Poetry Out Loud: Georgia

Poetry Out Loud lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.5 million high school students have participated in this dynamic poetry recitation competition. Poetry Out Loud can help students improve public speaking skills, build confidence, and grow their appreciation for poetry.

National Program Guidelines

National program guidelines are available at poetryoutloud.org. This site provides thorough resources for students, teachers, and organizers, including a “Find Poems” tab with an updated list of poems for the 2025-2026 competition.

Georgia Schools: How to Get Involved (2025-2026)

The Alliance Theatre is thrilled to administer Poetry Out Loud for the state of Georgia in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and Georgia Council for the Arts. Registration for schools and organizations is now open through Friday, January 16, 2026 (11:59 PM).

Registration for Schools & Organizations

Individual Student Eligibility

We are always thrilled to hear directly from students who are interested in participating in the Poetry Out Loud program! Please be advised that only schools and organizations registered with their state Poetry Out Loud coordinator are eligible for the official competition, and Poetry Out Loud competitions must have at least two students to select a winner.

If you are an individual student (not affiliated with a registered school or organization) who is interested in participating, please complete the interest form below by Friday, January 16, 2026 (11:59 PM) and a representative of our team will follow up to confirm plans for your inclusion.

Express Interest as Individual Student

Georgia Schedule (2025-2026)

The schedule below is accurate as of October 15, 2025 and is subject to change. Please return to this page for updates and additional details regarding the Poetry Out Loud program in Georgia.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025: Registration for Georgia Schools & Organizations opens
Friday, January 16, 2026 (11:59 PM): Registration for Georgia Schools & Organizations closes
Friday, January 23, 2026 (11:59 PM): Deadline for Georgia Schools & Organizations to hold a local contest & report a local champion
Saturday, January 31, 2026 (10 AM – 12 PM): Virtual Student Workshop (Preparation for Regional Contests)
Friday, February 6 and/or Saturday, February 7, 2026: In-Person Regional Contests (details to be announced)
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (6 – 8 PM): Virtual Regional Contests (details to be announced)
Saturday, February 14, 2026 (10 AM – 12 PM): Virtual Student Workshop (Preparation for State Final)
Friday, March 6, 2026: State Final at the Alliance Theatre (details to be announced)
Monday, April 27 – Wednesday, April 29, 2026: Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, DC

Organize a Competition

The poetryoutloud.org webpage includes detailed information regarding how to organize a competition (learn more here). At the Alliance Theatre, the most frequently asked question we hear from organizers is: When should I host my local contest? We strongly recommend registering and holding your local contest in the fall, if possible. However, we understand that the top of the new year may be a preferred window. As such, registration will remain open through Friday, January 16, 2026 and the deadline to host a local contest & report a local champion is Friday, January 23, 2026. Please be advised that these deadlines are set to allow as much time as possible and are firm.