ASSITEJ INTERNATIONAL

20 March – World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is happening next Friday. Sue Giles, President of ASSITEJ International, writes: ‘When it comes to accessing theatre and performance, there is a simple key: adults are the enablers or gatekeepers to the child or young person’s experience. Our world day campaign stresses the importance of STAGING THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD TO ARTS AND CULTURE — making these rights visible, present and immediate, to all adults who can enable access.’ Read Sue’s full message. You can share assets using The World Day 2026 Toolkit. 

TNA STUFF

TNA Performance with/for/by Young People Database and Youth Circus Database
A reminder that we have a live database with ATYP for Australian companies that create professional artistic work with/for/by young people, and a database for Australian youth circuses, schools, and training centres. Add your company or update your details.NATIONAL STUFF

NATIONAL STUFF

Child Safeguarding Resources for Orgs (QLD)
Queensland’s new child safeguarding law introducing Child Safe Standards came into effect from October last year. There are resources for orgs that will help them embed the Child Safe Standards and the Universal Principle into organisational policies, so they can meet their obligations under the Act.

Creative Workplaces Children and Young People Resources
Creative Workplaces have released new resources for Children and Young People, including do’s and don’ts for keeping children and young people safe, a guide on creating safe workplaces for children and young people, and a step-by-step guide on what to do when a young person tells you they feel unsafe . Explore the suite of resources. 

15 March – Utp roots EOIs (NSW)
Roots is a creative hang out space for Palestinian youth and their kin. Connect and build skills across art forms at monthly workshops. Facilitated by guest artists.

18 March – Corrugated Iron Youth Arts Company in Residence (NT)
Space and mentorship for early career artists in collectives aged 16–30. Develop your artistic skills and projects. Artists can access Corrugated Iron’s performance spaces, circus venue, facilities and equipment.

23 March – Australian Plays Transform Max Afford Playwrights’ Award 
For playwrights aged between 18–40 with a full length, unproduced play. The winning playwright receives $33,000, split between a $15,500 cash prize and supported play development, produced by APT.

24 March – Barking Gecko Tony Chong Creative Fellowship (WA)
For an emerging/mid-career Asian artist in WA. Research and grow your practice, with a focus on creating work for children, young people, and families. Over 12 months, receive $40,000, a residency at Barking Gecko, dramaturgical and mentorship support, and more.

27 March – Crossroad Arts SCOPE 2026 (Regional QLD)
Three-day theatre intensive in visual storytelling. For young d/Deaf people in regional QLD. Scholarships of up to $2,000 to contribute towards travel and accommodation.

28 March – ArtPlay x House of Muchness: By Kids for Kids Collective Audition (VIC)
Group audition for 10–12-year-olds interested in participating in work created by By Kids for Kids Collective. The Collective is a group of young performers who have designed an arts experience for other children. Participants meet five times across Term 2 and perform a season at ArtPlay.

1 April – Petition to Initiate a National Parliamentary Inquiry into Arts Education and Training
The National Advocates for Arts Education are petitioning for parliament to initiate a national inquiry into arts education and training in Australia, examining the causes and impacts of declining arts education across schools and universities, and to recommend coordinated national action. 

6 April – Platform Arts (Studio)LAB (Regional VIC)
Six-month residency for G21 regional artists to experiment and expand their practice. Artists receive $2,000, in-kind studio space, technical and professional development, a mid-residency intensive, and more.

9 April – Shopfront ArtsLab: Overflow Industry Networking Event
Networking event for emerging artists during Shopfront’s festival. Shopfront’s core team will be there to chat about pathways, projects, and building your practice.

6 July – Canberra Youth Theatre Emerging Playwright Commission
$17,700 commission for an emerging playwright to create a new full-length work. The winner receives dramaturgical support and creative development. This culminates in a staged reading of the work. Works must be written to be performed by actors aged from 7–25.

INTERNATIONAL STUFF

27 March – KUK Theatre Festival 2026
For shows to present at KUK Theatre Festival in the Czech Republic, on 27 September–1 October. They are looking for non-verbal performances designed for children aged 10 months to 3 years. Artists receive up to 3,200 EUR, and 50% of the travel costs and accommodation covered. 

31 March – Maas International Theatre Festival 2026
Present work at the third Maas International Theatre Festival in Pakistan. The festival will provide ground transport, accommodation and meals. 

1 May – 22nd ASSITEJ World Congress 2027
For orgs to present work at the ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival 2027 in Korea. Artists receive a performance fee to be determined after selection, accommodation and meals, and ground transport.

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