Fort Collins is known for its poetry slams, but a new group is bringing poetry shares to the artistic community. 

Empty Tent Circus, a local Fort Collins artist collective, will host their third poetry share this evening. 

So, what is the difference between a slam and a share?

G McDonald, Empty Tent Circus poetry share host, said a poetry slam is a competitive event in which poets perform their original work and are assessed by judges and members of the audience. Conversely, poetry shares are non-competitive and promote more of a welcoming environment for anybody, amateur, professional or moderate wishing to share their work.

When: March 28

Time: 7:30 pm –9:00 pm

Where: Blue Door Innovative Cocktails at the Blind Pig, 214 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80526

Age requirement: 21+

Typically, around 35 people are in attendance at the Blue Door each time the Empty Tent Circus host a poetry share. They are a relatively new group, having hosted two shares so far.

There will be eight or more performers at the event. Performances are structured by the poet’s level of experience. It is an open and welcoming event, and there is no overall theme that needs to be included in the poems; however, no hate talk will be allowed, McDonald said. 

Jarrae Newell can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @Jarrae_Newell.