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The Raven-Off: A Nationwide Poetry Reading Contest of “The Raven”
CONTEST HIGHLIGHTS & DETAILS
Submission Period: September 2, 2026 (9:00 AM EST) – October 5, 2026 (12:00 AM EST).
Categories:
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College Students 18 and over
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Lifelong Students (Adults)
Video/Audio Guidelines:
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The reading submission must be of the poem “The Raven” only. No original works or derivations.
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Maximum length of 15 minutes
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Original work in MP4, MPG, WMV, or MPEG formats.
Submission Platform: Entries must be submitted online via the official entry portal. One entry per person.
Content Rules:
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NO AI-generated enhancements or automated entry tools.
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Entries must adhere to copyright standards and contain original or licensed material.
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Submissions other than “The Raven” will not be eligible for judging.
Fans of the Edgar Allan Poe poem “The Raven,” this is your time to shine.
“The Raven-Off” is a national reading contest celebrating creativity, performance, and the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe by encouraging fans to read and record their best interpretation of “The Raven.”
Winners of both the College Student and Lifelong Student categories will each receive a $100 cash prize, a featured video placement across The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre’s official social media platforms, and an exclusive opportunity for a potential spotlight in a future episode of the acclaimed Poe Theatre On The Air, on National Public Radio, Audible, Amazon, and other platforms.
No purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win.
Potential winners will be notified following the judging period and may be required to submit eligibility documentation within seven days of notice.
Have fun, and good luck!