Free Theatre for the Very Young Performances & New Musical Reading for Ages 8-11
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 festival will also present a reading of a brand new musical, Sankofa: The SuperHero Project, which is best enjoyed by ages 8-12. Commissioned by the Alliance Theatre, SANKOFA: THE SUPERHERO PROJECT is a part of the TYA BIPOC Superhero Project, a nationwide epic fusion of creative forces igniting theaters and playwrights across the diverse tapestry of America. Join us for a first look at this new musical adventure.
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.
READING OF SANKOFA: THE SUPERHERO PROJECT
Friday, May 29 at 10:45 am // Center Space, Memorial Arts Building
Written by Gloria Bond Clunie
Music Compositions by Eugene H. Russell, IV
When 9-year-old Rashad catches Superhero Aboagye (A-bow-a-gee) sneaking into his bedroom to snitch his delicious, cheesy Best-titos, he is determined to teleport back with him to the Sankofa SuperHero Academy. His mission — discover a superpower that will make the kids stop teasing him. Amidst awesome adventures and mighty mishaps in the Seventh Dimension – Rashad uncovers an amazing ability that could change his life – and the world!
This Project is dedicated to promoting and celebrating amazing stories created by BIPOC TYA playwrights across the United States that explore the notion of Superheroes as well as the many issues that youth communities of color encounter.
Best enjoyed by ages 8-11. Please book for all adults and children attending.
Following the TYA/USA National Festival and Conference, the celebration of young audiences ages 0-5 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.