Free Theatre for the Very Young Performances
The Alliance Theatre is thrilled to host the 2026 TYA/USA National Festival & Conference May 27-29. This three-day gathering draws inspirational theatre makers from around the world to engage and explore Theatre for Young Audiences and how theater arts can inspire and impact the next generations. We’re excited to welcome this vibrant community of creatives to Atlanta.
One of the festival highlights is experiencing shows for the youngest theatre attendees, ages 0-5. The Festival will present three Theatre for the Very Young productions, as well as an experience for non-walking infants, and we are inviting our Atlanta community ages 0-5 and their caregivers to experience these shows for free! In addition to two beloved Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young productions, the brand-new show, Helping Hands, commissioned by the Alliance Theatre and the TYA/USA TVY Development Program, will also take the stage in its first workshop performances. One additional experience is available for non-walking infants and their carers — RAIN. This immersive performance invites our tiniest friends to be mesmerized and entranced by the beauty of rain.
THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD
Thursday, May 28 at 11:15am & 2pm // Hertz Stage
Inspired by the book Birthday of the World by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen
How can you repair the world, finding one spark at a time? Gather around and lean forward as we share a gift with you – a story about how the world was born and how it needs your help to be filled with light again.
Best enjoyed by ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Please book for all adults and children attending.
DINOSAUR!
Friday, May 29 at 9am & 10:45am // Hertz Stage
Created by Olivia Aston Bosworth & Samantha Provenzano
Get ready to find out how even the simplest day-to-day task can turn into an epic dino-tastic adventure that will leave little ones laughing and roaring for more.
Best enjoyed by ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Please book for all adults and children attending.
HELPING HANDS
Friday, May 29 at 9am, 10:45am & 1pm // Rehearsal Hall B, 3rd Floor, Memorial Arts Building
Created by Jack Romans and Cameryn Richardson
Alliance Theatre and TYA/USA TVY Development Program
When Flomo and Peepa disturb a resting trash spirit, hijinks ensue. With each new idea, they bring audiences along on a journey to upcycle, create, and ultimately, enjoy the items we typically throw away.
Best enjoyed by ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Please book for all adults and children attending.
RAIN: for babies and their carers
Friday, May 29 at 9am, 10:45am & 1pm // Selig Family Black Box Theatre
Produced by Filament Theatre in partnership with Threshold
Audiences are invited to participate in an experience that responds to the generosity of rain. Carers and their littlest ones are immersed in an intimate and mindful installation space full of surprise, delight and opportunities for connection through sound, touch and performance.
To keep this experience safe and inspiring, each showing of RAIN is limited to 10 non-walking infants and their carers.
For non-walking infants and their caregivers. Please register the number of non-walking infants attending to reserve your spot.
Following the TYA/USA National Festival and Conference, the celebration of young audiences continues with Toddler Takeover Powered by PNC on May 30-31. What an incredible week filled with creativity and inspiration for our youngest audiences!
These performances are part of the 2026 TYA/USA National Festival & Conference. Photography and videography will take place at this event. By attending, you acknowledge that your image and likeness may be captured and used for promotional or archival purposes without further consent or compensation.
Come Curious. Leave Changed.
Join us for transformative theater that speaks to the heart of Atlanta.