Calgary Fringe: Catharsis, competition and cash at Mini Poetry Slam

In a traditional theatrical setting there can be very defined roles, the writers write the lines, the actors bring them off the page. But anyone familiar with Fringe knows it’s best to leave your preconceived notions at the door.

Anyone familiar with poetry should be intimately acquainted with that as well.

The two communities should get along fabulously.

“Trigger warnings are implied,” says Ashley Frerichs, the program co-ordinator with the Writer’s Guild of Alberta. “People are really talking about hard stuff and like often traumatic things that have happened to them or people they love.”

This year, the Guild is bringing a Mini Poetry Slam to the Fringe after Dark. A fast-paced, emotionally charged event with more than just bragging rights on the line.

In case you didn’t know, the Calgary poetry community is an active one, with monthly slams at Dicken’s Pub that regularly send local writers to nationals.

“Usually the winner qualifies for nationals,” Frerichs explains. “But this time, it’s different — there’s actually a cash prize. First place gets $100, second gets $50.”

The slam is open to anyone brave enough to sign up. At 9:30 p.m., names go in a hat. Six will be pulled, and each poet performs two original pieces — three minutes max. Points are docked for going over, so pacing is part of the craft.

Judges also reward memorization, stage presence, and audience response. That’s why the theatre crowd fits in so well.

“A lot of theatre kids are great at slams,” Frerichs laughs. “They already know how to deliver a moment.”

Audiences are asked to hold space, not clap loudly (snapping and “hand warmers” are the norm), and if a poet goes long? “We all yell, ‘Screw you, linear time,’” Frerichs says with a grin. “It’s part of the fun.”

It’s all about just having fun, while the nature of a slam is competitive, Frerichs says the people don’t take themselves too seriously, the community is a supportive and newcomers are welcomed.

The Mini Slam is a fundraiser with proceeds split between the Writer’s Guild of Alberta and Calgary Poetry Slam.

Tickets can be found here.

Fringe Festival Mini Poetry Slam
Festival Hall, 1215 10 Avenue SE, Calgary
Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025
Sign-up at 9:30 p.m. | Show starts at 10:00 p.m.
Tickets $22 (sliding scale available for low income)
All proceeds support the Writers Guild of Alberta and Calgary Poetry Slam.
More: www.calgaryfringe.ca