Organizer Information
The ASSITEJ World Congress is organized by ASSITEJ International, the global network dedicated to the performing arts for children and young people. Established to support the creation, promotion, and dissemination of high-quality theatre and performance for young audiences worldwide, ASSITEJ provides a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across continents.
The World Congress is a flagship event in the field of Theatre and Performing Arts, bringing together artists, companies, programmers, and researchers from around the world. In addition to networking, it offers performance showcases, workshops, discussions, and opportunities for international co-productions. The 22nd edition will be hosted in Korea, reflecting the organization’s commitment to engaging with diverse cultural contexts and fostering artistic innovation for young audiences.
Title & Description
ASSITEJ World Congress 2026 – Call for Performances: Children’s Voices, Asia, and Brave Futures
The 2026 Call for Performances invites innovative Performances that align with the Congress’s central themes:
- Children’s Voices / Child Participation – Works that meaningfully engage children and young people, either as participants, performers, or through the reflection of their perspectives.
- Brave Futures – Performances that push boundaries, explore new artistic languages, or challenge conventions in Theatre for Young Audiences.
- Asian Perspectives – Productions originating from or inspired by Asia that creatively reinterpret heritage, promote harmony in diversity, or combine tradition and innovation.
Eligible works span a wide range of Performing Arts genres, including circus, clown, dance, digital performance, immersive theatre, installation, mime, opera, puppet/object theatre, storytelling, spoken word, and site-specific works. Performances can include children, young people, or disabled/deaf artists and audiences.
Selected performances will be presented at the Congress and Festival in Korea, with additional opportunities for online sharing and post-Congress touring in Korea and neighboring countries. The program emphasizes international collaboration, accessibility, and creative experimentation, offering participants both professional recognition and cultural exchange opportunities.
Categories
- Theatre
- Performance
- Dance
- Installation
- Site-specific
- Multimedia
Eligibility
- Open to professional companies and independent artists internationally
- Performances produced after 2020 (exceptions for Korean/Asian companies)
- One production per company (exceptions for Korean companies)
- Excludes performances previously selected for ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering 2025 or ASSITEJ World Congress 2024 (co-productions may apply)
- Works suitable for all ages (from babies to young adults)
- Inclusive performances created for or by children, young people, and disabled/deaf participants
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected companies will receive:
- A modest performance fee (determined after selection)
- Accommodation and meals for performers, technicians, and essential team members during setup and performance days
- Free registration and tickets to all performances and events during the Congress
- Local transportation within Korea
- Support for international travel and cargo costs for companies from lower-income countries*
- Opportunities for post-Congress touring within Korea and neighboring regions
- Online presentation of performances for professionals unable to attend
This program provides both financial support and significant international visibility for emerging and established companies.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Detailed project description explaining alignment with Congress themes
- Technical specifications and logistical requirements
- Information on the participation of children, young people, or disabled/deaf team members
- Performance video or documentation (if available)
- Confirmation of originality and rights ownership
Applications must clearly outline how accessibility and multilingual communication (particularly for Korean audiences) will be addressed.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 May 2026
- Notification of Selection: After review by the artistic committee
- Congress & Festival Dates: To be held in 2026 in Korea
- Post-Congress Activities: Potential touring and online presentation
Location
Additional Details
- Performances must be tour-ready with moderate cargo requirements
- All languages accepted; text-based works should include consideration for Korean audiences
- The Congress serves as a networking and professional development platform, not a commercial marketplace
- Selected works will be invited to post-Congress engagements depending on suitability and availability
- The program encourages inclusion, innovation, and cultural diversity, aiming to amplify the voices of children and young people