Registrations for upcoming Wakakirri events are now open. REGISTER NOW
Registrations for upcoming Wakakirri events are now open. REGISTER NOW
Great Stories Inspire Change
Trusted by schools across Australia, Wakakirri builds creativity, confidence and wellbeing while aligning with learning outcomes and student development.
A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION
As a not for profit association, Wakakirri supports student wellbeing, creativity and inclusion across primary and secondary schools. Schools support students to develop a short performance that explores ideas, values or social themes, which is then shared on stage at a Wakakirri event in front of peers, families and the wider community.
For more than 30 years, Wakakirri has worked with schools across Australia, providing a safe and inclusive platform where young people can be seen, heard and celebrated. At its heart, Wakakirri believes that great stories inspire change.
“Wakakirri gives young people a safe space to be creative, express themselves and feel proud of what they can achieve.”
– Emma Watkins, Wakakirri Patron
WHY WAKAKIRRI
Wakakirri enables students to explore ideas, values and social themes through creative storytelling and movement. By focusing on expression rather than performance, every student can participate with confidence.
For schools, Wakakirri supports wellbeing, collaboration and engagement while aligning with curriculum outcomes. Educators are guided through a clear, supported process that makes creative learning inclusive and achievable.
STUDENT STORIES
“Do it! Wakakirri is a chance for students to experience and create memories that they may never have again. It’s a chance for them to step out of their comfort zones and/or build skills that they may already have. Wakakirri is a chance for students to build connections and work in a team.”
By working with her classmates, Emily gained confidence, felt supported and proudly shared her school’s story on stage with the wider school community.
The Basin Primary School
Wakakirri has been nationally recognised for its impact on performing arts education, earning the Australian Performing Arts Teachers Association Award for Excellence in Performing Arts Education.
“Storytelling and dance are precious traditions that are inextricably linked with our human experience.
It is wonderful to see students carrying on these art forms through Wakakirri, sharing stories with fellow schools and their families”
– Dr. Emma Watkins (Wakakirri National Ambassador)
A Wakakirri Story-Dance is a 3-7 minute performance where a group of students theatrically tells a story using a combination of dance, creative movement, acting, and pre-recorded music. Story-Dances can be performed live or submitted via video.
Schools can unleash their creativity by incorporating any mix of dance styles, acting, music, props, costumes, sets, and film projections to enhance their storytelling, all while considering sustainability and minimising their environmental footprint. We also offer special awards to schools excelling in this area. Schools should be inspired by the annual festival theme and Wakakirri ethos ‘Great Stories Inspire Change’.
Wakakirri has chosen ‘Guardians of Us’ as the theme for 2026.
This theme celebrates those who protect, uplift, and stand up for others – the everyday heroes who help create fair, caring, and connected communities. It invites students to explore what it means to look after one another, embrace differences, and act with empathy and courage. ‘Guardians of Us’ encourages stories about unity, equity, and the power we all have to make the world a little kinder.
Participation fees for Wakakirri Live in 2027 are $44 (incl GST) per student which includes pre-season workshops, certificates and a digital copy of your school’s performance. Parents and friends are invited to watch students perform with tickets prices starting at $37. Other costs to consider include props, costumes and transport to the theatre. The fee for Wakakirri Video in 2027 is $250 (incl GST) per entry. This includes screening, certificates and feedback.
The Wakakirri Inspiration Fund was established to encourage and assist disadvantaged schools to participate in Wakakirri. The fund is filled each year by public donations and grants. Schools can apply for funding for subsidising student participation fees for Wakakirri Live. Applications close 12th March 2027.
ACT
Canberra Theatre 4 – 6 August & Awards Show 2 September
NSW Sydney
NIDA 2 – 5 August,
Sydney Coliseum 10 – 12 August
Awards shows NIDA 13 – 15 September
NSW Wollongong WIN Entertainment Centre TBA
NSW Newcastle The NEX 16 August
QLD Brisbane
Logan Entertainment Centre 17 – 20 August & Awards Shows 7 – 8 September
QLD Sunshine Coast
The Events Centre 27 August
SA:
Norwood Concert Hall 9 – 13 August & Awards Shows 9 – 10 September
VIC
Clocktower Centre TBA & Award Shows TBA
Frankston Arts Centre 9 – 12 August & Award Show 6 September
WA:
Mandurah Performing Arts Centre 18 August
Dates are tentative and will be confirmed once registrations close.
OUR PROCESSES
Wakakirri provides a simple, guided process to help every school get started. Schools receive clear resources and support to plan, create and share their student stories with confidence.
01
Choose your preferred event location and register your school to take part. You will receive access to planning tools, key dates and clear guidance to get started.
02
Schools can develop their own student-led story or select from a range of beginner stories designed to make getting started simple and enjoyable.
03
Schools rehearse at their own pace while preparing costumes, music and staging. Wakakirri provides resources and support to help schools feel confident and ready for event day.
04
Students perform their story on stage at a professional theatre, sharing their work with other schools, families and the community in a positive, celebratory environment.
05
Schools are recognised through the Wakakirri National Festival Awards, with results announced in Term 4. It’s a moment to celebrate achievement, recognise excellence and honour schools from across the country.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No prior dance or performance experience is required. Wakakirri is designed to be inclusive and accessible for all students, regardless of ability or confidence. The focus is on storytelling through movement, allowing every student to participate in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful.
Yes. Wakakirri is open to primary schools, secondary schools, and independent dance or performing arts schools. The program is designed to be flexible, allowing each participating group to tailor their Story-Dance to suit their students’ age, experience level, and creative strengths.
In primary settings, Wakakirri often focuses on building confidence, teamwork, and foundational storytelling through movement. For secondary students, the experience can explore more complex themes, choreography, production elements, and leadership opportunities.
Wakakirri encourages students to express ideas, emotions and social messages through creative movement. This process helps build confidence, collaboration and a sense of belonging, while providing a positive and supportive environment for students to share their voices.
Wakakirri provides structured guidance, creative resources, and ongoing support to help schools develop their Story-Dance with confidence. Schools can also access the AIR (Artist in Residence) Program for professional facilitation, along with a free Story-Dance Kit to help get started. For more details, visit our Beginners page.
Schools can register online by selecting an event location that suits their area. Once registered, schools receive confirmation and access to resources to begin planning their Wakakirri story, with clear guidance on important dates and next steps.
Registrations close at the end of Term 1. We recommend registering early to secure your place and allow plenty of time to begin preparing your Story-Dance.
In 2026, for Wakakirri Live, participation is $44 per student. Wakakirri Video entries are $220 per school. Additional costs such as costumes, props and transport may apply, with financial assistance available for eligible schools
Registrations for upcoming Wakakirri events are now open. REGISTER NOW
