GREAT STORIES INSPIRE CHANGE
Wakakirri is a nationwide initiative for Australian schools that provides a platform for students to express their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations through the art of storytelling and dance. Inspired by the belief that great stories can inspire change, Wakakirri is designed to promote student engagement and well-being in schools through the creation and performance of captivating Story-Dances.
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Held in term 3, this grand celebration showcases the Story-Dances from schools all across the country. With prestigious theatres in major cities and carefully selected regional areas serving as our venues, we ensure that no school is left behind. Even those in remote and regional areas can participate through our innovative Wakakirri Video platform.
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At the end of the season, we recognise and honour outstanding schools for their remarkable efforts in promoting positive social change through their Story-Dances.
WHY PARTICIPATE IN WAKAKIRRI
Established in 1992, Wakakirri has grown into Australia’s largest performing arts event for schools, engaging over 10,000 students annually. Held in professional theatres across Australia, the festival attracts an audience of approximately 30,000 each year, celebrating the creativity, collaboration, and storytelling talents of young performers.
More than just a performance, Wakakirri promotes the educational and social benefits of the performing arts, fostering confidence, teamwork, and self-expression.
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AWARD-WINNING EXCELLENCE
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.
This accolade highlights the festival’s commitment to nurturing creativity, storytelling, and artistic development in students across Australia.
A VITAL PART OF SCHOOL WELL-BEING PROGRAMS
Wakakirri case studies and research highlight that Wakakirri is more than a performance—it's an enriching journey that builds confidence, strengthens communities, and enhances student engagement and wellbeing.
By providing a platform for young people to express themselves, develop new skills, and connect with others, Wakakirri fosters a sense of purpose, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
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WAKAKIRRI AMBASSADORS
Wakakirri enjoys the support of some of Australia’s leading industry professionals who give their time as part of our National Panel to encourage the next performing arts generation.
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​"It’s so important for young people to be able to express themselves through the art of storytelling and dance. This has such a positive impact for all the students involved"
- SIMON PRYCE Wakakirri National Ambassador
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WHAT IS A STORY-DANCE?
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.​​​​​
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WAKAKIRRI FOR BEGINNERS
While many schools create their own Story-Dance, we have created two beginner-friendly options to help new schools take part:
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FREE BEGINNERS PROGRAM
Choose a pre-designed Story-Dance from our catalogue! Each complete package includes a script, simple choreography, soundtrack and easy-to-follow instructions, plus practice videos for students to learn at their own pace.
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ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM
Want hands-on support? Our Artist in Residence program provides a qualified Wakakirri Facilitator to visit your school and guide students and teachers through the entire Story-Dance
creation process.
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SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS
​Wakakirri is committed to providing schools with a variety of resources, from video tutorials to online workshops and a practical "how to" guide. Our goal is to make sure every school feels fully supported throughout their Wakakirri journey.
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- View our comprehensive resources
- Register for a FREE 'Getting Started with Wakakirri' workshop
WHICH SCHOOLS CAN PARTICIPATE?
Every primary, secondary and independent dance/performing arts school are welcome to participate, and group sizes for live events can range from 20 to 120 students. There are no minimum or maximum group size restrictions for video submissions.
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Students of all experience levels can participate, with a focus on creative movement and drama rather than technical dance. Our emphasis is on creative storytelling and sustainability, promoting inclusive and imaginative performances without the need for expensive and extravagant productions
WHAT STORY CAN WE TELL?
At Wakakirri, schools have the freedom to choose any story they wish to tell, guided by our ethos of “great stories inspire change” and the annual festival theme (in 2025, the theme is 'Mind Over Matter: Tales of Inner Strength').
Popular themes include environmental issues, social topics, cultural heritage, health, history, and reconciliation narratives. Each year, hundreds of primary schools across Australia create and perform Story-Dances that reflect their students’ thoughts, ideas, and aspirations.​​
FESTIVAL AWARDS & THEME
​Wakakirri has chosen 'Mind Over Matter: Tales of Inner Strength' as the theme for 2025. This theme highlights the power of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges. It encourages students to explore their inner strength and to share stories of courage, perseverance, and triumph. By sharing stories of courage and determination students can inspire themselves and others showcasing how a strong mindset leads to personal growth confidence and success.
Wakakirri celebrates schools that embody the Wakakirri ethos through our ambassadors’ assessments and awards. Outstanding schools that raise awareness, promote community building, and excel in the performing arts are acknowledged with State and National Awards and showcased via our website, local and national media. Read more about Festival Awards.
COSTS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Participation fees for Wakakirri Live are $39 (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 $36. Other costs to consider include props, costumes and transport to the theatre. The fee for Wakakirri Video is $200 (incl GST) per entry. This includes screening, certificates and feedback.
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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. More information here
2025 SEASON DATES
WAKAKIRRI VIDEO
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Entries due Term 3 week 9
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WAKAKIRRI LIVE - VENUES & SHOW DATES
Dates are tentative and will be confirmed once registrations close.
ACT
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Canberra Theatre 4 - 6 August & Awards Show 18 September
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NSW Sydney
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NIDA 6 - 8 August
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Riverside Theatres 28 - 31 July
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Awards shows NIDA 15 - 17 September
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NSW Wollongong
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WIN Entertainment Centre 15 August
NSW Newcastle
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The NEX 14 August
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QLD Brisbane
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Logan Entertainment Centre 18 - 21 August & Awards Shows 9 - 10 September
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QLD Sunshine Coast
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The Events Centre 31 July
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SA
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Norwood Concert Hall 4 - 8 August & Awards Shows 11 - 12 September
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VIC
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Clocktower Centre - 22 - 24 July & Award Shows 11 - 12 September
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Frankston Arts Centre 11 - 14 August & Award Show 8 September
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WA
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His Majesty's Theatre 19 August
