International Performance Open Call: China Children’s Theatre Festival

Period: 15^th July to 15^th August 2026
Location: China

In celebration of China National Theatre for Children’s 70th anniversary in 2026, we warmly invite international theatre companies for children and young audiences to join the 15th China Children’s Theatre Festival, taking place in China from 15 July to 15 August 2026. This festival will be hosted by China National Theatre for Children (CNTC) and organised by ASSITEJ China. Selected participants will receive partial financial support.

Please carefully read the following requirements before applying. Download the application form at the end of this announcement, complete it, and submit it to the designated email address: cntchezuo@163.com.

Performance Requirements

1. Artistic Form: All genres are welcome, including children’s theatre, musicals, physical theatre, dance theatre, puppet theatre, and fairy tale plays.
2. Scale: No restrictions.
3. Performance Duration: At least 60 minutes.
4. Audience Age: primarily for children not older than 12 years old.
5. Language and Dialogue: Keep dialogue simple and easy to understand. For non-Chinese performances, subtitles are recommended.
6. Theme: Promoting healthy, joyful growth for children and teenagers, environmental awareness and social responsibility are welcomed.
7. Work Summary and Highlights: Please provide a detailed summary and unique features of the work.
8. Copyright: Please specify if any copyright issues apply for international performances.
9. Additional Activities: If possible, we welcome companies to offer workshops, interactive sessions, or other related activities beyond the performances.
10. Schedule: If your company has scheduling difficulties between 15 July and 15 August 2026, please feel free to discuss alternative dates with us.

Technical Requirements

If available, please submit any technical reference photos or diagrams to help us better understand your staging requirements.

If you plan to transport large-scale props or equipment to China, you will need to follow ATA Carnet customs procedures.

Financial Support

The organiser will cover local accommodation, per diem, and local transportation related to the performance, and will provide performance fees in Beijing or other cities in China for selected companies (details will be specified in the contract). International travel and shipping costs should be the responsibility of the participants.

Submission Materials and Method

1. Submission Deadline: 15 January 2026
2. Submission Method: Download the form linked below, fill it out, and email it to cntchezuo@com with the following title format:
   “15th China Children’s Theatre Festival Submission –Production Name”
   (Download link: *********)

Full video and related photos can be shared via platforms like   WeTransfer.

If online sharing is not possible, please mail 3 copies of the DVD to:
Cooperation and Development Department, China National Theatre for Children
No. 64 Donganmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Postal Code 100006

3. Language Requirement: All submitted materials should be in English or Chinese.

Review and Notification Process

All submissions will be reviewed by a selection team. Selected performances will receive an email notification by 9 March 2026. Contracts will be signed to confirm arrangements for expenses and responsibilities.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact:

cntchezuo@163.com

Or call: +86-10-65286617

We look forward to seeing your performance!