Performers always want the chance to perform, whether it’s something they hope to make a living out of or if they’re just doing it for fun. At Washington University, student groups like WUSLam, the Association of Black Students, the Association of Latin American Students and others have open mics during the semester for their members and the general Wash. U. community to perform and show their talents. However, there is more to the open mic scene than just what goes on in the Wash. U. bubble. There are plenty of venues in the city that host open mics that you can check out and use to expand your audience.

Hartford Coffee Company

Hartford Coffee Company is a coffee shop located in the Tower Grove South neighborhood. Open seven days a week, Hartford Coffee offers free Wi-Fi and a plethora of in-house baked goods as well as small-batch air-roasted coffee. Friday nights at 7:30 p.m., Hartford Coffee has an open mic where poets and musicians gather to share their craft.

Lyrical Therapy

Lyrical Therapy is the largest weekly open mic in St. Louis. Every Sunday from now until Dec. 27 at Urb Arts in North Downtown, The Therapeutics, a local slam poetry group, host an open mic. Doors open at 7 p.m., and performances start at 7:30 p.m. Every act and artist will have a four-minute slot to perform, and the night ends at 9:30 p.m.

The Gramophone

In March 2008, The Gramophone started as a concert venue in The Grove. However, in Feb. 2015, The Gramophone went from being a concert venue to a sandwich pub. Their full sandwich and soup menu is available until 2:30 a.m., and they’re open from 11 a.m. until 3:00 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. While it’s no longer a concert venue, The Gramophone does still feature live music from local musicians and DJs.

Apotheosis Comics

Apotheosis Comics is a locally-owned comic book store in the Tower Grove South neighborhood. In addition to the comic books, Apotheosis gives St. Louis-based comics the chance to show their stuff on stage each week with the South City Comedy Series. For two hours starting at 8 p.m. on Fridays, comedians gather to give audiences a laugh. Not only does Apotheosis have an avenue solely for comics to perform, but on Mondays and Wednesdays, they host open mics dedicated to music and spoken word.

The Improv Shop

The Improv Shop is a comedy performance venue as well as a training ground for aspiring comics. They have shows at 8 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as shows at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, ranging from sketch comedy and improv to stand-up. The Improv Shop’s open mics are Mondays at 8 p.m. and are open to comics, improvisers, musicians and other performance artists.