READ THE ROOM
A DC POETRY SERIES

CALL FOR POETS

About This Series
Dupont Underground supports artistic excellence and diverse regional voices. READ THE ROOM aims to deepen engagement with the local poetry community and build audiences for poetry in all forms, starting with classic readings.


Applications due by midnight, November 2, 2025.
$20 non-refundable application fee.

  • Dupont Underground invites DMV poets to apply for READ THE ROOM, a curated poetry series featuring six monthly live performances from January through June 2026.

    • When: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30–9:00 PM. Dates may be adjusted occasionally as needed; please check event details for each month’s confirmed date.

    • Where: DU's Red Stage

    • Details: Selected poets will perform at ticketed events, receive 50% of ticket sales split among performers, and may accept audience tips. Poets will be featured in promotional materials on DU platforms and partner networks, boosting visibility and connecting to new audiences.

  • We welcome poetry on all topics and themes, reflecting the vast ways language moves and connects us. Whether your poems bring laughter and charm or tackle weighty truths with depth, READ THE ROOM wants to hear your voice.
    This series celebrates poetry’s versatility—from playful observations that spark joy to powerful expressions that provoke thought and inspire change. We seek diverse voices and styles to create a vibrant mosaic of experience and perspective.
    Bring poems that surprise, comfort, challenge, and delight. Share your unique view of the world, inviting listeners into moments of reflection and connection.
    READ THE ROOM values bold, unfiltered language when it serves the work; however, poetry promoting hate speech, discrimination, or demeaning content will not be considered.


    • Current residents of DC, Maryland, or Virginia (priority given to DC poets).

    • Choose one category:

      • Emerging Poets: Early career, limited performance/publication experience.

      • Experienced Poets: Established, recognized in the poetry community.

    • We aim to showcase a balanced mix of emerging and experienced poets.

    • Performance Sample: 60–120 second recording of a live or staged poem (YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, Google Drive, etc.).

    • Proposed Work: 1–4 poems intended for performance.

    • Contact Info: Legal name, stage/preferred name, pronouns, email, phone, DMV residency, application category.

    • Professional Materials: Artist bio (150-300 words) and CV/resume highlighting publications, readings, awards, community involvement.

    • Deadline: November 2, 2025, 11:59 PM ET

    • Application Fee: $20 (non-refundable; supports jury and production costs)

    • Notification: Anticipated December 2025

  • Submissions will be reviewed by two poetry professionals based on artistic merit, performance quality, category fit, diversity, and DMV community connection.


    If selected, poets will be asked for their date availability and invited to perform based on a curated mix of poetry for each monthly event and availability.

    Jurors
    (Bios will be added once confirmed)

    • Application fees are non-refundable.

    • One application per poet.

    • Recordings must be accessible and 60–120 seconds long.

    • All poems must be your original work or performed with explicit permission for translations/adaptations.

    • Selected poets must be available for their performance dates.

    • Applying confirms DMV residency and grants DU permission to promote submitted materials.

    • Poets agree to revenue sharing: DU retains 50% of ticket sales; poets split the other 50% plus tips.

    • Poets in the full series may sell merchandise at any reading and attend free to encourage audience building.

    • Incomplete submissions including those with inaccessible file sharing links may be disqualified.

  • Email: connect@dupontunderground.org