OPEN CALL – Hardop! at the Poetry International Festival 2025

May 20, 2025

Poetry International invites you to participate in our Hardop! open call for the 55th Poetry International Festival in Rotterdam. We’re looking for 12 powerful voices who dare to take the stage with a poem that moves, challenges, or inspires. A text you don’t just read, but feel, share, and declare.  

What are we looking for?  

We’re looking for performers who can convincingly deliver an existing poem. This isn’t about simply reading aloud, it’s about declamation. With rhythm. With emotion. With courage. And with a message that means something today. 

We aim for a strong balance between professional and amateur performers, people with stage experience and those with a fresh, unpolished voice. Which poem do we need most right now? 

Curious how to approach such a performance? You’ll find inspiration and tips here.  

What should you submit?  

• A video of max. 3 minutes in which you perform an existing poem. 
  
  
• In the video, briefly explain why you chose this poem or what it means to you. 
  
  
• The video must be clearly visible and audible (good lighting and sound). 
  
  
• Everything must be recorded live: no edits, filters, or pre-recorded audio. 

Upload your video via our Google Form. 

Deadline  

Submit your entry by Friday, June 6th at the latest. 

Selection & Notification  

Based on performance, originality, and vocal expression, we will select 12 participants. They will be notified by June 6 and invited to perform live during the Hardop! program at the Poetry International Festival on Saturday, June 14. 

About Hardop!  

Hardop! is a program dedicated to the art of declamation. Together with host Babs Gons, we bring poetry to the stage through performances that matter. During the festival, the audience decides — via a live poll — which poem was most needed in that moment. Read more here.