Fort Worth Community Arts Center (FWCAC) is pleased to announce that the Second Annual Fort Worth Youth Poetry Slam will be held at the Center on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. The competition is open to all Fort Worth students ages 11 to 18. Original works to be read should not exceed three minutes, 10 seconds in performance time. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, May 2, 2007.

Entries should include an excerpt of up to one hundred words, and should give the student’s name, age, and school. English and drama teachers and other instructors can nominate their best students, or students can enter the competition directly.

Nationally ranked poet and performance artist Michael Guinn, who is once again organizing the event, says that the poetry must be original and may pertain to any subject, so long as it’s from the heart. Michael asks that language guidelines be observed. The poetry need not be memorized.

Students will be judged by people randomly selected from the audience who will consider writing ability and performance skills. Twenty-five semi-finalists will be chosen. There will be certificates, trophies and prizes.

The Youth Slam will open with a reception starting at 5:30 p.m., with food, music and entertainment. The evening is scheduled to wrap up at 8:30 p.m.

To enter the competition, or to request additional information, please e-mail Michael Guinn at jordanmichaelg@yahoo.com or call him at 817-412-3964.