. Then edit.

4. Design your promo: As you gather your pieces, you can decorate your promo to get attention from your followers. Head on over to Canva to create a free profile. You can use one of their Instagram post templates or create your own if you’re feeling savvy! Notice how I use the colors yellow, orange, purple, and brown in this guide. Notice the background texture and the way the graphics are paw-printed throughout. What colors would best present the feelings you’re trying to convey? Also have fun with the fonts, shapes, and sizes. For a little extra a month, you can remove the background on your pics for even more flexibility. Don’t forget to tag the platforms in your post!

Plan your outfit: This is your chance to be dramatic! Dress to impress and find someone to record you when you get there. Plan your route: How will you get there? What’s the fastest and easiest way to arrive? Plan how much time you will you need. Print out your pieces: Print your work in double space, and underline or circle the words you want to emphasize. Practice your pieces: Your tone will set the mood for the piece. Record yourself reciting your piece and play it back while you shower, run an errand, or commute. Sign up to perform: Don’t forget to put your name on the list! Even if you’re “locked in,” double-check with the host before showtime.

If you want to end your tour with a bang, try securing a feature at an upcoming event! You may get up to 20 minutes to perform. Don’t forget to post your performances on social media and tag me. Still have questions? Reach out to me at wordchefsteph@gmail.com and I can help! Until next time,

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