Take A Child To The Theatre Day 2020
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is a global initiative spearheaded by the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ), set aside as a day to promote youth theatre through the message,
"Take a Child to the Theatre Today". World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People is celebrated annually on
20 March. On this day, ASSITEJ calls on arts organisations, teachers and parents to acknowledge children's dependence on them to be taken to the theatre. Children cannot take themselves to the theatre and as such, it is our responsibility to bring them to it, fostering a lifelong relationship with the arts.
The aim for this year's event is to make the case for
'children's entitlement' to theatre and the wider arts. In South Africa, these forms of edu-tainment are often overlooked as luxuries for only an elite few. However, studies have proven that by taking children from underprivileged backgrounds to the theatre, their social and academic skills may drastically improve. Regular theatre going builds confidence in children as it encourages them to participate in storytelling by
seeing, hearing, feeling, thinking and imagining new worlds.
Children's Theatre In Johannesburg
Whether you are a parent, an older sibling, a teacher or simply someone with an interest in youth theatre, we implore you to take a child to the theatre this World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People. Lucikly, Joburg has a number of
child-friendly theatre venues and dedicated children's theatres to take the kiddies to. Plus, this year's event just so happens to fall on the first day of the
autumn school holidays! Here are our favourite children's theatre venues in the city:
National Children's Theatre
With over 30 years experience in children's musical theatre, the
National Children's Theatre in Parktown should be a parent's go-to for educational kiddies theatre shows. This niche theatre venue, situated within a national heritage house, specialises in entertainment for children aged three to 11. The NCT are seasoned professionals when it comes to extracting the 'moral fibre' from classic stories told over generations, often re-imagining fairy-tales and fables to make them relevant to young South African audiences. If you have never treated yourself and the little ones to a show here, do so this World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People.
Peoples Theatre
The Peoples Theatre in Braamfontein deliver stunning visual and aural performances, offering kiddies the chance to see their favourite Disney characters live on stage. From Shrek, to Baloo the Bear and even the Little Mermaid, this kiddies theatre venue is the perfect place to introduce your little ones to the theatre. The Peoples Theatre expertly combine fun and teaching as their productions feature a large participation component. Shows here can become a little rowdy as children become lost in the magic of storytelling, song and working together to defeat the nasty 'villains' on stage.
Joburg Theatre
Just a hop and a skip away from the Peoples Theatre is the
Joburg Theatre complex. While not strictly a children's theatre venue, this massive theatre house is the home of Joburg Ballet and Janice Honeyman's annual pantomime. Treat your burgeoning theatre fundis to a day out at the 'big theatre' this World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People. These are the kind of memories that will stay with them well into adulthood, helping build a strong love for the theatre and the arts at large.
Pieter Toerien Theatre At Montecasino
Pieter Toerien Productions proudly present a wide variety of kid-friendly shows at Montecasino. Having brought Joburg audiences
Matilda, Peter Pan on Ice and
Annie in past seasons, the Pieter Toerien Theatre is fast becoming a must-visit theatre for families.
Will you be taking your child to the theatre this World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People? Check out our list of the top kiddies theatre shows on stage this March/April! 
