Maine Poetry Out Loud
Maine Poetry Out Loud header image

MAINE'S 2023-2024 POETRY OUT LOUD PROGRAM

 

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation contest that encourages 9th-12th grade students to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance.

The program is completely free for participating schools, libraries, and home schools. When you register, you’ll receive curricular materials and dedicated support to create a program that fits your students. Poetry Out Loud can be adapted for use in-person or online, and the scope and timing of your contest is decided by your school.

 

Bring POL to Your Students

Each school year, this program invites thousands of students, teachers, and librarians to deeply engage with poetry and performance. Students read and interpret a broad range of poems, from classical to contemporary, and then they choose one to memorize and perform in a dynamic contest.

The winner of each institution-level contest is invited to the state final, and our Maine champion goes on to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Final for prizes totaling $50,000 in cash awards and school stipends. It’s a pretty big deal!

Maine schools and libraries are registered by a staff member who serves as the POL lead, acting as the primary contact and coordinating organization-wide activity. Other organizations, such as home school cooperatives and non-profits, are also welcome to host Poetry Out Loud contests. 

Register for the 2023-2024 Northern or Southern Regionals.


Questions? Contact the Poetry Out Loud Maine Coordinators, Danielle Moriarty and Brita Wanger

 

2024 Dates & Deadlines

  • February 7, 2024: Southern Regionals at The Public Theatre, Lewiston 
  • February 12, 2024: Northern Regionals at Bangor Arts Exchange
  • March 11, 2024: State Finals at Bangor Arts Exchange, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 

Regional, State, and National Competitions

Ten State Finalists will be named in the Regional Competitions (five from each Regional Competition) to proceed on to our Maine State Finals.  The Southern Regional competition will be on February 7 at the Public Theatre in Lewiston. The Northern Regional competition will be on February 12 at Bangor Arts Exchange in Bangor. State Finals will be on March 11 at the Bangor Arts Exchange. It has been announced that the Poetry Out Loud National Semifinals and the National Finals will take place in person in Washington, D.C. April 30 - May 2, 2024. 

About Poetry Out Loud

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 to high school students across the country. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Poetry Out Loud is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation.