World Theatre Day

World Theatre Day "is a celebration for those who can see the value and importance of the art form 'theatre,' and acts as a wake-up-call for governments, politicians and institutions which have not yet recognised its value to the people and to the individual and have not yet realised its potential for economic growth." It was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) and first observed in 1962. The idea for the day came in June 1961 at the 9th World Congress of the ITI in Vienna, when on behalf of the Finnish Centre of the International Theatre Institute, President Arvi Kivimaa proposed a World Theatre Day be instituted. The idea was approved with acclamation, with support from the Scandinavian Centres. The first World Theatre Day took place on March 27, 1962, the date of that year's opening of the Theatre of Nations season in Paris. World Theatre Day has been held on March 27 each year since.

The official goals of World Theatre Day are:

• To promote theatre in all its forms across the world.
• To make people aware of the value of theatre in all its forms.
• To enable theatre communities to promote their work on a broad scale so that governments and opinion leaders are aware of the value and importance of dance in all its forms and support it.
• To enjoy theatre in all its forms for its own sake.
• To share the joy of theatre with others.

World Theatre Day is celebrated by—with national and international theatre events being organized by—ITI Centres, of which there are more than 90, and by the global theatre community: ITI Cooperating Members, theatre professionals, theatre and dance organizations and institutions, theatre and performing arts universities, governments and ministries of cultures, and theatre lovers around the world. Individuals and institutions who want to participate are encouraged to coordinate with the ITI Centre or Cooperating Member in their country or region. One of the most important traditions of the day is the sharing of the World Theatre Day International Message. This consists of people of world stature sharing their reflections on the year's theme. The message is read before performances at theatres all around the world, printed in newspapers, and shared on radio and television.

How to Observe World Theatre Day

• Listen to or read the World Theatre Day International Message.
• Attend the day's main event or see where other official World Theatre Day events are being held and take part in one.
• Look for other events near you taking place, or organize such an event. Coordinate with a Centre or Cooperating Member to find and create events. Ideas for events include:
  • Charity performances related to the theatre
  • Fundraising for a special theatre project with a gala or dinner
  • Open door events for theatre schools, academies, and universities
  • Free tickets to performances
  • Conferences, special performances, symposia, colloquia, and round tables
  • Meetings with stage directors or actors
  • Street theatre festivals
• Go to the theatre.
• Promote, make people aware of, and enjoy the theatre.
• Find more info on the World Theatre Day website.
• Follow the World Theatre Day Facebook page.

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