Welcome, all you theatrical people – time to get those party poppers and coloured bunting out and celebrate like a true thespian! There are many days throughout the year where we can shine a light on our industry, whether you are an actor, teacher, writer, dancer, musician or technician. I’ve put together a list of some of my favourite days to celebrate drama and the performing arts throughout the year. How you celebrate is up to you, but we will publish some ideas for each day as they come around.
Why not print this out and pin it up to remind you of days you celebrate your inner (and outer) luvvy!?
Edgar Allan Poe’s Birthday
When: January 19
Started by: Various literary and theatre organisations
Website: Edgar Allan Poe Society
Details: Though more literary, this day celebrates the works of Edgar Allan Poe, which have been adapted into numerous theatrical performances.
National Playwriting Day
When: March 4
Started by: Various playwrights’ organisations
Website: No specific website
Details: A day dedicated to the craft of writing for the stage, celebrating playwrights and their impact on theatre.
World Book Day
When: March 6 (UK & Ireland)
Started by: UNESCO and the UK’s National Literacy Trust
Website: World Book Day
Details: A celebration of books, reading, and authors. While primarily focused on literacy and literature, World Book Day often includes theatre adaptations of stories, plays, and performances.
International Children’s Theatre Day
When: March 20
Started by: ASSITEJ (International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People)
Website: ASSITEJ
Details: Celebrates the power of theatre for young audiences, raising awareness of its role in child development.
World Puppetry Day
When: March 21
Started by: Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA)
Website: UNIMA
Details: Celebrates the art of puppetry and its role in performance traditions worldwide.
World Theatre Day
When: March 27
Started by: International Theatre Institute (ITI)
Website: International Theatre Institute
Details: A global celebration of theatre, encouraging reflection on its role in society.
World Art Day
When: April 15
Started by: International Association of Art (IAA)
Website: World Art Day
Details: Though focused on visual arts, this day often includes performances and events that link performing arts with other creative disciplines.
William Shakespeare’s Birthday
When: April 23
Started by: Various theatre companies and organisations globally
Website: Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust
Details: Celebrates the birth of Shakespeare, the iconic playwright, with performances, events, and reflections on his work and legacy.
International Dance Day
When: April 29
Started by: International Dance Council (CID)
Website: International Dance Day
Details: Celebrates all forms of dance worldwide, focusing on the global importance of dance in cultural expression.
International Festival Day
When: May 15
Started by: UNESCO
Website: UNESCO
Details: A celebration of arts festivals worldwide, which often include theatre, dance, and music performances.
International Tap Dance Day
When: May 25
Started by: International Tap Association (ITA)
Website: International Tap Association
Details: Celebrates the tap dance art form, marking the birthday of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a tap dance legend.
International Hip Hop Dance Day
When: May 29
Started by: World Hip Hop Dance Championship (and various hip hop dance organisations)
Website: World Hip Hop Dance Championship
Details: A celebration of hip-hop dance and its cultural significance.
National Arts in Education Week
When: September (specific week varies)
Started by: Americans for the Arts (USA)
Website: National Arts in Education Week
Details: A week to promote the value of arts education, including drama, music, and dance.
World Stage Management Day
When: October 10
Started by: International Association of Stage Managers (IASM)
Website: International Association of Stage Managers
Details: Recognizes the essential role of stage managers and technicians in live performances.
National Ballet Day (UK)
When: October 22
Started by: The Royal Ballet
Website: Royal Ballet
Details: A celebration of ballet, with performances and events dedicated to this classical dance form.
World Ballet Day
When: October 27
Started by: The Australian Ballet, joined by other ballet companies worldwide
Website: World Ballet Day
Details: A global celebration showcasing live-streamed rehearsals from ballet companies around the world.
National Drama Week (UK)
When: November (specific dates vary)
Started by: Drama UK (now merged into One Dance UK and National Drama)
Website: Drama UK
Details: A week dedicated to celebrating drama and theatre education, showcasing the importance of drama in schools and communities.
National Hip Hop Dance Day (UK)
When: November 12
Started by: UK Hip Hop Dance Championship (and other dance organisations)
Website: UK Hip Hop Dance Championship
Details: Celebrates hip-hop dance in the UK, highlighting the diversity and cultural impact of hip-hop.
International Playwrights’ Day
When: November 19
Started by: International Playwrights’ Organisation
Website: International Playwrights’ Organisation
Details: A day to honour playwrights worldwide and celebrate their contributions to theatre.
International Musical Theatre Day
When: December 20
Started by: No specific organisation, but celebrated by the global musical theatre community
Website: No specific website
Details: A celebration of musical theatre, including performances and choreography.
World Stage Design Festival (Every 4 years)
When: Dates vary
Started by: OISTAT (International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects, and Technicians)
Website: World Stage Design
Details: A major event showcasing innovative stage designs from around the world.
Have I missed any?
If you know of any other days that you celebrate in your country, let me know in the comments and I can add them to the list. If you want to let others know what you’ve done to celebrate too, email me at: gail@drama-teachers.org and we can let the world know through our site!