Egypt will host the inaugural National School Theatre Festival from November 10 to 22 under the patronage of First Lady Entissar El-Sisi, with students from various educational stages participating nationwide.
Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and acting Culture Minister, stated that the presidential patronage highlights state efforts to support children, discover talents, and utilize the arts to build students' identities and personal development. He added that the initiative serves to revive theatrical activities in schools, which have historically nurtured prominent figures in Egyptian arts, while fostering creativity, teamwork, and communication skills.
The event is organized through a collaboration between the ministries of Culture and Education, alongside entities including the National Centre for Theatre, Music and Folk Arts and the General Authority for Cultural Palaces.
Hisham Atwa, head of the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, announced that cultural palaces nationwide will host rehearsals and performances free of charge to ensure accessibility for students regardless of location or resources. Adel Hassan, director of the National Centre for Theatre, Music and Folk Arts, noted that the festival translates recommendations from an August 2025 national conference on school theatre into practical measures.
Competitions will take place across multiple stages, beginning at schools before advancing through educational districts, directorates, and regional rounds, and concluding with final events in Cairo. The festival will wrap up on November 22 to coincide with World Children's Day celebrations.
