World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People Date in the current year: March 20, 2024

Theatre is an ancient form of performing art that has existed for at least 2,500 years, but the history of theatre for children and young people, commonly known as theatre for young audience (TYA), is relatively recent. Its first mention dates back to the late 18th century; it can be found in the memoir of Madame de Genlis. TYA became a branch of theatre in its own right in the early 20th century, when the first dedicated theatres for children began to emerge.

Theatre for young audiences encompasses many different forms of theatre and performing arts that are performed for or by children: plays, dance, music, puppetry, opera, physical theatre, circus, street performance, and many others. It combines entertainment and education, and explores a wide variety of important themes and issues in age-appropriate ways.

The International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (L’Association internationale du théâtre pour l'enfance et de la jeunesse, ASSITEJ) was established in Paris in 1965 to forge connections between theatre companies and performing arts professionals involved in theatre for children and young people. Its members include national centers, professional networks, and individuals.

ASSITEJ aims to facilitate worldwide access and the exchange of ideas and cultural traditions for theatres, organizations and individuals involved in all forms of performing arts for children and young people, as well as to protect the right to art, culture and education for all children worldwide regardless of their ethnicity, religion, nationality, cultural identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and ability or disability.

ASSITEJ launched the World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People in 2001 to highlight that children are entitled to theatre and the arts. The campaign is celebrated and promoted through the message “Take a child to the theatre, today, so they can see, hear, feel, think and imagine.”

On the occasion of the holiday, ASSITEJ centers, theatres, cultural centers, schools, arts organizations, teachers, academics, artists, and other stakeholders around the globe organize a variety of events and activities including performances, workshops, seminars and webinars, media events, and more.

How can you celebrate the World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People? Follow the day’s message and take a child to your local theatre! If you don’t have children of your own, you can introduce your younger siblings, cousins, niblings, little neighbors, or other children in your life to the wonder that is theatre. Other ways to celebrate include participating in an ASSITEJ event if there is one near you and spreading the word on social media with the hashtag #takeachildtothetheatre.