Poetry Out Loud
What is Poetry Out Loud?
Presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country.
The program:
- Introduces students to classic and contemporary poetry
- Encourages students to learn about literary history and contemporary life
- Helps students master public speaking skills and build self-confidence
Georgia Schools: How to Get Involved
The Alliance Theatre is thrilled to administer Poetry Out Loud for the State of Georgia in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and Georgia Council for the Arts.
2023-2024 Program Registration
Online registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now open through Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Review: Town Hall Presentation
2024 State Final
The 2024 State Final will occur at the Woodruff Arts Center (Atlanta, GA) in the Rich Theatre on Friday, March 8, 2024. Poetry Out Loud contests in Georgia are free and open to the public. Generally, the audience includes parents/caregivers, family members, educators, and community members.
State Final Schedule
4 PM: State Finalists call time & sound check
4:45 PM: Doors open to the audience
5 PM: Contest start time
7:30 PM: Anticipated contest end time
2023-2024 Schedule
Please return to this webpage for additional updates and details as plans are confirmed.
- The Alliance Theatre will host a Virtual Town Hall regarding the 2023-2024 Poetry Out Loud program on Saturday, October 14, 2023 (10:00 AM EST)
- Online registration for the 2023-2024 school year will close on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 (11:59 PM EST).
- Participating schools and organizations must hold a local contest and report a champion by Saturday, January 20, 2024 (11:59 PM EST).
- School Champions Workshops (Prepare for Regional Contests)
- Virtual option: Saturday, January 27, 2024 (2 - 4 PM) via Zoom
- Regional Contests will occur in February 2024
- North Georgia: Gilmer Arts Center & Playhouse (Ellijay, GA) on Saturday, February 3, 2024 (2 PM)
- Coastal: Georgia Southern University - Armstrong Campus (Savannah, GA) on Saturday, February 10, 2024 (2 PM)
- Metro Atlanta: Woodruff Arts Center (Atlanta, GA) on Friday, February 16, 2024 (4 PM)
- Southwest Georgia: Theatre Albany (Albany, GA) on Saturday, February 17, 2024 (2 PM)
- Regional Contest - Virtual option (via Zoom) on Thursday, February 22, 2024 (4 PM)
- Regional Champions Workshops (Prepare for State Final) will occur on Saturday, March 2, 2024
- In-person option: 10 AM - 12 PM at the Alliance Theatre (Woodruff Arts Center, Atlanta, GA)
- Virtual option: 2 - 4 PM via Zoom
- The State Final will occur at the Woodruff Arts Center (Atlanta, GA)on Friday, March 8, 2024 (4 PM)
- National Finals will occur in Washington, DC April 30 - May 2, 2024.
In the News
- "The Alliance Theatre Becomes New Home for Georgia's Poetry Out Loud Competition" (Alliance Theatre Press Release)
- "Alliance Theatre, Georgia Council for the Arts announce Poetry Out Loud State Champion" (Decaturish)
- "Local Student to Represent Georgia in Poetry Recitation Competition" (The Champion Newspaper)
Quick Links
- Find poems, audio and video clips, lesson plans, contest resources, and more at: poetryoutloud.org
- The Poetry Out Loud YouTube channel also features examples and techniques
Questions?
Contact poetryoutloud@alliancetheatre.org
Acknowledgements
Poetry Out Loud is a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Poetry Foundation, and the State and Jurisdictional Arts Agencies of the United States.