The National Poetry Slam (NPS) is a unique convergence of talent, passion, and spoken word artistry. For one week each year, poets from all over the country come together to compete, collaborate, and create something extraordinary. This is not just about competition; it’s about community, storytelling, and the magic of sharing verses in front of an audience. Yet, while the stage glows under bright spotlights, much of the true excitement happens behind the scenes. Here’s a look at what goes on beyond the performances—the world backstage at the National Poetry Slam.
A Melting Pot of Poets
The first thing anyone notices upon entering the venue is the eclectic mix of individuals from every corner of the country. The National Poetry Slam attracts poets of all backgrounds—some seasoned veterans of the spoken word circuit, others fresh newcomers with nothing but passion and a voice full of promise. Here, it’s not unusual to see a high school teacher sharing a conversation with a tattooed artist or a corporate worker bonding with a free-spirited vagabond. In this melting pot, the diversity of experiences and personalities only enhances the energy of the event.
The days leading up to the competition are filled with introductions and reunions. Many poets already know each other from previous slams, while others are meeting for the first time, but they are united by a common love for poetry. Behind the scenes, friendships are formed, teams gel, and creative collaborations begin to emerge. The poets might be competitors, but there is also a sense of camaraderie—each poet cheering for others to succeed, knowing that the performance is about more than a score.
Preparation: The Rituals Before the Stage
For many poets, their performance preparation is a deeply personal ritual. Before stepping onto the stage, some practice breathing exercises, others rehearse quietly in corners, pacing back and forth, repeating lines under their breath. In the green room, it’s easy to see the varied pre-performance rituals that keep the poets grounded. One poet may sit silently, eyes closed, visualizing their performance, while another huddles with teammates, laughing to shake off the nerves.
Team slams add another layer to the preparation, as poets need to synchronize their movements, harmonize their voices, and fine-tune their timing. The energy is palpable—the mix of excitement and nerves, the adrenaline building up before they walk out on stage. Many poets scrawl last-minute notes in their journals or scratch out words that no longer feel right, always searching for the perfect flow. Behind the scenes, this controlled chaos is part of the magic that ultimately transforms into a polished performance in front of the crowd.
The Judges: The Unknown Factor
One of the most nerve-wracking elements of any slam is the judges. Selected randomly from the audience, the judges can be anyone: a seasoned slam attendee or someone who is hearing spoken word poetry for the very first time. Backstage, poets joke about the unpredictability of the judging—sometimes a deeply personal poem will get an average score, while a comedic piece can receive a perfect ten. It’s the randomness that makes the competition exhilarating and often frustrating.
Behind the scenes, poets talk about their relationship with the audience and how much they want their words to resonate. But, as many seasoned slam poets know, the scores aren’t everything. The real reward comes when a poem strikes a chord, when someone in the audience nods in recognition, or when a stranger approaches afterward to say that a poem spoke to their soul. It is these connections that matter most—even more than the scorecards held up by the judges.
Team Dynamics: More than Just Words
The National Poetry Slam isn’t only about individual poets—it’s also about teams and collaboration. Each team comes to the competition with its own dynamic and unique approach to poetry. Backstage, the teamwork required to compete becomes evident. Poets huddle together, working through last-minute changes, providing feedback, and offering words of encouragement. The chemistry within each team is palpable, and the performances are often the result of hours spent working, living, and laughing together.
Team performances often involve intricate choreography, synchronized movements, and even musical elements. To witness the behind-the-scenes preparation is to see an intensive process of collaboration, compromise, and creativity. Disagreements might arise as poets debate over how a line should be delivered or who should take center stage, but these moments of tension are quickly smoothed over by a common goal—to create something powerful. The trust between teammates is evident as they support each other not only in crafting the perfect poem but in giving each member the confidence to shine on stage.
Moments of Vulnerability
What truly makes the National Poetry Slam special is the vulnerability shared by each poet. Behind the scenes, poets share stories that are deeply personal—stories that they have shaped into powerful spoken word pieces. It is not uncommon to witness moments of raw emotion backstage. There are tears before and after performances—tears of fear, catharsis, and sometimes joy. The National Poetry Slam is a safe space for poets to open themselves up, to be honest about their pain, joy, fears, and hopes.
This vulnerability can be exhausting. Behind the scenes, poets often take breaks to recharge—whether by finding a quiet corner to meditate, going outside for a breath of fresh air, or simply sitting down with friends for a comforting hug. The atmosphere is a mix of excitement, tension, and empathy, as poets hold space for each other’s emotions and provide a sense of community that makes the intensity of the competition manageable.
The Workshops and Side Events
The National Poetry Slam is more than just a competition; it’s also an opportunity for learning and growth. During the event, poets participate in workshops led by well-known spoken word artists and writers. These workshops are opportunities for poets to refine their craft, learn new techniques, and explore different approaches to writing and performance. Topics can range from using humor in poetry to navigating complex social issues through spoken word.
The side events also include open mics, where anyone—competitor or not—can step up and share their work. These open mics are a reminder of the welcoming nature of the spoken word community: a place where everyone’s voice matters. For many poets, these moments—free from the pressure of scores and judges—are the highlights of the week. It’s here, in the intimate venues, where the true heart of the National Poetry Slam can often be found.
The Aftermath: Bonds Beyond the Slam
As the competition progresses, some poets will make it to the finals while others won’t, but in the end, the bonds forged behind the scenes are what endure. The moments spent rehearsing, sharing meals, laughing, and crying together are what make the National Poetry Slam such a powerful experience. After the final scores are tallied and the winners announced, poets gather together one last time—not as competitors, but as friends.
Backstage, after the last poem has been performed, there is a sense of release. The competition is over, but the memories remain. Many poets take this time to connect with one another, share contact information, and make plans to meet at future slams. The sense of community is palpable, and the National Poetry Slam becomes less of a competition and more of a reunion—a place where artists can gather, inspire, and be inspired.
The Power of Spoken Word
Behind the curtain of the National Poetry Slam lies a world that is as vibrant and dynamic as the performances on stage. It’s a world of hard work, camaraderie, vulnerability, and passion. The poets who come to compete do so not just to win but to share their stories, to be heard, and to connect—with each other and with the audience.
The behind-the-scenes experience at the National Poetry Slam is a reminder that spoken word is about much more than points or prizes. It’s about the power of words to bring people together, to challenge, to heal, and to celebrate the beautiful, messy human experience.
