Plymouth's Unsung Heroes: The Man Behind the Mic

As he adjusts the brim of his top hat, and clears his throat, Michael Ditommaso, grabs hold of the mic for the very last time, with the glimmer of lights reflecting in his eyes. One can see his confidence radiating at Poets and Writers Open Mic nights. A true icon, Michael Ditommaso is that captures the raw essence of the spoken word.

Ditommaso has been MC'ing for the organization for four consecutive years now, "I have been MC'ing the Poets and Writers Open Mic since freshman year. I went to the first Poets' meeting of the year, because I figured I was an English major and that was the thing to do," said senior Michael Ditommaso.

For those unfamiliar to Open Mic nights, they are entertaining events for students, faculty, and community members to perform their poetry, prose, or musical talent in front of their peers. 

"Open Mic nights are a time and place for the students of PSU who write--and not just the English majors--to realize they are part of a larger community. It's a free, safe, and fun environment where people can express their feelings and show off their work," said Ditommaso.

"People should go because it is a safe space to hear and be heard. It is also safe to just come and check out how our Open Mics work and relax with some friends for a while. We will not make you get up and pour out your heart in your words, but you could do that. Anything goes," said President of Poets and Writers Club, senior, Haley Sciola.

In this judgment free environment emotions erupt, minds turn, and creativity flourishes, "Everybody is not just welcome, but welcomed. It's such a close and accepting community; it's truly rare," said Ditommaso.

As the MC, it is Mike's job to keep things going, but that has never conflicted with the fact that he, too, is a writer who wants to be heard.

"It's become my custom to read last, thereby saving the spotlight for the other participants. But I do usually close the Mic with a couple poems, and even recently a piece of short prose or two. I admit that even I get nervous reading my work. My hands always shake holding the paper," said Ditommaso.

"Writing is a highly personal and intimate activity, and what you produce can feel a part of you. I think almost every writer just wants people to like what they've done, and I'm no different," said Ditommaso.

Getting things going is the hardest part for any figure that stands alone in front of a crowd, like a teacher in a classroom, it is Mike's job to grab the audience's attention and keep it going for as long as he can.

"Everyone attributes you some sort of magical power, like you know what's going on so they should listen to you. Sometimes I think I just have to believe that myself," confessed Ditommaso.

"I only have power over the audience if they give it to me. If they decide tonight's going to be different, well, there's nothing I can do. But really, they want to be there as much as I do, and it's never a problem," admitted Ditommaso.

Mike is a natural in the spotlight. His high energy and upbeat, charismatic personality is contagious, "Keeping the night going is easy. I mean, I just clap for the last person, call up the next one, and try to keep my energy high. People respond to that with their own energy, and everyone has a good time," stated Ditommaso.

"Poets and Writers has been an organization that has given me ample opportunity to get my work heard, to hear the work of others. In the end, it's helped show me who I am as an artist, and what I have to offer that's unique to me," said Ditommaso.

Mike is truly one of a kind, not only is he a full time student and part time MC for Open Mics, he is also heavily involved in eight other student organizations on campus. He is an officer in four of them since the start of his sophomore year, and is currently the President of the Debate Team and the Philosophy Club, and is the Vice President of the Medieval Society, and the Treasurer of Poets and Writers Club, as well as the Poetry Editor for Centripetal. Mike is also a member of the Student Secular Alliance (which is in the process of becoming a recognized org), AWARE (the

Feminist club), and plays Trumpet in the Plymouth Panther Band (Pep Band).

This is Mike's final year at PSU, so in turn, PSU will be loosing one of it's most ambitious, talented, and illustrious students. His presence behind the microphone at Open Mic nights will be highly missed.

"In finally leaving, I can only say that it's been a good run. Times have ebbed and flowed. Mic's have seen attendance breaking 100, and there's been a time or two where I made up half the people in the room. But I've always loved doing this, and I think the tradition of writers' Open Mic's at Plymouth is one of its great legacies," stated Ditommaso.

"In terms of our Open Mic, Mike D. "The Emcee" is a large part of our brand. When you have an Open Mic night host notorious for his snazzy, jazzy suit, complete with harmonica, cane, and top hat--well, you get a one-of-a-kind character that people recognize and remember," said Sciola.

The first Open Mic of the spring semester was Tues. Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m held at it's new location, Burrito Me. "We wanted to try something new and see what that atmosphere would be like for us. A lot of our regulars like Open Mics at PHOP, where we had them last semester, so we'll see what happens. Nothing is set in stone and we'll be looking for feedback from our attendees about the perks of each location," admitted Sciola.

"As Mike hands over his mic this semester, I hope he remembers each time it was and will be handed back to him. Mike is a unique individual and I have no doubts that the spotlight--mic stand and all--will follow him forever, wherever he goes and whatever he does," said Sciola.

From taking on the big position as MC, Mike has in turn adapted some good qualities, which will aid him in the professional world and his endeavors, "I think being the MC has shown me that if you act in charge, people will believe you. It's all about confidence. Confidence will take you far in life, if you let it," said Ditommaso.

"I don't know who may step up and take my place yet. While I know people who don't mind filling in, I suspect the next MC will come to this job much like I did: a wide eyed freshman looking for something new, showing up to a meeting and having greatness thrust upon him," said Ditommaso.