Dr. Katie Ailes is a poet, producer, educator, and researcher focusing on performance poetry. Since 2015 Katie has worked with I Am Loud Productions to coordinate hundreds of Loud Poets spoken word events, videos, podcasts, and other projects, and she currently serves as their Education and Access Director. In 2023 she was the Glastonbury Festival Poet in Residence. Katie’s PhD focused on the performance of authenticity in contemporary UK spoken word. Katie is also a classically trained dancer and choreographer interested in the intersection between speech and movement.