World Day of Theatre for Children & Young People
The World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting the importance of theatre and performing arts in children’s and young people’s lives. Established by ASSITEJ International, this special day aims to raise awareness of the transformative power of theatre and performing arts in nurturing creativity, imagination, and empathy among young audiences worldwide.
The World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is celebrated on 20th March each year, and it serves as a platform for theatre and performing arts professionals, educators, and artists to come together and advocate for the rights of children to access quality theatre and performing arts experiences. It highlights the significant role that theatre and performing arts play in enriching the lives of young people by providing them with opportunities for self-expression, learning, and cultural enrichment.
Theatre and performing arts have a unique ability to captivate and engage young audiences, allowing them to explore different perspectives, emotions, and ideas. It stimulates their imagination and encourages them to think critically and ask questions. Through theatre and performing arts, children and young people can experience the magic of storytelling, connect with diverse characters and narratives, and develop a sense of empathy and understanding for others.
On the World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People, various events and activities are organised around the globe to celebrate the occasion. Individuals are invited to promote the official World Day of Theatre for Children & Young People messages published by ASSITEJ International and consider planning additional advocacy events and activities – large or small. Each year ASSITEJ National Centres around the globe deliver activities ranging from conferences, performances, workshops, and special media events connected to the #TakeAChildToTheTheatre campaign message. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of creating theatre and performing arts that is accessible, inclusive, and relevant to children and young people from all walks of life.
The World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People also emphasises the need for collaboration and exchange among theatre and performing arts practitioners globally. It encourages networking, sharing best practices, and developing new approaches to engage and inspire young audiences. Through international partnerships and collaborations, theatre and performing arts professionals can create innovative and impactful productions that transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with children and young people around the world.
Furthermore, the World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People recognises the rights of children to participate in and experience the arts. It emphasises the importance of providing equal opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds to engage with theatre and performing arts, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location. By advocating for accessible and inclusive theatre and performing arts experiences, the day aims to ensure that all children and young people can benefit from the transformative power of theatre and performing arts.
Overall, the World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is a global celebration that shines a spotlight on the significance of theatre and performing arts in the lives of young audiences. It promotes the rights of children to access quality theatre and performing arts experiences, encourages creativity and imagination, and fosters empathy and understanding. By bringing together theatre and performing arts professionals, educators, and artists from around the world, this day inspires collaboration and innovation in creating theatre and performing arts that resonate with and enrich the lives of children and young people everywhere.
