Courtney Meredith - 2008 First Prize Winner

Annual Going West Poetry Slam

About Going West Poetry Slam

Poetry slam is the competitive art of performance poetry. It puts a dual emphasis on writing and performance, encouraging poets to focus on what they're saying and how they're saying it.

Come along and perform your work or join the audience for a great night out.  A panel of 3 judges decide the overall winners based on originality, style and performance.

Poets compete for prize money plus spot and encouragement prizes:

• 1st Prize $500 cash
• 2nd Prize $200 cash
• 3rd Prize $100 cash

The event is run by an MC, who makes sure the rules are followed. If you are thinking of having a go, please read the rules. Our slam master is Michael Rudd, who has been doing a fine job in this role at Going West since our poetry slam event started in 2004.

On the night you must register to perform at the door, but the number of registrations are limited. We recommend you arrive at 7 pm to register.

Watch for details of the next Going West Poetry Slam in September 2008.

Read about other Going West events.

Contact us with your name and address to join our mailing list.

Note: All images by Glenda Roberts

Winners of the 2008 Poetry Slam

Judged award		Courtney Meredith Georgina Monro      Jamie Banks  Leilani Burgoyne
First Prize:	Courtney Meredith
Second Prize:	Georgina Monro
Third Prize:	Jamie Banks
Encouragement Award:	Leilani Burgoyne

The Going West judges 2006. Left to right; Michele A’Court, Cherie Barford, Iain Sharp

Rules for the Going West Poetry Slam

• 3 minutes or less (time starts from when you speak)
• 1 poem only per round
• All poems must be original
• No props, no costumes, no musical instruments.
• Entrants need to be prepared to perform up to 3 pieces

• 1st piece for the first round
• 2nd for the finals
• 3rd in case of a tie

• Registration is open to all on the night but numbers are limited (get there early to register on the door)

Read about other Going West events and email us with your name and address to join our mailing list.

Michael Rudd, Going West’s Poetry Slam MC

Michael Rudd - MC for Going West’s Poetry Slam

Michael Rudd is an active organiser of poetry events. Over the past ten years he has been involved with poetry gigs on both sides of the Tasman (Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Wellington). He’s at his happiest when the majority of an audience say they haven’t been to a poetry gig before, and that they enjoyed themselves.

Slam Poetry events have been his focus lately, as he says, "They are ideal for a new audience, people can experience a whole smorgasbord of poetry in one evening. Slams are perfect for breaking down the misconceptions and stereotypes around poetry. They show that poetry is like the FM band - there’s something for everyone."

Michael has performed poetry in NZ on television - The Panel TV3, Breakfast, TV1 and the late news on both major networks, and radio - BFM, National Radio, NewstalkZB and community stations. He also produced the groundbreaking CD 'Aural Ink’ (NZ), a live recording of a night of poetry/performance at the Temple bar in Auckland.

Read about other Going West events or email us with your name and address to join our mailing list.

Previous Winners

Winners of the Poetry Slam 2007
 

Winners of the Poetry Slam 2006
 

Winners of the Poetry Slam 2005
 

Winners of the Poetry Slam 2004