Editing Open mic (section)

==Poetry, rapping and spoken word==
[[Image:Jeanette reads her own work Little Grill Collective open mic Harrisonburg VA June 2008.jpg|thumb|upright|A poet [[Poetry reading|reading her work]] at the [[Little Grill Collective|Little Grill]] in June 2008]]
Poetry and spoken word open mics feature a host, who is normally a poet or spoken word artist, poets and spoken word artists, and audience members. Sometimes open mic nights have featured readers, or are part of a writing workshop, but generally a sign-up sheet is available for anyone interested in participating. Each participant is then called to come to the microphone and read a selection or two.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Poets|first=Academy of American|title=Read a poem at an open mic {{!}} Academy of American Poets|url=https://poets.org/text/read-poem-open-mic|access-date=2020-06-28|website=poets.org}}</ref> Writers may attend an open mic to try out a new piece for an audience or to find out more about the local writing community. Others attend poetry open mics just to listen.<ref name=":0" /> Poetry/spoken word open mics range from laid back, serene settings to lively sessions where readers and/or performers compete for audience applause. They are usually held in libraries, [[coffee house]]s, cafes, bookstores and bars.

Each poet or spoken word artist is often asked to keep their performances to a minimum/specified time slot, giving each performer enough time to share some of their work with the audience. The host or MC acts as a "gatekeeper", determining which performers are suitable for the event. If a performer goes over their time limit, the host diplomatically thanks the performer for their contribution and asks them to yield the stage for the next performer.