Poetry Out Loud semi-finals to start soon

Students from 40 New Hampshire high schools and school groups will convene to compete in the semi-final round of this year’s Poetry Out Loud contest.

Now in its 15th year, Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that uses the study of great poetry to help students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about both literary history and contemporary life.

The semi-finals are scheduled for Feb. 20 at the Rochester Opera House; March 2 at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith; March 4 at New England College in Henniker; and March 5 at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester.

The state championship is scheduled for March 13 at Representatives Hall in the Statehouse.

More than 9,000 students participated in the New Hampshire’s 2020 Poetry Out Loud program this year, which starts at the classroom level and advances to school-wide competitions prior to the regional semi-finals and state finals. The state champion will then advance to the national finals in Washington, D.C., in April.