Loud roaring applause dies down to finger snaps, reminiscent of the beatnik coffee houses of the 1950s.

It’s dimly lit, but the mood is bright.

The first Open-Mic Coffee House of the semester, hosted by Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine, The Iron Blade, and the Undead Poets Society, is underway.

Students, faculty, and staff have signed up to present poetry, short stories, and music to a live audience in the Panthers Den.

Scout Lynch, a sophomore, is emceeing the event and working to keep the energy up and the crowd engaged.

For her part, Lynch engages in what has become a crowd favorite: She paints a portrait of a person while singing–all in less than three minutes.

Open Mic is billed as a safe space for people to share their own work or work that has touched them. Even though the nerves nerves are high, performers say they enjoy the experience.

“It was fun but a bit nerve-wracking,” said Sean Folquet, freshman, after reading a poem he wrote.

Students say Open Mics are something the college should have more often because it is a space where people can share their ideas and work for many to enjoy.

“I think Open Mics are useful and something we should have regularly,” says Zeke Surber, junior.

It is also not only for performers. Open Mic is also for the audience to enjoy and hear from people they would not hear from regularly.

In the wake of the event, Lynch commented on the evening.

“I thought it went well,” said the Chrysalis editor. “We had some new faces and some new performers. I hope for an even bigger turnout at this next one.”

The next Coffee House Open Mic will be on Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. in the Panthers Den. All are welcome to sign up at the event to perform or just watch.