- Categories:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Tags:
- InternationalObscure
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every March 20
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎭
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People unfolds every March 20, promoting the profound impact of live performance on young audiences. This global initiative encourages everyone to experience the magic of theatre. Discover local productions, support youth arts organizations, and share your favorite theatrical moments.
Want to sponsor World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People? Learn how
Expected World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People Deals
As a Recognition holiday, World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People focuses on access and appreciation rather than commercial deals. Many local theatres, schools, and community centers will offer special programs, discounted tickets, or free workshops for young people. Look for initiatives from organizations like ASSITEJ, the Educational Theatre Association, and regional children’s theatre companies. Some venues may host open rehearsals or backstage tours to demystify the art form. We encourage visiting your local theatre’s website or the ASSITEJ International site for specific event listings and ways to participate.
Platform Guide for World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and share how your organization supports youth theatre or its impact on your team.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WorldDayOfTheatreForChildren. Share photos or short videos from youth performances or theatre workshops.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TakeAChildToTheTheatre. Post about local events or memories of your first theatre experience.
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People Hero
André-Louis Perinetti
History of World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People
The World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People was first celebrated on March 20, 2001. It is a campaign belonging to The International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People. It is the only association connecting thousands of theatre-makers, artists, educators, and producers dedicated to theatre for children worldwide.
There is a members in over 80 countries across the globe, including 75 National Centers. The goal is to encourage children to reconnect with live performance, ideas, emotions, and the human-to-human connection. It aims to uphold the rights of children and young people to arts and culture and the freedom of self-expression. Every year there are special world day messages written and all members are invited to promote them as well as share the ASSITEJ film.
Sue Giles AM who has been an ASSITEJ International Vice President since 2017, wrote a note to mark the day in 2021 that highlighted the message and idea that the rights of children to the arts and culture should remain a focus and is something that everyone should champion for. She believes that the role of both artists and participants in societies are central to identity and social cohesion. ASSITEJ hosts a World Congress and Performing Arts Festival every three years. Some of these international locations where this was held were Warsaw, Prague, Lyon, Madrid, Adelaide, Seoul, Rostov on Don, Tromsø, and Albany.
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People timeline
It comprises an Executive Committee and a Secretary-General and it has a constitution, congresses, and conferences.
The International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People set up The Children's and Youth Theater Center in 1989.
In 2008 ASSITEJ hosted the biggest and most significant event for schools, children, teenagers, and their families in Australia.
2020
ASSITEJ South Africa, inspired by the 19th ASSITEJ World Congress & Performing Arts Festival, creates a new festival of theatre for children and young people, Cradle of Creativity.
ASSITEJ win the “Best Digital Transformation: From Offline to Online” Category at the Culture Online International Awards.
How Businesses Can Celebrate World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People
Local businesses, particularly theatres, schools, and community centers, can celebrate by hosting special open houses, free workshops, or discounted performances for children and young people. Encourage local playwrights to create new works for youth or organize ‘meet the artist’ sessions. Retailers could partner with local theatre groups for fundraising drives or display student artwork inspired by theatre. Highlighting the importance of arts education can foster community engagement and support for future generations of performers and patrons.
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People FAQs
When is World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People?
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People in 2027 will be observed on Saturday, March 20, making it an ideal weekend opportunity for family theatre outings.
How many children attend theatre each year?
While exact global figures fluctuate, studies in countries like the U.S. show millions of school-aged children attend live theatre performances annually, often through school trips or family outings, highlighting its significant cultural impact.
What is ASSITEJ?
The International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People, or ASSITEJ, serves as the leading global advocate for youth theatre. It facilitates international exchange and collaboration, uniting professionals who create and present performances for young people worldwide.
Why is theatre important for children's development?
Engaging with theatre helps children develop crucial social and emotional skills, including communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. It also sparks imagination and builds cultural literacy, contributing to a well-rounded and expressive individual.
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People Activities
Promote and share
Use your social media handles to promote this special day. You could also share the ASSITEJ film.
Attend an event
You will never lack something to participate in as each year ASSITEJ offers different activities. These range from conferences, performances, workshops, and special media events connected to #takeachildtothetheatre.
Visit the theater
Take your child to your local theatre and watch a production. This should be a fun time for both you and your child.
5 Facts About Theatre
Theatre has been around for a while
Traditions of theatre have flourished in cultures across the world since the 6th Century B.C.
Theatre is a Greek word
The word theatre is from ancient Greek and means a ‘place for seeing.’
There is a World Theatre Day
In 1961 the International Theatre Institute started World Theatre Day.
The oldest theatre in London is haunted
The oldest and most haunted theatre in London is Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
It was illegal for women to act
The first woman to appear in a Shakespeare play was in 1660, it was previously illegal in England for a woman to act on stage.
Why We Love World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People
It involves educating our children
We love that we can spend the day teaching our children about theatre and the arts. Anything that involves spending time with our children is well-liked.
It involves a field trip
Children love exploring new things. Visiting the theatre is an adventure for young and old alike!
It is celebrated internationally
The community events are run all over the world and are accessible to many people. We love something that brings people together.
Social Media Tips for World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People
Individuals
Creators
Brands