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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.

2024 World Day Toolkit

2024 World Day Message from Sue Giles, President of ASSITEJ International, as well as Cuban and Brazilian Children

In English

In Portuguese

In Spanish

2023 World Day Toolkit

2023 World Day Message from Sue Giles, President of ASSITEJ International, as well as Ukrainian and Iranian Children

In English

In Portuguese

In Spanish

As Audio (English)

2023 World Day Video:

2019 World Day Message from Yvette Hardie, President of ASSITEJ International

In English

In French

In Spanish

In German

2019 World Day Message from Joyee (8 years) and Jojo (11 years)

In English

In French

In Spanish

2019 World Day Toolkit

In English

In French

In Spanish

2019 World Day Global Celebrations

2019 World Day Video:

2017 World Day Message from Yvette Hardie, President of ASSITEJ International

In English

In French

In Portuguese

2017 World Day Message from Francisco Hinojosa

In English

In French

In Portuguese

2017 Celebrations in the Czech Republic

2017 Celebrations in Italy

2017 World Day Video:

2014 World Day Video:

2013 World Day Video:

2012 World Day Video:

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Please note that these are AI translations that have not yet been manually checked.

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