Poets Out Loud Youth Slam 2024

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Entry is now open for the 2024 Poets Out Loud Youth Slam. If you’re aged 12-18 and live in the Northern Rivers, we want to hear from you!

Poets Out Loud Youth Slam is a live spoken-word competition with epic prizes. You get 3 minutes on stage to share YOUR voice and YOUR story. The winner takes home $400 cash and kick-starts their writing career with help from Byron Writers Festival.

This year, we are offering a series of free workshops around the Northern Rivers to help you try your hand at Slam Poetry. You can attend these even if you don’t want to go in the Slam. Learn from professional writers, connect with friends, and have fun!

If selected to perform, you can join masterclasses with other young writers, facilitated by prize-winning poet Sarah Temporal. Have fun and learn new skills as you hone your words for a live audience.

Entry is open to young people aged 12-18 years who live in the Northern Rivers region.

Sign up now to apply for a place in the Slam. Registration closes June 30.

“It’s really powerful and I’d encourage anyone to do it. All the nerves go away as soon as you’re up there. Just feeling other people connect with the poem was so special.” – Inde Henderson, Runner-up 2021 Poets Out Loud Youth Slam

Free workshops:

Wednesday 26 June, 3:30pm – 5pm Kyogle Youth Space
Saturday 29 June, 10am – 12pm Murwillumbah Youth Space
Sunday 30 June, 10m – 12pm Byron Writers Festival headquarters
Friday 12 July 1pm – 4:15pm Lismore Library

Sign up now for a free workshop.

Watch our Youth Slam poets here >>

More for Youth and Schools here >>

How does it work?

  1. Poets Out Loud runs free workshops for young people in June-July.
  2. We then select up to 12 young people to perform in Youth Slam. Selection is based on workshop participation or by showing us your work.
  3. If selected, there’s a $65 registration fee with scholarships available to those at need.
  4. Performers attend the free masterclasses to get ready for the performance.
  5. You wow the audience at Poets Out Loud Youth Slam on Thursday 8th August!

Key dates:

  • Friday 30 June, midnight: SIGN-UP CLOSES.
  • July 12: Performers selected.
  • July 17: Performer fees due.
  • Thursday 8 August: PERFORMANCE! Poets Out Loud Youth Slam at the Citadel, Murwillumbah.

Performers: read the full terms and conditions here.