Last month saw the regional “Poetry Out Loud” Competition at the Straus Youth Academy for the Arts. The three finalists from that completion head to the state capitol Saturday, March 5 for the state competition.
“One has to really get a gut level what that poem means -- not only to the poet speaking in the poem but the person reciting the poem,” says Educational Outreach Coordinator for SYAA Cathy Airhart Webb.
First place regional winner Jackson Culp explains that a lot of time is spent interpreting the poems in order to find the right voice for the author. He says the performance aspect of the competition pushes students to achieve their potential.
“You just have to try your best to be the best you can be,” explains Culp, who also won the regional competition last year. Joining Culp at the state level are Nathan McCarty and Tristen Menzies. They face over 40 other contestant from across the state in the recitation competition. The top ten will then go on to compete at the national level.
For more information about the “Poetry Out Loud” Competition or the regional finalist visit the regional facebook page or call 318-812-7922.
