Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you step into the dark.
What Is Agora After Dark?
What is Agora After Dark?
Agora After Dark is a live intellectual debate and discussion event. Think ancient Greek agora meets modern underground rave — a space where ideas clash, minds sharpen, and the best argument wins. No small talk. No fluff. Just raw, unfiltered intellectual discourse.
Who is this for?
Anyone who loves ideas, debate, and isn’t afraid to defend a position in public. Thinkers, provocateurs, students, professionals, creatives — if you have something to say and the nerve to say it, you belong here.
The Formats
What is Hot Mic?
Hot Mic gives each speaker exactly 60 seconds. Timer starts when you begin or when the moderator signals. The mic cuts when time expires — no exceptions. It’s raw, fast, and electric.
What is The Symposium?
The Symposium is our long-form debate format. Each speaker gets 3–4 minutes to argue their position. It’s structured, intense, and designed for deeper ideas that need more than a minute to breathe.
Can I do both Hot Mic and The Symposium in the same night?
Yes — sign up for both if you want. Just make sure your topics are ready for each format.
Signing Up
How do I sign up to speak?
Head to the Take the Mic page and fill out the form for Hot Mic, The Symposium, or both. You’ll need your name, stage name (if different), email, and the topic you want to speak on.
Do I need to prepare a speech?
For Hot Mic — you should know what you want to say in 60 seconds. For The Symposium — yes, come prepared. Know your argument, your evidence, and your position.
Is there a cost to sign up as a speaker?
Speaker sign-up is free. Check the Upcoming Events page for ticket/attendance details.
The Rules
What are the main rules?
Stay on topic. No personal attacks. Civility is required — the host can cut the mic early if things get hostile. Respect the format: going over time loses the floor immediately. Full rules are on the Rules page.
What happens if I go over time?
The mic gets cut. No warnings, no extensions. Respect the clock — it’s part of the format.
Can the host end my round early?
Yes. If a speaker becomes hostile, makes personal attacks, or violates the civility rules, the host reserves the right to end the round immediately.
At The Event
What should I expect when I arrive?
A dark room, good music, and people who actually want to talk about ideas. Come ready to listen as much as you speak.
Can I attend without signing up to speak?
Absolutely. The audience is part of the agora too. Come to listen, engage, and vote.
Is there audience participation?
Yes — audience reaction and voting are part of the experience. Your voice matters even if you never touch the mic.
Contact
How do I get in touch?
Email us at agoraafterdark@gmail.com or use the form on the Take the Mic page.
Can I request Agora After Dark come to my city?
Yes! Use the Request a Night form on the Take the Mic page. Tell us your location and what you want debated.
Agora After Dark 