Members of the competing slam teams take a moment together before their bout.

Members of the competing slam teams come together before their bout.

Kat, the sacrificial poet of the bout, helps judges calibrate their scoring.

Madison's Danez Smith starts off the bout.

Audience members score the poet.

Audience members score the poet.

The Colonel from Manchester performs.

David from San Antonio sings praise for Optimus Prime.

Alton performs at the MMoCA on Wed. night.

Rollergirl from Manchester performs.

Members perform a group piece at the MMoCA.

Deep from Houston performs.

Madison's Josh Healey and Evy Gildrie-Voyles perform.

Madison's Josh Healey and Evy Gildrie-Voyles perform.

Madison's Josh Healey and Evy Gildrie-Voyles perform.

Madison's Josh Healey, Evy Gildrie-Voyles, and Danez Smith perform.

Vocab from San Antonio performs before the packed house at the MMoCA.

Seth from Houston performs.

Madison's Eric Mata performs.

Josh Healey hugs Eric Mata after his performance.

Cassandra from Manchester performs.

Black Blues from Houston performs.

Madison's Ryan Hurley performs.

Sam from Manchester performs.

Amanda from San Antonio is the last performer of the bout.

The full house applauds the poets at the conclusion of the bout.