Read, Recite, Share Your Voice 

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. Georgia Council for the Arts is thrilled to partner with the Alliance Theatre to administer Poetry Out Loud for the state.  

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  

In the past 10 years, four Georgia champions have placed in the top three at the national finals, including a first-place win in 2017 and a second-place acknowledgement in 2024. Georgia students have collectively been awarded a total of $55,000 at the national finals.  

“This Poetry Out Loud experience has exceeded my expectations!” said Georgia Poetry Out Loud 2024 champion and national second-place winner Tiana Jones. “Just being surrounded by such talented peers placing their interpretations of these poet's works on full display was a joy to be a part of.” 

• The State Final will occur in person March 8, 2025.  
• National Finals will occur in Washington, D.C., May 5-7, 2025.  

Learn more about Poetry Out Loud at the National Level   

Schools, community organizations, and students who are interested in the program are encouraged to begin making plans for participation next school year. Visit the Alliance Theatre’s Poetry Out Loud information page with details about registration and key dates.