The Poet's Loft-Arkansas Grand Slam

What is the Arkansas Grand Slam?

The Arkansas Grand Slam or ARGS is a performance poetry tournament not connected with, however much like the National Poetry Slam AND IWPS. Though designed for individual competition, poets from all over the world meet and compete in a multi-day performance poetry contest.

How big is the Arkansas Grand Slam?

The event is strictly limited to 40 contestants. Attracting hundreds of audience members it is a smaller, more intimate festival with all the excellence and excitement of the much larger National Poetry Slam and IWPS. You do not have to be a PSI member to compete in this event. Because the event is exclusive, the quality of the competition is some of the best in the world.

What are the prizes?

GUARANTEED PRIZES:

$1250.00 1st.
$750.00 2ND
$350.00 3RD
$150.00 4TH
$100.00 5TH

Audience favorite $50.00

Who can compete in ARGS?

Competitors must be over the age of 18. Forty slots are reserved for individual representatives of nationwide venues. Those are available on a first come, first served basis.

How do I register?

Generally speaking, participants are qualified by featuring at the historic Wednesday Night Open Mic or scheduled SPA CITY SLAM they will then be sent an invitation to compete in ARGS 2010 once they receive that invitation, they then can pay for registration, we are expecting ARGS 2010 to be highly competitive and, as always, maxed out with qualified poets.

Click Here for a PDF file of the Registration Form for ARGS

Will There Be A Last Chance Slam?

Yes! That will be held at The Poet's Loft on Friday the same the night before ARGS 2010 begins we reserve the right to change the format depending on the number of poets signed up. We will try to include as many competitors as possible! We will generally follow National Rules and will announce any differences... Be prepared to show current valid I.D. with your address!

When does ARGS take place?

First full weekend in November. It is a two day event, with preliminary rounds on Friday and finals on Saturday.

When should I arrive?

We strongly recommend competitors arrive no later than 3PM ON FRIDAY night. We happily encourage visitors and competitors alike to arrive the Wednesday BEFORE ARGS to enjoy the beauty of Hot Springs National Park, as well as the numerous events local organizers have scheduled before the competition.

What is the format for ARGS?

ARGS IS a 2 Day tournament. Prelims are on Friday and Finals are on Saturday. All the competitors perform in Prelims. The top 10 poets advance to Finals, which is three-round elimination. The top scoring poet of the final round is the new champ. Numerous official side events before and after the competition are scheduled.

How many poems do I need to win?

1) You need at least FOUR poems. Prelims are a 1 CHANCE 3MINUTE TIME LIMIT slam so each poet much prepare TO DELIVER THE BEST STRAIGHT OUT OF THE GATE. Finals are a three-round elimination slam with standard 3-minute poems.

2) Repeats are NOT allowed during the competition. If you really want to win, however, it is wise to WRITE WELL, SPEAK WELL, AND PERFORM WELL; you will find that substance wins here.

How does the competition actually work?

Up to 40 poets will battle head-to-head during one night of preliminary competition in the Poets Loft. In a attempt to make the final stage, the remaining poets who did not score in the top 10 during prelim, will scrap it out Nov 7th in a second chance round to hopefully become one of the top 5, and will join the top 10 from the pervious night and that’s where the battle begins. 15 will slam it out, and then 10, then 5 for the top prize, all rounds and orders are randomly drawn. All rounds have a no repeat rule and 3 minute time limit.

Who judges the poetry?

What makes Poetry Slams unique is that judges are randomly selected from the audience! One of the basic humanistic tenants of the Slam is that everyone is entitled to an opinion, and that performance poets are accountable to their audiences. The Bout Manager then carefully screens potential judges to ensure they were not ‘planted’ by one of the competitors.

Who can participate?

Anyone and everyone! Aside from being an active listener in our audiences, you are welcome to read your poetry in the many open mics during the tournament. Competition is limited to registered poets.

May I perform if I'm not competing?

Absolutely. Many of the side-events are not competitions, and there will be open sign-ups for the general public.

Whom do I call if I get lost?

Competitors will get the 24-hour “Hotline” number of a Hospitality Specialist after you register. One week before the event, we’ll announce a hotline number for the general public.

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What is the weather like?

Weather in Arkansas is usually mild, and some of our best weather of the year is in the fall! Don't be fooled! Locals always bring a jacket, because the fog can arrive at any time dropping temperatures from the 80's to the 50's in a flash! Temperatures in November average in the high 60’s during the day, and low 40’s at night. Precipitation is minimal (less than two inches). It has always been joked that if you do not like the weather here stick around it’ll change in a day or two

What do I need to know about Hot Springs National Park?

Dubbed Americas first resort, Hot Springs, AR literally sprang to life in an Ouachita Mountains valley containing a remarkable array of 47 thermal springs. The town has long been and remains Arkansas's top tourist destination, and for good reason. Its topflight attractions include Hot Springs National Park with its famed Bath House Row and thermal baths, live and simulcast thoroughbred racing, Magic Springs/Crystal Falls theme and water parks, the 210-acre Garvan Woodland Gardens and a renowned arts community. Other attractions include music, magic and religious shows, lake tours and more. Shopping opportunities, including antiques, abound in the Spa City, as do options for lodging.

Outdoor activities in the Hot Springs, Arkansas area include golf, horseback riding, and mining for quartz crystals, as well as fishing and water sports that center around area lakes Hamilton, Catherine, Ouachita and DeGray. Those activities combine with private lakeside resorts, rental houseboats and other accommodations, including those at three state parks nearby, to create numerous vacation options. Additional recreational opportunities are afforded in the nearby Ouachita National Forest.

What do I eat?

Downtown Hot Springs is a gourmet's delight, and it is difficult to find bad food. Options are great. Near the venues, especially late at night. The poets loft has a gourmet menu and the kitchen will be open at all times. A limited amount of free (yes, FREE) food will be provided for registered poets and ARGS staff on Friday and Saturday. Pam always feeds you!! There are also several restraints and coffeehouses, open during the day. You will be advised of participating restaurants that offer considerable discounts to participating poets.

WiFi & Internet Access?

Many cafes in Hot Springs offer free WiFi. 2 blocks down the Java Jungle, has computers with free internet access for public use.

How do I get around?

The epicenter of ARGS “The Poet’s Loft” is in the center of the downtown historic district everything ARGS is held under the same roof. If you are staying in a hotel in downtown, everything is walking distance... If you don't want to walk, you can always take a cab. If you DO have a car, you'll need to pay for parking downtown. On-street parking is A PAIN there is a secure parking deck on Exchange Street behind The Poet’s Loft.

Airports?

Hot Springs Airport is closest less than 7 miles from The Poet’s Loft, but Little Rock International Airport is a convenient 30 minute drive to The Poet’s Loft.

Can I get to ARGS Greyhound?

Yes if you wish to take Greyhound, we suggest disembarking at the Hot Springs Greyhound Station, which is not too far from the Downtown Historic District and within walking distance of The Poet’s Loft.