Introduction

Young peoples theatre has always been a platform for young minds to showcase their creativity, explore their imagination and share their talents. As 2020 rolls in, various events for young people’s theatre have been arranged across the world. These events cater to different audiences and age groups and provide a platform for aspiring young artists to showcase their talents. In this essay, we will discuss the five best young people theatre events in 2020.

The first event is the annual ‘Junior Theater Festival’ held in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a celebration of theatre for young people where schools from around the world come together to present musical performances. Students ranging from elementary to high school levels showcase their talents in front of industry professionals and peers. This event offers students a platform to express themselves, share their love for theatre and hone their talents.

The second event is the ‘Youth American Grand Prix.’ This event is a dance competition for young dancers with the opportunity to gain experience, meet other young dancers and showcase their skills. It is an international competition that attracts over 12,000 dancers worldwide. The Youth American Grand Prix not only provides a platform for young dancers to showcase their skills but also offers educational opportunities and scholarships.

The third event is the ‘Edinburgh Fringe Festival.’ This is the world’s largest youth arts festival that offers a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talents in front of an international audience. The event boasts over 200 performers presenting over 800 shows. It offers a mix of musicals, theatre, dance, and comedy. This festival not only offers a platform for young artists to showcase their talents but also offers a networking opportunity that could lead to future collaborations.

The fourth event is the ‘International Youth Arts Festival’ held in Kingston, London. It is the largest youth arts festival in the United Kingdom, offering a platform for young artists to showcase their talents in the heart of London. The event caters to a diverse range of art forms, and the program includes Theatre, Music, Dance, Comedy, and Film. The International Youth Arts Festival offers aspiring young artists a chance to perform on stage, gain exposure, and meet industry professionals.

The final event is the ‘Singapore International Festival of Arts for Young Audiences.’ This festival is dedicated entirely to young audiences and offers a range of performances and workshops for young people. The festival curates an exciting mix of theatre, music, and visual arts performances, and the program caters to various age groups. The Singapore International Festival of Arts for Young Audiences offers young people new forms of artistic expression to explore and enjoy.

Young People Theatre Best Events in Africa

Youth Theatre is one of the most important and innovative fields of contemporary African theater. In recent years, Youth Theatre has emerged as one of the best performing arts events in Africa. The events attract large audiences of all age-groups, and few leave the performances without having been moved, inspired, and entertained. The best Young People Theatre events in Africa showcase the diverse cultural heritage and artistic talents of young Africans, challenging the status quo, and stimulating social and political conversations.

The National Youth Theatre Festival in Zimbabwe

One of the most popular Youth People Theatre events in Africa is the National Youth Theatre Festival in Zimbabwe. The festival creates a platform for young Zimbabwean writers, actors, and directors to showcase their artistic talents and provoke social and political conversations. The festival gathers young people from all over the country to share ideas, learn from each other, and enrich their creativity. Its performances mirror different aspects of Zimbabwean life, including the current political and social crisis, and tackle issues like corruption, poverty, gender-based violence, and human rights violations.

The Market Theatre’s Youth Arts Festival

Another Youth Theatre event that has gained popularity in Africa is the Market Theatre’s Youth Arts Festival in South Africa. The festival invites young people from different provinces of South Africa to participate in a month-long program of theater workshops, training, and performances. The program aims at promoting a strong sense of youth identity, culture, and freedom of expression. The festival encourages young people to challenge societal norms and create art that speaks to them and their communities. The festival also presents traditional African folklore and celebrates South Africa’s diverse cultural heritage as a way of fostering young people’s appreciation of their roots and identity.

The Lagos Theatre Festival

The Lagos Theatre Festival is also another upcoming and promising Youth Theatre event in Africa. The festival, which is in its sixth year now, showcases emerging and established theater-makers from Nigeria and beyond. The festival brings together artists, art lovers, and theater enthusiasts in Lagos to celebrate the art of storytelling and contemporary African theater. The festival uses different venues, ranging from traditional theaters to unconventional spaces like rooftops, carparks, and barbershops, making it one of the most vibrant Youth Theatre events in Africa.

The Kampala International Theatre Festival

The Kampala International Theatre Festival is another Young People Theatre event that has continued to attract audiences from all over Africa and beyond. The festival, which is sponsored by the British Council, showcases a diverse range of performances, including theater, dance, and music. The festival focuses on promoting young African talent and creating a dialogue between various cultures, generations, and communities through the performing arts. The festival has also attracted international performers, making it one of the most prestigious and diverse Young People Theatre events in Africa.

Youth Theatre events in Africa are an excellent representation of the innovative and diverse talent of young people in Africa. The events provide a platform to challenge societal norms, encourage conversations, and promote social activism. The best Young People Theatre events in Africa bring together a diverse range of cultures, languages, and communities to celebrate African heritage, encourage youthful creativity, and create connections across borders

Conclusion

In conclusion, youth theatre events in 2020 offer a diverse range of opportunities for young artists, from dance competitions to theater showcases, from London to Singapore. These events help to build a platform for young artists to showcase their talents and provide them with opportunities to network and collaborate with industry professionals. These events not only foster creativity but also help to lay the foundation for a successful career in the arts.