Poet Laureate Events

Voices of San Ramon Teen Open Mic is an immersive celebration of acoustic music and spoken word, where the beauty of language comes alive for teens.  Story-tellers ages 14-18 have a space to use their voice and explore our world’s oldest medium of language while expanding their craft and audience. Experience not necessary, but a sincere interest in having fun while approaching challenging ideas is expected.  This evening will be facilitated by San Ramon Poet Laureate, Jaz Sufi, and we will be creating a safe, inclusive space for all who attend. Attendance is free and sign-ups will be taken when you arrive.

In an effort to create a safe and inclusive space for everyone at these events please review our community norms and guidelines.

Respect & Inclusivity

• Supportive Atmosphere – Encourage snapping, clapping, or cheering for all performers. No booing or negative reactions.
• Respect the Mic – No talking while someone is performing. Give each performer your full attention.
• Inclusive Language & Content – Keep performances respectful and appropriate for a diverse audience. Avoid hate speech, discrimination, or overly explicit content.

Encouragement & Engagement

• Step Up, Step Back – If you’ve performed once, let others have a turn before signing up again.
• Encourage Creativity – All styles and genres are welcome (poetry, music, comedy, storytelling, etc.).
• Mistakes Are Okay – If someone forgets their lines or lyrics, offer encouragement rather than judgment.

Time & Space Considerations

• Honor the Time Limit – Keep performances within the allotted time to allow everyone a chance to share.
• Respect the Space – Take care of the venue, clean up after yourself, and be mindful of shared equipment (like mics or instruments).

Consent & Boundaries

• Ask Before Recording – Only record or post someone’s performance with their permission.
• Respect Personal Boundaries – Avoid pressuring anyone to perform if they don’t want to.