Sign up for your local slam heat (check individual event information for how to sign up). It doesn't matter whether you're a first-time performer or a spoken word legend – just be ready to give a breathtaking performance!
Australian Poetry Slam (APS) is a live literary performance program where the audience decides the champion. With 60 heats across the nation, the best slammers perform for the chance to win the APS National Final. In past years the ultimate prize has been an all-expenses-paid international tour, performing at arts festivals around Australia, Southeast Asia and North America.
SIGN UP
PERFORM
Performing writers get a microphone, a live audience, and just two minutes to capture the crowd.The host randomly selects five judges from the audience. After each performance, judges hold up scorecards using a 1-10 scale. Performing writers with the top scores go to the next round.
Whether you're a poet or an audience member, you can be part of the search for the next Australian Poetry Slam champion!
PROCESS
Heats run in partnership with libraries, organisations and venues across Australia. Performers from each heat are chosen by audiences as local slam champions.
Local slam champions are invited to Regional, Territory or State Finals. Audiences at Finals choose two powerful wordsmiths to compete in the Australian Poetry Slam National Final.
The audience picks one performing writer to be crowned Australian Poetry Slam Champion.
The Australian Poetry Slam Champion performs with arts festivals around Australia, Southeast Asia and North America.