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Theatre for Young Audiences

Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), also youth theatre, theatre for children, and children's theatre[1] is a branch of theatre arts that encompasses all forms of theatre that are attended by or created for younger audiences. It blankets many different forms of theatre methods and expressions, including plays, dance, music, puppetry, circus, physical theatre, and many others. It is globally practiced, takes many forms, both traditional and non-traditional, and explores a wide variety of themes ranging from fairy tales to parental abuse.

"Children's theatre" redirects here. For other uses, see Children's theatre (disambiguation).

Originating in the 20th century, TYA takes on many functions in different settings and places around the world. In the US, for instance, it is often entertainment-centered, although its roots lie in education.[2] Many writers and production companies have started catering specifically to TYA audiences, causing a continuous increase in theatrical material for children. In the present day, TYA production companies or groups can be found in most regions of the US and around the world.[3]

History[edit]

Theatre performed by or for children dates back hundreds of years. The first mention is seen in a 1784 entry in Madame de Genlis’s Memoirs, in which she describes a performance by her two daughters to the Duke of Chartres.[1] TYA became its own branch of theatre in the 20th century, first appearing in Moscow, when Russian actress Natalia Satz founded the Moscow Theatre for Children in 1918. In its early stages, the Moscow Theatre for Children viewed its goal as representing childhood needs, separating the struggles of childhood from those of adult life.[1] Similar TYA groups were established in England, the US, France, and Czechoslovakia between World War I and World War II.[4]

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Theatre for Early Years

Young Spectator's Theatre