ebonie marie | events

The Art Costs Poetry and Monologue Slam is a live premier spoken word and theatrical monologue competition that amplifies the voices of high school students through original poetry and monologue performance. Students in the Atlanta area will compete for scholarships, internships, cash awards, and professional opportunities while joining the Fall of Freedom nationwide call for art as resistance against fascism.

This event celebrates creative writing, courage, and exquisite storytelling.

AUDITION DATE: OCTOBER 3, 2026

AUDITION TIME: 9AM - 3PM

LOCATION: Sent upon registration.

USE THE BUTTON BELOW TO REGISTER AS A

PERFORMER, VOLUNTEER, OR DONOR

OVERVIEW

ART COSTS POETRY & MONOLOGUE SLAM
A Six Week Mentorship & Scholarship Program for High School Artists

Happening in 3 PARTS: Audition → Workshop → Slam
The Art Costs Poetry & Monologue Slam is a mentorship and scholarship program for current high school students in the Atlanta, Georgia area who are passionate about poetry, performance, public speaking, storytelling, and the power of their voice.

Many will audition. Only 10 to 12 students will be selected.

Those students will spend six weeks working with professional artists, mentors, and coaches before taking the stage for the final Art Costs Slam.

Students will compete for $1,000 in scholarship prize money, along with additional prizes and opportunities made possible through our sponsors and community partners.

PART 01

the AUDITION
October 3, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Atlanta, GA (Exact address sent upon registration)

The journey begins with a full day of auditioning, artistic exploration, and community building.

Led by Ebonie Marie, students will learn more about the Fall of Freedom movement, what the coaching and workshop segment of the program looks like, and then have the opportunity to perform their audition piece for members of the production team and judging panel.
Audition materials will be provided to registered students approximately 72 hours before the audition.

The goal isn't perfection, we just want to see your presence, voice, individuality, and potential.

PART 02

the Workshop
Six Weeks. Six Sessions. Beginning Monday, October 12, 2026 at 6PM sharp.
The selected performers will meet every Monday from 6PM - 9PM for 6 consecutive weeks of mentorship, coaching, artistic development, and preparation for the final Slam, date TBD.

This part of the program will be hybrid. The first four sessions will be virtual. The final two sessions will be in person and will combine workshop instruction with rehearsal for the slam.

Students will work with professional artists and mentors to strengthen their performance, storytelling, public speaking, and artistic voice.

This is where the artists become ready for the stage!

PART 03

the Final Show
At the end of the six week program, 10 - 12 student performers will take the stage for the Art Costs Poetry & Monologue Slam, the date is currently TBD.

The finalists will perform before a live audience and compete for: $1,000 Scholarship Prize. In order to be eligible for the final slam prizes, the student must attend all 6 workshop sessions. Additional prizes, gifts, opportunities, and perks will be announced as sponsorship and donor support is secured.

Every student who completes the program will leave with something meaningful!

Program Overview

FAQs

Who can participate?
Art Costs is open to current high school students in the Atlanta, GA area with an interest in poetry, theatre, public speaking, performance, or storytelling.

Do I have to be a professional performer?
Absolutely not.
We are looking for students with a voice, a point of view, and an eagerness to develop their craft.

What will I do at the audition?
You will participate in group warm ups and artistic activities before performing a short audition piece for the production team and judges.

What happens if I'm selected?
You will become part of the Art Costs cohort and participate in six weeks of workshops, mentorship, and preparation before the final Slam.

Are the workshops virtual or in person?
Both.
The first four sessions are virtual. The final two sessions are in person.

What do students compete for?
An opportunity to be a part of a cohort to deepen their knowledge and craft. As well as a grand prize of $1,000 in scholarship money for the final slam. Additional prizes and opportunities will be announced throughout the program as they are secured.

Is Art Costs connected to Fall of Freedom?
Yes.
Art Costs is being presented as part of the second year of Fall of Freedom, a national call to artists responding to censorship and repression through creativity, resistance, and joy.

What is the time commitment?
The program begins with the October 3 audition and continues for six weeks on Monday evenings before culminating in the final Slam. Date: TBD (End of November or early December)

Selected participants will receive a complete program schedule.

Where can I find the required Participation Agreement?
[DOWNLOAD IT HERE]

How do I sign up?
[REGISTER HERE]

Interested in volunteering, sponsoring, donating, or partnering with Art Costs?
[GET INVOLVED]

Questions? Please email: thewildmoonllc@gmail.com