Alabama Shakespeare Festival Presents Respect The Mic! 2005, A Spoken Word Competition Hosted By Wordz & Rhythmz

Some of Alabama's most powerful spoken word artists and poets will compete for prizes at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival while giving "A Tribute to African-American Women" in recognition of Black History Month.

MONTGOMERY, AL (PRWEB) February 12, 2005 -- Following on the heels of its highly-anticipated world premiere of Regina Taylors "The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove," the Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) will present Respect the Mic! 2005, a spoken word competition hosted by Wordz & Rhythmz, on Saturday, February 12, 2005 at 10:00 p.m.

The theme for Respect the Mic! 2005 is "A Tribute to African-American Women," which will provide an opportunity for spoken word artists from around the country to participate in a Black History Month event being sponsored by one of the most highly-respected theatres in the world.

The final competition, which will be hosted by LaShanna R. Price, the founder of Wordz & Rhythmz, will have a musical backdrop with performances by Hip-Hop recording artist, Complet, a special presentation by the dance group, Mirrors, founded by Choreographer, Terri Harris, and a special appearance by Birminghams poetess extraordinaire, Priscilla Hancock Cooper.

To be considered, poets were asked to submit a completed entry form (available at www.asf.net,), a current photo and a one-paragraph biography along with a spoken word piece based on the theme, "A Tribute to African-American Women." Out of all eligible entries that were submitted, those selected will compete at the main event on February 12, but only three will win 1st, 2nd or 3rd place packages that will include season tickets to future ASF productions.

The event, sponsored by the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Alabama State University, Moon Men DJs and Wordz & Rhythmz, is free and open to the public, and will be held directly following the February 12 production of "The Dreams of Sarah Breedlove" at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, 1 Festival Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117. For more information, contact LaShanna R. Price at LRP@WordzandRhythmz.com, or visit www.asf.net.

(Designated as The State Theatre of Alabama, ASF has been located in Montgomery since 1985 when it moved from Anniston as a result of Mr. and Mrs. Wynton M. Blounts gift of a performing arts complex set in the 250-acre Wynton M. Blount Cultural Park.)

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