I'm thinking of getting very brave and starting an open mic in St Agnes. How should I do it? There is a suitable venue here I think, so that's something. But - how to get people together, what if no one turns up - help!!!!!!!

Well done, Ann. Good for you. I've never run an open-mic evening but observation suggests two things -

1. They seem to work better where two people who get on well buddy up. It reduces the pressure on one person - if they can't make it, there's cover. Is there anyone else in St A who might fit the bill?

2. The layout of the room affects the dynamics of the evening. For example, an oblong room with a stage/podium or something like it is very different to smaller, squarer rooms which favour the informal read-around. You have to be clear about what you want.

Hopefully the real experts will come in with techie stuff

I suppose it boils down to the venue,
the people, the funding, and the follow through. For obvious reasons we need a place and time that will be supported by people and pecuniary viability and then the marketing of it and the political will to keep it going and diversifying and its expansion.

Yes, I was at that one, a "one off" (although we might do another one!) and it was jolly good! I even put the listing on WOL myself! But thanks for pointing it out Mr Gig Administrator. I didn't organise it though, it was a local writing group that I used to belong to. Everyone else read short stories not poems and as it was a writing group, it was a ready-made set of people and their husbands & pals in the audience. What worries me is being able to get a load of individuals turning up out of the woodwork, if you see what I mean. But it was a good start!

Can't you find a good pub with a venue room above? Alcohol tends to loosen everyone up and helps with the comedy side.

I suppose it depends on what type of event you are looking to run. If it is serious and arty, then the back of the library or museum would do. If it is light hearted and eclectic, I would look for more informal surroundings.

I would advertise it by spreading as many flyers as possible in cafes, bars, restaurants, bus stations etc You must have free local rags that advertise such stuff as well? Even if your flyers are home made, off the computer. People just need to know it's on. I found out about the Tudor from a local newspaper. I had no ideat the performance poetry world existed until I went there.

I should add that I have no experience in setting up a venue - these are just the things that I imagine I would do...

Good luck, anyway. x

I suppose if you are really going for it you could advertise it in colleges - it is good to get young people involved...

Thanks Isobel, all good advice. I think I just have to get off my behind and DO it!

Good luck with it, Ann. If I lived somewhat nearer - would defo come down to support you.

Only suggestion I could give you is if you get it set up, is promote everything and anywhere you can and don't be dis-hearted if it takes time to get going. I used to co-run a night in Bolton called 'Poets and...', and we had ups and down in its attendance.

Ann
If starting an Open Mic in an area where there is no tradition of one is too big a step why not test the water by going to a local folk club (or similar) and asking if they take a poetry slot; do a session or too and sound out how it's gone down. If there's interest suggest a one-off night majoring on poetry or declare indepenence and set a dedicated one up.

Just to say I went to Cafe Frug in St Ives on Thursday evening and totally loved it. There was hardly anyone in the audience, mostly other performers (holiday season - not so good), but that just didn't matter. I learned a lot from the WONDERFUL Bob Deveraux who has hosted and run this gig for donkey's years. He is such a wise and generous performer/host. I couldn't do better than to try and emulate him. (If only!) AND . . he promises to come to an open mic in Aggie when I get one going. GREAT!

Hi Ann, I hope your project prospers. At the Puzzle we don't have funding and we pass a hat round and give the proceeds to the guest reader. We have a guest for half an hour, then a break, then open mic. When we started it was up and down for a while. One evening there were just two of us! But you can advertise in book shops, libraries, newspaper shops and colleges and don't forget facebook and Twitter. Find a space, fix a date. people will come.

Thanks Freda. I am looking forward to it, except when I lay awake last night and thought "What Have I Done!" :0