Massachusetts Statewide Poetry Calendar

Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation contest that celebrates the power of the spoken word and a mastery of public speaking skills while cultivating self-confidence and an appreciation of students’ literary heritage as they take poetry from the page to the stage. Celebrating 15 years in 2020, Poetry Out Loud has inspired hundreds of thousands of high school students to discover and appreciate both classic and contemporary poetry.

For more information on Poetry Out Loud, visit the official website at poetryoutloud.org. For information about the Massachusetts contests, please contact Meg O'Brien, Director of Education at poetryoutloud@huntingtontheatre.org.

The Boston Semi-Final will be held at the Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, 527 Tremont Street, Boston, MA.

Poetry Out Loud is a national program run by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. The Huntington Theatre Company's Education Department, in partnership with the Mass Cultural Council, are proud to facilitate Poetry Out Loud for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

**All contests are free and open to the public.
**Ending time for event is approximate

Evening of Inspired Leaders–a fundraiser to benefit Mass Poetry–highlights the power of poetry to inspire and delight while showcasing an all-star field of leaders. Inspired by Robert Pinsky’s Favorite Poem Project, this event brings exemplary leaders in diverse fields together to read a poem that is meaningful to them and discuss its influence on their life and work.

You can support Mass Poetry by purchasing a VIP package (by March 1st) to join us at the dessert reception in Huntington Theatre's Studio 210 following the event! Become a sponsor here: 
http://www.masspoetry.org/inspiredleaderssponsor

Ticketing will open shortly! Check back for the link and more info. 

Speakers for Evening of Inspired Leaders 2020 include: 
- Mohamad Ali, CEO of International Data Group Inc.
- Andrew Bacevich, Writer & President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
- Meghna Chakrabarti, Host of WBUR's OnPoint
- Vikiana Petit-Homme, Regional Organizer, March for Our Lives
- Darrell Jones, Strongest Link Community Activist 
- Dr. Anne Klibanski, President and CEO of Mass General Brigham
- Julia Mejia, Boston City Councilor 
- Rachael Rollins, Suffolk County District Attorney 
- Yusufi Vali, Director, Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement
- Bina Venkataraman, Boston Globe Editorial Page Editor 
- David Waters, CEO of Community Servings