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 the 2026-2026 program is closed as of Friday, January 16, 2026 (11:59 PM).

Georgia Schedule (2025-2026)

The schedule below is accurate as of January 27, 2026 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 24, 2026 (10 AM – 12 PM): Virtual Student Workshop (Preparation for Regional Contests)
- Saturday, February 7, 2026: In-Person Regional Contests
  Regional 1 (Metro Atlanta 1 – North at Alliance Theatre, Rehearsal Hall A): 11 AM contest start, with 10 AM – 1 PM call time
  Regional 2 (Metro Atlanta 2 – South at Alliance Theatre, Rehearsal Hall A): 3 PM contest start, with 2 PM – 5 PM call time
- Tuesday, February 10, 2026: Virtual Regional Contest
  Regional 3 (Virtual): 6 PM contest start, with 5:30 – 8 PM call time
- Saturday, February 14, 2026 (10 AM – 12 PM): Virtual Student Workshop (Preparation for State Final)
- Friday, March 6, 2026 (6 PM contest start, with 5 – 9 PM call time): State Final on the Woodruff Arts Center’s Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families
- Monday, April 27 – Wednesday, April 29, 2026: Poetry Out Loud National Finals in Washington, DC

Poetry Out Loud contests in Georgia are free and open to the public. Educators, family members, and community partners are welcome and encouraged to attend. Doors will open approximately 15 minutes prior to each contest’s start time.

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.

Attend Virtual Office Hours

Representatives from the Alliance Theatre and Georgia Council for the Arts will host virtual office hours for educators and community members interested in learning more about this year’s program. These meetings will occur virtually in real-time via Zoom and advanced registration is required.

View Office Hours Information