World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People 2024 (US): An annual observance, World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People, occurs on March 20 globally. The International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ) is leading the campaign, which aims to spread and promote the saying, “Today, bring a child to the theater.” The mission of ASSITEJ is to unite theaters, organizations, and individuals that produce theater for children and youth from around the globe. Annually, ASSITEJ centers across the globe organize various events such as conferences, seminars, performances, and special media gatherings that are in some way related to the hashtag #takeachildtotheatre.
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People History
On March 20, 2001, the inaugural World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People was observed. The International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People is the organization that owns this campaign. It is the only organization that brings together producers, educators, theater-makers, and artists who are committed to children’s theatre on a global scale.
The organization has members in more than eighty countries worldwide, with 75 of them being national centers. The objective is to foster in youngsters a renewed appreciation for live performances, concepts, feelings, and interpersonal relationships. It seeks to protect the freedom of expression and access to arts and culture for minors and adolescents. Annually, special World Day messages are composed, and all members are encouraged to disseminate them in addition to promoting the ASSITEJ film.
Sue Giles AM, an ASSITEJ International Vice President since 2017, penned a commemorative note for the day in 2021 that emphasized the notion and message that universal advocacy is necessary to safeguard children’s rights to participate in the arts and culture. She thinks that both artists’ and society’s contributors’ contributions have a fundamental impact on identity and social cohesion. Every three years, ASSITEJ organizes a World Congress and Performing Arts Festival. This event was conducted in several international locations, including Budapest, Warsaw, Prague, Lyon, Madrid, Adelaide, Seoul, Rostov on Don, Tromsø, and Albany.
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FAQs regarding World Theatre Day for Children and Young People
What is the purpose of World Theatre Day?
The objective is to increase awareness and appreciation for the significance of the performing arts in the realm of entertainment and an individual’s existence.
For adolescents, what purpose does theater serve?
Teaching children how to navigate challenging situations is an instructive and risk-free way to emphasize the importance of effective communication through theater.
What is the educational significance of theater?
It fosters an environment that challenges preconceived notions, cultivates empathy, and promotes collaboration, rationality, and analytical thinking.
Activities in observance of World Theatre Day for Children and Young People
Encourage and distribute
Employ your social media accounts to spread the word about this momentous occasion. Moreover, you may distribute the ASSITEJ film.
Attend a gathering
You will never be at a loss for activities to participate in, as ASSITEJ presents a variety of events each year. These include seminars, conferences, performances, and special media events associated with #takeachildtotheatre.
Attend the theater.
Attend a production at the local theatre with your child. This occasion ought to be enjoyable for you and your child alike.
Five Facts Regarding Theatre
The theater has existed for quite some time.
Dramatic traditions have thrived in various cultures worldwide since the 6th century B.C.
“Theatre” is derived from Greek.
The word theater originated in ancient Greek, meaning “a place to see.”
The occasion is World Theatre Day.
International Theatre Institute World Theatre Day was established in 1961.
Haunted is the earliest theater in London.
Théâtre Royal Drury Lane is the most ancient and haunted theater in London.
Acting was deemed unlawful for women.
Before 1660, when the first woman appeared in a play by William Shakespeare, it was against the law for women to perform on stage in England.
WORLD DAY OF THEATRE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 20 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | March 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 20 | Saturday |
| 2028 | March 20 | Monday |
