Pig Iron Poetry Slam open to competitors

Judges for the event will be selected from the audience.

YOUNGSTOWN — The Pig Iron Literary & Art Works will host its ninth annual Pig Iron Poetry Slam at the Victorian Players, 702 Mahoning Ave., 7:45 p.m. Sept. 19. The event is an open poetry competition, peer reviewed by a panel of judges selected from the audience.

Performers read one self-authored poem, and anyone attending may participate. The performances will be scored. The winner will take home a piggy bank of prizes and certificates.

There are no age, experience, or other kinds of restrictions on those who participate.

Sign-up is at the door the evening of the contest and begins at 6:45 p.m. and closes at 7:30 p.m. There is no advance registration.

Readers are limited to one original poem and four minutes to present. No props or costumes are allowed. The order of the performers will be randomly selected by lot, just before each presentation. The master of ceremonies and scorekeeper will tabulate and post scores after each presentation.

Six nonparticipating spectators will be randomly selected to serve as judges. Judges will evaluate readers based on the quality of the work and the originality of the presentation.

Presenters can read from the script. The highest-scoring reader at the evening’s close will take home a piggy bank.

Second-place finisher will receive a gift certificate. If there is a tie, a playoff round will determine the winner.

There is no admission charge. For more information, call (330) 747-6932.