Theatre for the Early Years

Early Childhood Development Theatre , also referred to as Theatre for the Early Years or Early Years Theatre, are terms used to refer to a form of theatre specifically devised for very young audiences (0-30 months). In such performances, children are accompanied by at least one parent/caregiver and remain with the caregiver for the duration of the performance (approx 30-45 minutes) during which facilitators lead the young audience through activities aimed at stimulating sensory perception and a sense of wonderment.

South African practitioners include The Magnet Early Years Theatre Company, who launched an initiative to train young theatremakers in the field of Early Childhood Development Theatre in 2015; Margot Wood and Storywood Theatre Productions (based on her work with Early Years Theatre companies Helios Theatre (Germany), Trusty Sidekick (USA) and Oily Cart (UK));