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Poems of Provocation & Witness: March 22-25, 2012

Festival FAQs

Registration Questions | Presenter FAQs | Other Questions

General Info about the Festival

Q: What types of events can I expect to see at Split This Rock?
A: The festival includes a wonderful variety of activities! The daytime sessions are usually one of three kinds of convenings: group readings, panel or roundtable discussions, or workshops. In addition there will be readings by featured poets, open mics, public activism, programs for youth, and a dance party. Also, you’ll have the opportunity to meet poet/activists from all over the country while exploring the historic U Street Corridor in Washington, DC.

Q: Once I get to DC, where can I get my my festival badge?
A: If you have pre-registered, you can pick up your badge and program at the pre-registration table at the Thurgood Marshall Center located at 1816 12th Street, NW, 20009. Please give yourself extra time to check in before attending your first session—lines can get long, especially on Thursday and Friday mornings. If you are a walk-in, use the walk-in registration table at The Thurgood Marshall Center. Please wear your badge to all events.

Q: How do I find out the schedule in advance for festival events?
A: We have posted a full listing of festival events. Please note the schedule is subject to some changes due to unforeseeable cancellations. However, the majority of the schedule will remain unchanged. Once you arrive at the festival you will also receive a copy of the schedule in your program book. Large-print versions will be available.

Q: What days of the week are the festival held?
A: The festival begins on Thursday, March 22 and ends on Sunday, March 25. For locals and out-of-towners who arrive Wednesday, March 21, we’ll have a kick-off reception and reading Wednesday evening. Watch the schedule for details.

Q: What times are the festival events scheduled throughout the day?
A: Festival events begin each day at 9:30 am. Each session runs for 90 minutes, with a minimum of 30 minutes between sessions. Please give yourself extra time to check in before attending your first festival session, as there can be long lines. Readings by the festival’s featured poets are Thursday and Friday evenings, Saturday afternoon and evening, with an after-hours open mic or party each night. You’ll want to stick around Sunday for a reading and closing ceremony, which will conclude by 1 pm.

Q: There are so many sessions! How many should I attend?
A: Attend as many events as you like. When making your schedule for the week, keep in mind that you may need time for sleeping, eating, socializing and visiting Saturday’s book fair. We include an hour break for lunch and more for dinner.

Q: Who plans the Festival events? Who chooses them?
A: Split This Rock solicits session proposals during the summer prior to the festival. Sessions and featured poets are selected by the Split This Rock staff, board members, and members of the Split This Rock Festival Planning Committee.

Q: How much does it cost to register?
A: For full festival registration, the early-bird rate is $75. After February 22 (or onsite at the festival), registration is $100. Presenters get the early-bird rate. The student rate for full festival registration is $40. The day rate is $40 ($20 for students) except Sunday ($25/$10). Scholarships are available. (Note: Festival registration is completely sold out.)

Q: What if I have other questions?
A: Contact Split This Rock at info@splitthisrock.org or (202) 787-5210.

Registering for the Festival

Q: How do I register?
A: There are two easy ways to register: (1) Visit the festival registration page or (2) Complete a paper registration form (download and mail it to us). (Note: Festival registration is completely sold out.)

Q: How do I know I have registered successfully?
A: You will receive an email confirmation within 7-10 business days of receipt of your registration form (submitted online or as paper registration). You will not receive tickets in the mail. STUDENTS: Please bring a current student ID to the festival.

Q: I want to attend but I can’t afford it. Are there scholarships?
A: Split This Rock does provide need-based scholarships. You can apply by sending us an application (Note: The deadline has passed). Please see our Scholarships page for instructions.

Q: Do I have to register for each individual panel or reading that I want to go to?
A: Your festival pass entitles you to entry to all festival events on the days for which you are registered. You may attend any session you wish. Please show your badge to gain entry.

Presenter FAQs

Q: If I am presenting at a session, do I need to register for the festival?
A: Yes, all presenters must register for the festival. Presenters receive the early-bird rate of $75, regardless of when they register. Festival registrations include admission to all events, readings, and the book fair for the duration of the festival. Meals, lodging, and travel are not included. For information on lodging please visit the Where To Stay section of our website. Scholarships are available! Please check the website for the simple application guidelines.

Q: How should I prepare for my panel presentation, group reading, or workshop?
A: Be sure to plan in consultation with your fellow panelists or readers, if yours is a group session. Split This Rock festival participants value the discussion and give-and-take that takes place in these sessions. Please design yours to encourage participation and dialogue. Remember, too, that participants come from a wide variety of backgrounds; some have formal poetry training and some do not. Please define any specialized terms you use and do your best to assure that everyone’s along for the ride. Facilitators: Please make sure that your events begin and end on time. If you are part of a group reading, choose your material in advance, rehearse and time your reading including preparatory remarks to ensure that your reading falls within the allotted time.

Q: May I change the description of my event or list of participating panelists before the conference?
A: All proposed changes must be submitted to Split This Rock by December 1, 2011. If you wish to make changes, please contact Bob LaVallee as soon as possible at 202-787-5210 or lavallee@splitthisrock.org.

Q: Is it possible to use visual aids and/or handouts in my presentation?
A: Speakers who use handouts should prepare three copies in large-print format (boldface 14 to 16 point font size) for attendees with visual impairments. Please have copies made on white paper stock only. Allow ample time when referring to a visual aid or handout, or when pointing out the location of materials.

Q: Can I request audiovisual (A/V) equipment?
A: If you would like to request that Split This Rock consider providing A/V equipment, you must make your request by November 30, 2011. Some sites provide access to A/V equipment and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Q: If I am unhappy with my room assignment and/or time at the festival may I request a change?
A: Split This Rock will make every effort to account for location and time preferences. Please send us your requests by November 15, 2011. Unfortunately, due to the complexity of the festival and venues, once the schedule is set we can’t consider scheduling changes.