Registrations for upcoming Wakakirri events are now open. REGISTER NOW
Registrations for upcoming Wakakirri events are now open. REGISTER NOW
Home / Why Wakakirri
Supporting creative learning in schools
Engaged through performance nationwide
Participating across Australia
Delivered across cities and regions
Educational Wellbeing Benefits
Students participate in a safe, guided program that helps them express ideas, work together and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.
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.
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.
”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
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’.
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.
Participation fees for Wakakirri Live in 2026 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 2026 is $220 (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.
Wakakirri aligns with the Australian curriculum while offering rich opportunities for creative learning. Students develop essential skills through storytelling, movement and performance, linking classroom learning with real-world expression.
Creative Expression
Students explore ideas and communicate them through movement and narrative.
Collaboration & Teamwork
Working in groups strengthens communication, cooperation and problem-solving.
Critical Thinking
Planning and developing a story encourages reflection, decision-making and evaluation.
Confidence & Resilience
Performing and presenting builds self-belief and emotional resilience.
Cooma Public School
STUDENT STORIES
“When we started, I was nervous about performing in front of others. Wakakirri helped me express my ideas through movement and feel proud of our school’s story.”
By working with her classmates, Emily gained confidence, felt supported and proudly shared her school’s story on stage with the wider school community.
Greenfield Secondary College
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 designed for both primary and secondary schools. The program is flexible and can be adapted to suit different age groups, learning outcomes and student abilities, making it appropriate across a wide range of year levels.
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.
Schools receive access to clear resources, planning guidance and ongoing support throughout the process. This includes help with understanding the program, preparing performances and navigating event requirements, ensuring educators feel confident at every stage.
Registrations for upcoming Wakakirri events are now open. REGISTER NOW
