Come one, come all to Metro State’s Open Mic for writers, presented by Haute Dish! This ongoing, monthly series is open to current students, alumni, staff, and faculty. Come ready to share your writing or relax in the audience and absorb the Metro talent that abounds! Poetry, short stories, and prose are welcomed. Note that each reader will have 5-7 minutes to speak, so please prepare accordingly. To share your work, sign up HERE. To watch, just show up! Please reach out to Stephanie Major with any questions stephanie.major@my.metrostate.edu.
Where: Library and Learning Center, First-Floor Fireplace Lounge
When: April 9th, 2026, 6:00-8:00pm
FAQs
Who is this event open to?
Any Metro State student, alumni, faculty, or staff.
Do I have to read or can I just listen?
We welcome any participants who would just like to support and cheer on their Metro State friends. No need to sign up if you just plan on listening. To read, sign up here.
When will the event take place?
Events will typically be held on the second Thursday of the month, from 6:00-8:00pm, in the fireside room of the Metro State Library.
What can I share?
This is an open mic for poetry, prose, and short stories. The mic is open to all who wish to read their writing. For music, comedy, or any non-writing acts, please talk to your faculty advisor about starting an open mic geared toward your specific art, or look for open mics that fit your need within your community.
What are the rules and guidelines I should follow?
Haute Dish Open Mic Rules
- No hate or bullying allowed!
- Keep your creative writing spirit alive but bear in mind that reading of any content that promotes, celebrates, or shares in a forgiving light any hate speech, bullying, or harmful/violent content is strictly prohibited.
- Follow Metro State rules and guidelines!
- This is a university hosted event. That means you are expected to abide by the same decorum, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as you do in class.
- Please observe basic etiquette and respect your peers. This means:
- No heckling the person at the microphone
- No side chats while folks are reading
- If you are talking during the event, you will be asked to leave!
- Keep your phone on silent
- Do not record others without obtaining permission
- Be respectful of time limit (5-7 minutes) Use your phone to time if needed.
- Stick around for the full performance, especially if you’re sharing a piece
- Don’t apologize!
- Seriously! You are bringing us work that you poured your heart and soul into. You are dedicated and brave for writing and sharing. Sometimes folks will say, “I’m sorry, this isn’t very good,” and that’s simply not true. Never apologize for being who you are, where you are, and doing something brave and true to yourself.
- What are the blank papers for on the tables?
- These are for comments & connection! If you like the work someone did and want to compliment them or would like to connect with others after the event, feel free to jot something down! It can be something you admired about their piece, or it can be whatever contact information you feel comfortable sharing with others.
- Please keep in mind that the person you’re sharing your contact information with is under no obligation to contact you.
Are there any topics that are off-limits?
See the rules above, paying close attention to rule #1:
Keep your creative writing spirit alive but bear in mind that reading of any content that promotes, celebrates, or shares in a forgiving light any hate speech, bullying, or harmful/violent content is strictly prohibited. It’s cool to share what makes you creatively you. It’s not cool to be hateful or act like a bully.
Additionally, if you have any topics that seem as though they should require a trigger warning, we encourage you to use one. If you’re not sure if you should use one, err on the side of caution and use it anyway. If you have questions, please email hautedish@metrostate.edu.
What if I have feedback about the event?
We love feedback! As this is a new event, we are striving to make this the best event it can be. Any feedback, suggestions, questions, or concerns should be directed to hautedish@metrostate.edu.
What if I can’t make it to the event?
We are open to setting up a second monthly open mic, if enough interest is shown. If Thursday nights aren’t good for you, or if you aren’t getting a chance to read on Thursdays due to more sign-ups than time allowed, let us know! Email hautedish@metrostate.edu.
What if I’m nervous?
Do it nervous!
Maggie Kuhn once said, “Leave safety behind. Put your body on the line. Stand before the people you fear and speak your mind – even if your voice shakes. When you least expect it, someone may actually listen to what you have to say.”
Emerson said, “Speak what you think now in hard words, and to-morrow speak what to-morrow thinks in hard words again, though it contradict every thing you said to-day.”
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”
Van Gogh said, “If you hear a voice within you say, ‘You cannot paint’, then by all means paint! And that voice will be silenced.”
E.E. Cummings said, “Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.”
You have a voice and your voice is important! It comes from you, your unique story, your unique path, the way you see the world as only you can see it. We want to hear it! Take a chance!
I have other questions that are not listed here.
Please email us at hautedish@metrostate.edu.