Annual Shakespeare's Birthday Sonnet Slam
Where 154 sonnets are spoken aloud by 154 readers of all ages and abilities
produced by Willful Pictures
Riverside Church, 9th Floor Lounge
91 Claremont Avenue
(nearest cross streets: Riverside Drive and W 122nd)
NY, NY, 10027
You must use the entrance at 91 Claremont Avenue.
Elevator access
If you sign up to be a Reader and get a confirmation email for a sonnet, PLEASE SHOW UP ON Saturday, April 22, 2023. No-Show readers create chaos and leave people who wanted to be a Sonneteer excluded. It’s ok if you need to cancel before April 21, that gives waitlisted people a chance for a confirmed sonnet. Just email sonnetslam@gmail.com and let us know.
Mandatory check-in for Readers is from 12:00pm to 12:30pm. It is vital to be there for check-in so we know who is missing and can get that Sonnet number covered. If you do not check in and get your nametag, we may think you are a no-show and give your number to another Reader.
You do not need to memorize your sonnet. We will have paper printouts available but if you want to memorize your sonnet, please do.
We welcome Standby Readers. If you know anyone who can come to the event (and likes to cold read Shakespeare?) to pop in for a No- Show sonnet, we will be very grateful. Have them show up at 12:15pm to get registered and a sonnet number.
Please speak ONLY your name, sonnet number and the words of your sonnet.
We want to keep things moving and have a unique experience where it’s just you and Shakespeare, so please: no pitching, no promoting and no dedications spoken aloud at the mic. We understand everyone has great projects and things to share and we would be glad to support that via social media in advance.
Dress however you wish: Comfy, Classy, Funky, Elizabethan, however makes you happy.
The Slam will start at 1pm and end by 4:15pm. After you read your sonnet, you are welcome to leave or stay and support the other Sonneteers.
Attend at your own risk. Masks are optional. We strongly recommend ALL GUESTS take a Covid test the day before the Sonnet Slam. If you test positive or are having symptoms of illness, please stay home.
We really appreciate all those who have stepped up and donated to produce the event. If you’d like to donate or share the link to donate, here ’tis:
Our guests are welcome to take still photos but please, NO VIDEOTAPING. Some of our guests are Union performers and some guests just prefer NOT to be videotaped except by the crew that is hired for our event.
The Slam is videotaped and are posted for free to view on the Willful Pictures Vimeo Channel. All Readers must agree to a release of video rights. Readers can review and sign the release form once assigned a sonnet.