Ways to Get Involved

There are no current panelist opportunities. Please refer to the chart below for information on other upcoming calls. 

 

There are no current editor opportunities. 

Poetry Out Loud

The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) invites applications to serve as judges supporting Poetry Out Loud (POL), a poetry recitation competition that offers high school students the opportunity to learn about their literary heritage, build self-confidence, and improve their public speaking skills.

MSAC relies on a diverse array of experts from across the state to do the important work of evaluating POL competitors’ recitations. MSAC selects POL judges with a focus on diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in literary and theater arts. Judges must be Maryland residents. Regional and State Competition dates will be confirmed in November. Click here to learn more about Maryland’s Poetry Out Loud program.

 

What does a judge do?

From January to March 2024, selected judges can expect the following: 

• January: Participate in a virtual training session lasting approximately 90 minutes
• February: Review poems independently in preparation for evaluation of recitations at regional competitions 
• Early March: Review poems independently in preparation for evaluation of recitations at the state competition (if selected as a judge for the state competition)
• March: Receive compensation for training and service

 

What are we looking for? 

• Individuals with experience in the literary arts, educators, professors, arts journalists, writers, actors, librarians, slam poets, and general poetry lovers.
• Judges must be Maryland residents. 
• Individuals whose schedules allow for weekend availability in February and March, with exact schedules to be announced in November
• Selected judges will receive modest compensation for their service.

 

How do I apply to be a judge? 

Before you start your application, review the following resources: 

• Click here to review the 2024-2025 POL Judges Guide.
• Click here to watch at least one recitation video.

 

Then follow the steps below to submit your application:  

1. Click here to log in or create a free account in SmartSimple, MSAC’s online grants management system.
   • Note: You must be registered as an “Independent Artist” to apply to be a panelist (while you do not actually have to be an independent artist, the “Independent Artist” SmartSimple label is necessary to apply).
2. Under Funding Opportunities, select “Apply Now” next to "Public Call."
3. Fill in the demographic information, then click “Save Draft” at the bottom to populate the application. 
4. Under the Narrative tab, select "Poetry Out Loud Judge" from the drop-down options and complete the application questions. 
5. When the application is complete, click “Submit” to have your application considered. 

 

Have any questions or need more information?

• Visit MSAC’s Poetry Out Loud page
• Contact Arts in Education Program Director Lizzie Morales at elizabeth.morales@maryland.gov

 

Applications are being accepted until Friday, November 8.

There are no current openings at this time.