One Mic Stand Welcomes Spoken Word Artists

PVCC’s One Mic Stand only happens twice a semester – open mic nights can be hard to execute. The attendance all depends on the weather, the season, even other events in the area can affect how many people show up. With this unpredictable nature, open mic nights become somewhat of a unique experience.

When you step inside the One Mic Stand and slip past the stage to your seat, you have no idea what exactly you will see that night.

The One Mic Stand was held on Feb. 13, tucked away in PVCC’s Maxwell Theater in the Dickinson building. There was a variety of entertainment, from poetry recited in German to traditional Irish singing. Not all performances were elaborate – there were those reading poetry from their phones and those who shared personal stories with the small audience off sheets of paper – but each performance was unique and almost intimate in its own special way.

The house manager, Patricia Jassmann, helped performers sign up and eased the tension long before the show started. She spoke of past open mic nights fondly, recalling shows that date back to 2016 with a teasing tone.

“Sometimes it’s good – sometimes it’s like a church sermon,” Jassmann said. “Occasionally, they make me glad I’m on the other side of the door.”

The One Mic Stand goes from 7-8:30 p.m. most times – almost long enough for the pulpit, but the variety of the performances keeps things interesting. Late entry is strongly discouraged – the entrance to the theater is behind the small stage set up with a stool, a microphone, and a lectern.

The seating is close to the stage, four rows set up on risers getting subtly higher in the back of the room. No matter where you sit – you are close to the action, whether it be script reading or storytelling.

Because of these factors, entering the room can become a performance in itself. However, audience members are encouraged to participate and bring their own stories, poems, songs, or anecdotes to the stage – just preferably approaching from the right side of the room.

With intimate seating and open invitations for the audience to share their own performances, the One Mic Stand gives off a welcoming air. With this welcoming tone to the proceedings and a variety of entertainment, the One Mic Stand is an event to watch the PVCC calendar for – the next one is scheduled for April 9.

Jassmann concluded with a short summary of the atmosphere attendees can expect: “We don’t allow rotten tomatoes.”