Newmarket Voice Festival

Syllabus 2026

28th Annual Newmarket Voice Festival Syllabus

Humorous Poetry - Solo
Entry Fee $35
Own choice of a light or humorous published poem (examples include Roald Dahl, Ogden Nash, Shel Silverstein, etc.) Content should be appropriate for all audiences. Memorization is required. A text must be provided for the adjudicator. 5 minute time limit.

Class	Description
HP01	Open
HP02	21 and under
HP03	18 and under
HP04	16 and under
HP05	14 and under
HP06	12 and under
HP07	10 and under

Canadian Poetry - Solo
Entry Fee $35
A published poem written by a Canadian/Indigenous poet. (Examples include select works of Roberts, Service, Carson, Lampman, Atwood, Cohen, Montgomery, Ondaatje, Thomas, etc.) 5 minute time limit.

Class	Description
CP01	Open
CP02	21 and under
CP03	18 and under
CP04	16 and under
CP05	14 and under
CP06	12 and under
CP07	10 and under

Original Poetry - Solo
Entry Fee $35
Participants perform an original poem from memory. Performance will be assessed on content, delivery, creativity and originality. 5 minute time limit.

Class	Description
ORP01	Open
ORP02	21 and under
ORP03	18 and under
ORP04	16 and under
ORP05	14 and under
ORP06	12 and under
ORP07	10 and under

Slam Poetry - Solo
Entry Fee $35
Original spoken-word poetry that is performance-based, rhythmic, passionate and has a “rise” (climactic point). Slam poetry makes a clear statement or point on a theme or subject people can relate to. Hip hop music and urban culture are strong influences in this style. Performance will be assessed on content, enthusiasm and style. Props, costumes and music are not allowed. A recommended resource: Poetry Slam by Gary Glazner. 5 minute time limit.

Class	Description
SLP01	Open
SLP02	21 and under
SLP03	18 and under
SLP04	16 and under
SLP05	14 and under
SLP06	12 and under
SLP07	10 and under

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