ASSITEJ International
ASSITEJ, the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People, (French: Association Internationale du Théâtre de l’Enfance et la Jeunesse)
ASSITEJ is a global association of theatre for young audience with membership across 5 continents. Members include national centres, networks and individual members.
ASSITEJ unites professionals making theatre for young audiences, creates a space for an international exchange of ideas and practice. ASSITEJ advocates for the rights of children to experience theatre and art which is especially made for them.
Every three years ASSITEJ holds a World Congress and Performing Arts Festival made up of 3 major components:
1. The World Congress: the formal meeting of all ASSITEJ members in which the business of the organization is reported upon, constitutional changes are made and strategies are suggested and approved for the next three year period. where the next three years of activity are planned.
2. The Performing Arts Festival: a festival of theatre for young audiences from every corner of the globe.
3. In addition, there is a supporting programme of Conferences, Symposia, Seminars and Workshops related to the theme selected by ASSITEJ and the projects developed by ASSITEJ over the three-year period before the Congress.
History of ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival
- 19th - Cape Town, South Africa, 2017
- 18th - Warsaw, Poland, 2014
- 17th - Copenhagen, Denmark & Malmoe, Sweden, 2011
- 16th - Adelaide, Australia, 2008
- 15th - Montreal, Canada, 2005
- 14th - Seoul, Korea, 2002
- 13th - Tromsø, Norway, 1999
- 12th - Rostov on Don, Russia, 1996
- 11th - Havana, Cuba, 1993
- 10th- Stockholm, Sweden, 1990
- 9th - Adelaide, Australia, 1987
- 8th - Moscow, USSR, 1984
- 7th - Lyon, France, 1981
- 6th - Madrid, Spain, 1978
- 5th - East Berlin, GDR, 1975
- 4th - Albany & Montreal, United States & Canada, 1972
- 3rd - Venice, Italy, 1970
- 2nd -The Hague, The Netherlands, 1968
- 1st - Prague, Czechoslovakia, 1966
ASSITEJ produces an annual magazine with contributions from around the world. The Magazine is the referential publication of ASSITEJ. Being released at the occasion of an annual meeting, either a Congress, or an Artistic Gathering, it is published in cooperation between ASSITEJ International, and the National Centre organizing the event, in both languages : English, and the host country’s.
Key ASSITEJ Projects
ASSITEJ World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People (20 March) - Each year a special message is given out to children in the annual "Take a Child to the Theatre Today" campaign.
Next Generation - An exciting and pioneering ASSITEJ initiative designed to welcome 'new faces' to ASSITEJ and support younger artists in developing their practice. This takes the form of international residencies in festival contexts and through placement opportunities made possible through ASSITEJ.
ASSITEJ Networks
Write Local Play Global - connecting playwrights for young audience worldwide. This is the place for you to let the Write Local Play Global community know 'what's happening' with the development of new plays, operas, and musical for children and young people.
International Theatre for Young Audience Research Network (ITYARN) - ITYARN aims to further research in theatre and performance for children and youth, through international exchanges of scholarly materials and discourse at conferences, symposia, and festivals.
Small Size Network - Young children are "big" citizens and, as such, subjects of rights. "Small size, big citizens - Widening of the European Network for the diffusion of the performing arts for Early Years" gives claim to young children's right to enjoy the Arts to be part of the artistic processes that nourish their emotional intelligence and help them develop harmoniously their sensibilities and competences.
International Inclusive Arts Network - International Inclusive Arts Network (IIAN) is an on-line community for anyone who are interested in learning about, creating or programming inclusive work for young audiences. We’re here to shine a light on this area of excellence and like a virtual late night bar we encourage you to share their thoughts, views and, most importantly, your work under the expansive umbrella of Inclusive Arts for young people
Next Generation Network - The Next Generation Network is an informal network and framework for young and emerging artists to continue to build on their experiences of participation in the NG Programme. The aim is strengthen the opportunities for international exchange and collaboration and to build new opportunities which supports developments for Young and Emerging initiates world wide. Network activity will be shared at ASSITEJ Gatherings and through online platforms.
About ASSITEJ South Africa
ASSITEJ South Africa is a registered NPO (066-875), which operates as a networking platform for people working with or interested in theatre for children and young people. It aims to promote and foster high quality theatre for children and young people, to raise standards within the industry, to increase access and awareness, to be an advocate for the right of every child to arts education in schools, and to build relationships within the sector locally, nationally, across the continent and globally.
Members include: actors, musicians, dancers, directors, choreographers, theatre educators, stage designers and dramatists, as well as theatre companies, organisations and institutions, critics and cultural journalists, cultural officers, amateur drama groups, organizers, societies and other networks.
Members are currently resident in Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West Province and the Western Cape.
ASSITEJ South Africa works to promote international awareness of South African theatre for children and young people, through networking, organising exchanges, touring performances, and by facilitating contacts. Members are given access to a global network of information about festivals, performances, courses and seminars all over the world, with the potential to participate in these activities.