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. Registration for the 2024-2025 program is now open.
Virtual Office Hours
Virtual Office Hours for educators & community members interested in hosting a local contest will occur:
- Thursday, November 14, 2024 (4-5 PM EST) via Zoom // Sign Up
- Thursday, December 5, 2024 (3-4 PM EST) via Zoom // Sign Up
Unable to attend, but interested in learning more?
- View Office Hours Information
- Optional: Contact poetryoutloud@alliancetheatre.org to schedule a virtual meeting or phone call for another time
2024-2025 Schedule
Please return to this webpage for additional updates and details as plans are confirmed.
- Friday, January 17, 2025 (11:59 PM EST): Online registration for the 2024-2025 school year will close
- Friday, January 24, 2025 (11:59 PM EST): Participating schools and organizations must hold a local contest and report a champion
- Saturday, January 25, 2025 (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST): Virtual Student Workshop to prepare for Regional Contests
- REGIONAL CONTESTS
- EAST (Savannah, GA): Saturday, February 1, 2025 (2 PM EST) at Georgia Southern University - Armstrong Campus
- WEST (Columbus, GA): Saturday, February 1, 2025 (4 PM EST) at Columbus State University - Bo Bartlett Center
- METRO ATLANTA: Saturday, February 8, 2025 (timing to be announced) at Alliance Theatre - Selig Family Black Box Theatre
- VIRTUAL (via Zoom): Wednesday, February 12, 2025 (5 PM EST)
- Saturday, February 22, 2025 (2:30 PM - 4:30 PM EST): Virtual Student Workshop to prepare for the State Final
- STATE FINAL (Atlanta, GA): Saturday, March 8, 2025 (3 PM EST) at Alliance Theatre - Hertz Stage (in-person only)
- NATIONAL FINALS (Washington, DC): Monday, May 5 - Wednesday, May 7, 2025 (details to be announced)
In the News
- Atlanta student named state champion of Poetry Out Loud competition (RoughDraft atlanta, 2024)
- Georgia Council for the Arts Announces 2024 Poetry Out Loud State Champion (The City Menus, 2024)
- Georgia sophomore wins 2024 Poetry Out Loud state championship (Valdosta Today, 2024)
- "The Alliance Theatre Becomes New Home for Georgia's Poetry Out Loud Competition" (Alliance Theatre Press Release, 2023)
- "Alliance Theatre, Georgia Council for the Arts announce Poetry Out Loud State Champion" (Decaturish, 2023)
- "Local Student to Represent Georgia in Poetry Recitation Competition" (The Champion Newspaper, 2023)
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.
