Students invited to take part in Poetry Out Loud

   Public and private high schools in New Jersey are invited to participate in the second-annual "New Jersey Poetry Out Loud" program, a new take on poetry and a chance to represent the state in a national competition.
   The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, along with its partners the Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and Discover Jersey Arts, co-sponsor this program, which is part of a national competition made possible through the funding and leadership of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Poetry Foundation.
   "Poetry Out Loud" builds on the recent resurgence of poetry as an oral art form. From the slam poetry movement to the immense popularity of rap music, poetry is reaching a wide range of audiences. By inviting the dynamic aspects of contemporary spoken word performance into the high school English class, students have the opportunity to master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and explore their literary heritage.
   "Poetry Out Loud" encourages students to revitalize renowned poetry in their own voices through memorization, performance and competition. High school teachers are invited to register their schools and find out more information at www.JerseyArts.com. The sign-up deadline for schools to participate is Nov. 30.
   The first phase of "New Jersey Poetry Out Loud" is designed for teachers and schools to conduct on their own, using the materials provided on the "Poetry Out Loud" Web site (www.poetryoutloud.org).
   All schools will follow the same pyramid competition structure, which begins at the classroom level. Winners advance to the school-wide competition, then to the regional competition and on to the state-wide competition, which will take place in March 2007.
   The winner of the state finals will be awarded $200, made possible by the NEA, and the chance to represent New Jersey on an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete for the national championship.
   The state winner’s school will receive a $500 stipend for purchase of poetry books. A runner-up in each state will receive $100, with $200 for his or her school library. Additionally, the NEA will award a total of $50,000 in scholarships and stipends to the winners at the National Finals.