If you’re looking for a powerful, low-cost, and inclusive way to connect students, give them the mic. A well-run college open mic event can become a consistent monthly program on campus, offering students a platform to speak their truth, share their stories, and build community. Whether they’re expressing themselves through poetry, music, comedy, or storytelling, open mics give students a space that is as healing as it is entertaining.

Why Host an Open Mic Night?

A college open mic event is more than just a casual performance night. It is an outlet for self-expression, a space for community healing, and an opportunity for students to develop confidence and creativity. Across the country, open mic nights are often lifelines for students navigating mental health challenges or for those from marginalized communities seeking connection.

By offering a consistent venue for artistic expression, you are not just putting on a fun event. You are inspiring a sense of belonging, building leadership, and helping students find their voice.

Inspired by “Slammin’ Your Campus Venue”

This idea was developed from the educational session “Slammin’ Your Campus Venue: Developing Purposeful and Engaging Open Mic Programming” by Lane Shuler and Jonathan “Courageous” Clark of I.N.K., a spoken word duo from Neon Entertainment. The session explores how to transform a simple student center into a vibrant stage where voices matter and creativity thrives.

Drawing from their extensive experience performing at colleges nationwide, I.N.K. offers inspiration for building impactful open mic programming that goes far beyond a one-night event. Their approach encourages campuses to create lasting, inclusive spaces that support student development and cultural expression.

What Makes a Great College Open Mic Event?

Taking inspiration from poetry slam culture, successful open mic nights combine structure with creative freedom. Here’s how to set the stage:

• Establish clear guidelines and time limits for performers
• Set up a sign-up list and designate an engaging host
• Encourage audience participation. Consider scoring or themed nights
• Create a warm, welcoming space for performers and listeners alike

These simple steps turn your event from a casual gathering into a signature campus experience.

About the Creators of the Concept

This college open mic event idea was designed by Lane Shuler and Jonathan “Courageous” Clark, the high-energy spoken word duo known as I.N.K. Dubbed “The Penn and Teller of Poetry,” I.N.K. brings positivity to poetry through a unique mix of spoken word, comedy, and hip-hop. Their performances touch on topics like diversity, social justice, depression, suicide prevention, and more.

Courageous, a biracial poet and emcee, and Lane, a mental health advocate, offer dynamic perspectives that resonate with a wide range of student audiences. Their work has been featured on Oprah’s Oxygen Network, HGTV, TV One, and more. Their experience performing at colleges across the country fuels their passion for helping campuses create inclusive programming through events like open mics.

Build and Grow Your Series

Start with a single open mic night and let it grow into a monthly tradition. Collaborate with student leaders, cultural orgs, and wellness initiatives to increase reach and impact. As your program expands, you can:

• Feature professional artists like I.N.K.
• Offer poetry or storytelling workshops beforehand
• Build a student slam team to compete in national events like CUPSI or Brave New Voices

Pro Tip: Hosting a college open mic event during high-traffic times of the day like after dinner or high traffic events like Welcome Week, Black History Month, or Mental Health Awareness Month helps maximize visibility and relevance. It will also help you build your audience for future events.  

A college open mic event isn’t just about performance. It’s about presence. It’s about giving students space to speak, to listen, and to be heard. With guidance from “Slammin’ Your Campus Venue,” and the energy of I.N.K.’s example, your campus can create an open mic program that makes a lasting impact one mic at a time.