Students perform at the first Terpoets of the semester. Photos by Dylan Moroses.

Dylan Moroses
Reporter

The first Terpoets of the semester almost ended an hour early. But sophomore Dolapo Demuren, who was hosting for the first time Tuesday, used funny quips and had a welcoming attitude to encourage more students to get up to the mic and read.

It worked.

The open mic series went on until 9:30 p.m., offering solace to an audience of more than 20 on a storm-ridden night.

“I am elated with the way things turned out,” said Anika Warner, the president of Terpoets. “The level of participation is excellent and I am so happy to see so many new faces.”

Terpoets is working to improve the series and attract more participants and attendees. There will be surveys asking how Terpoets can be improved and Terpoets T-shirts will be sold at the open mics.

The open mic series offers writers the ability to express their talents in whatever form they choose.

“Terpoets is an area where writers can meet other writers to inspire and encourage each other,” Demuren said.

There was a student who beatboxed and others read poems or short stories, an epic poem or freestyled with music.

The open mic series incorporates all different talents, according to Jim Sullivan, a sophomore anthropology major who read his poetry for the first time at a Terpoets event. “The informality fits really well,” he said.

Many newcomers attended the first event as well as seasoned Terpoets attendees.

“I don’t think I missed a Terpoets last year,” said Tyler Kutner, a sophomore who read twice Tuesday night and considers himself a Terpoets veteran.

The next Terpoets open mic is October 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the basement of Dorchester Hall.

“The focus was on the speakers and not on me, and that’s the way it ought to be,” Demuren said. “The great thing about Terpoets is that it’s up to the people and their voices. We provide the avenue for them to be themselves.”