Seeking a Poet / Slam Poet

Spoken word is one of humanity’s oldest tools for holding memory, honoring the earth, and awakening collective consciousness. ‘Forest Calls 2.0’ is a transmedia project uniting art, Indigenous wisdom, and nature conservation to protect endangered ecosystems and cultural heritage worldwide. Rooted in our documentary film titled “When Silence Becomes the Song”, this vision now steps onto the live stage – creating an immersive, multi-sensory showcase where spoken word, rhythm, and cadence harmonize with music, dance, and visual art.

For our October showcase (“The Story of the ‘Akikiki”) at the Patricia Corbett Theater in Cincinnati, we are inviting a dynamic poet, slam poet, or spoken word artist to perform one original work on stage. The selected artist will lend their unique voice to a multidisciplinary ensemble, blending original poetry into a rich, collaborative performance alongside live music, dancing, and story telling – collectively amplifying our shared commitment to biodiversity and ecological guardianship.

We are seeking an artist whose original writing speaks deeply to themes of land connection, ecological balance, Indigenous identity, heritage, and human accountability to the living world.

What We Are Looking For

• Artist Profile: Solo Poet, Slam Poet, or Spoken Word Artist.
• Original Work: You must write, own, and perform your own original poetry/spoken word pieces.
• Artist Priority: We are prioritizing an Indigenous or First Nation poet or storyteller whose work carries a powerful connection to lineage, ancestral memory, and environmental guardianship.
• Performance Style: Open to contemporary slam, spoken word, rhythmic verse, or traditional oral poetry that translates with emotional intensity and clarity in a live theater environment.

Timeline & Schedule

• Remote Collaboration & Planning: Beginning in August 2026 (conducted via Zoom or digital platforms).
• On-Site Rehearsal: In the morning of October 11^th, 2026, at the Patricia Corbett Theater in Cincinnati.
• Live Performance: Scheduled for the afternoon of October 11^th, 2026, performing live on stage.

How to Apply

To submit your work for consideration, please visit the Contact Us page on our website.

Alternatively, you can email your submission directly to ContactUs@ForestCalls.org with:

1. Links to 2-3 video recordings or audio tracks of your original spoken word or poetry performances.
2. Confirmation that you are the sole author and owner of the submitted works.

Thank you for lending your voice and power to this vital movement.

– Webmaster