How to Perform at Any Open Mic

The open mic is descended from talent shows and hootenannies. People are welcome to stand up and express themselves creatively through music, poetry or comedy. Whether you're overcoming a fear of public performance or trying out new material, it's your window to grab those 15 minutes of fame (or however many you're allowed) and then sit down while someone else has a turn. You might impress, embarrass or confuse people. It doesn't matter as long as you have fun.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Find a venue. Some bars and clubs host regular or occasional open mics. Since these are usually nighttime events, check out the neighborhoods for safety, parking and access. Step inside to get the sound and feel of the room. You might even want to attend one open mic as a non-performer.
2. Prepare your material. Rehearse until you can do it from memory and then rehearse some more. Being on stage can be stimulating or dislocating, so you should be as familiar as possible with your reason for being there.
3. Arrive at the open mic early enough to mingle. Introduce yourself. Join conversations. It's a social event with people who'll be performing for each other, so you might as well make friends.
4. As the event begins, pay attention to procedure and etiquette. Do performers observe a time limit? What's the policy about adjusting mic stands, moving chairs, onstage guitar tuning or water bottles on the piano?
5. When it's your turn on stage, relax as much as possible. Even if you're nervous, be upbeat and friendly. You were an audience member before this, and you'll be there again soon. No one is here to judge. They understand that show biz is hard work and early stage imperfection is allowed.
6. If you screw up during your performance, keep on going. Be a good sport. Whatever happens, staying positive can only help your forward momentum.
7. Graciously accept your applause on stage. If anyone compliments you afterward, take it at face value. No one wants to hear the details of how you might have screwed up. Maybe they didn't notice. Maybe they genuinely liked you.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn the signup or selection procedure beforehand. Is it a list or a lottery? Do you have to purchase a ticket? Deal with a mob? For popular events, details like these could determine whether you play to a full house or the late night holdouts.
• If you're unfamiliar with the event, don't be the first on stage. Watching others will help you prepare.
• Use your adrenaline. If you know your material well, or if there's room to improvise, the right kind of energy can take you to surprising places.
• Stay until the end of the evening if possible. Network with your fellow performers. Keep your connections alive from one open mic to the next. Build the supportive community every local performer needs.
• Don't boo, jeer or mock from the audience. Praise other acts from the stage, if you have to say anything about them. Because imagine how you'd feel if someone disrespected you.
• If the sound person is able and willing to record your performance, bring your own recording medium. Since open mics generally don't earn the house a lot of money, it's rude to expect them to burn you a free CD.
• If you plan to record your own audio or video or shoot photos, ask permission. Many people are okay with this, but some aren't. Respect their wishes.