The Scottish Poetry Choir is a new project from spoken-word poet and producer Anita Govan (Lost in Leith Presents: Spoken Word & Music, Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, BigWord, Artistic Upstarts). The project harks back to the roots of poetry and theatre and is based on the classic format of the Greek chorus embodying multi-voice spoken verse.
This innovative new format – the first of its kind in Scotland – gives members and the public opportunities to get involved and engage with poetry and spoken word in a fun and active way. Anita will guide choir members to develop multi-disciplinary spoken word performances incorporating movement, music, and soundscapes to enhance the narrative of selected poetry pieces.
The Scottish Poetry Choir is seeking up to 50 new members in its initial stage. The choir will meet regularly during school term time and end with a performance at the end of each of its three initial terms.
The Scottish Poetry Choir will not only open space for the public to directly engage with poetry and spoken word but will also allow members to experience the benefits of community choir practices. This will allow people to participate in poetry in a non-competitive and informal way, providing an alternative to the highly competitive slam poetry format.
Join the Scottish Poetry Choir
Register your interest for our first taster session on Tuesday May 6, or join us for term one which runs weekly from May 6 to June 24, 2025.
The application deadline is May 12, 2025.
What is the Scottish Poetry Choir?
The Scottish Poetry Choir is a multi-voice spoken verse choir based on the classic format of the Greek chorus. This modern take harks back to the roots of poetry and theatre and brings them into the present day.
Who is the Scottish Poetry Choir for?
The Scottish Poetry Choir is for members of the public over 16+
The group is for people from underserved and marginalised communities, including women, neurodivergent people, people of colour, migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, & LGBTQIA+ people.
How do I get involved?
The Scottish Poetry Choir is open for applications for its first cohort starting in May 2025.
The deadline for applications is May 12, 2025. You can apply using this Google form
How often do you meet?
We meet once a week during school term times with a performance scheduled at the end of each term. Term 1 begins on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 and ends on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
How much is membership?
The membership for the first term of the Scottish Poetry Choir costs £40. This covers practice venue hire, masks, and hand sanitizer for every session.
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer several funded places per term for people who are unwaged, low-income, or receiving state benefits. For more details, please email Anita at scottishpoetrychoir@gmail.com
Anita Govan
she/her
Choir director & project lead
Naomi Head
she/they
Marketing & communications officer
Amy Milner
she/they
Assistant producer