Thespo Youth Theatre Festival
by Thespo
Perform at Prithvi Theatre, national platform
Thespo Youth Theatre Festival is a competition by Thespo, open to students across India. It is free to take part.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Duration
Annual festival, approximately 10 days in December
Format
Both
Time needed
Performance slots during the festival; groups typically attend for 2–3 days
About This Opportunity
Thespo Youth Theatre Festival is India's only national theatre festival exclusively dedicated to young theatre makers aged 25 and under. Held every December at the iconic Prithvi Theatre in Juhu, Mumbai, Thespo invites youth theatre groups from across India to present full-length plays, short plays, workshops, and staged readings.
Founded in 1999, Thespo has become a landmark in India's theatre calendar, consistently championing new voices and original work. Participating groups compete for Thespo awards across categories including Best Production, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Ensemble, with winners recognised by India's theatre community.
The festival serves as a launchpad — many Thespo alumni have gone on to significant careers in theatre, television, and Indian cinema. The event is also deeply collaborative: participating groups from different cities see each other's work, exchange ideas, and build lasting connections within the national youth theatre ecosystem.
Entries are accepted from theatre groups whose all creative and performing members are 25 years of age or under. Entry process involves submitting a production proposal and, if selected, performing at the December festival. Attendance at performances is open to the public at nominal or no charge.
Eligibility
- Age Range
- - 25 years
- Location
- Nationwide
Academic requirement
No specific academic requirements.
Additional requirements
- All performing and creative team members must be 25 years of age or under
- Groups may enter with full-length plays, short plays, workshops, or staged readings
- Entries are competitive; selection is based on production proposal
Open to theatre practitioners aged 25 and under. All creative and performing members of the participating group must be 25 or younger.
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Rewards & Recognition
Prizes
Thespo Awards in multiple categories
Winners receive Thespo Awards across production, direction, acting, and ensemble categories, recognised across India's theatre community.
Recognition
Perform at Prithvi Theatre, national platform
Skills your child builds
Highlights
- India's only national theatre festival exclusively for practitioners aged 25 and under
- Held at Prithvi Theatre, Juhu — one of India's most historic theatre venues
- Accepts full-length plays, short plays, workshops, and staged readings
- Open to theatre groups from any city in India
Rounds & format
Selected Plays perform at the theatre.
How entries are judged
Originality of work, ensemble performance quality, direction, and overall theatrical impact.
How to apply
- 1Submit a production entry proposal to Thespo during the call-for-entries period (typically August–September).
- 2Selected groups are invited to perform at the December festival in Mumbai.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thespo Youth Theatre Festival free?
This opportunity is free to participate in.
Who can participate in Thespo Youth Theatre Festival?
children aged undefined-25.
What will my child gain from Thespo Youth Theatre Festival?
Perform at Prithvi Theatre, one of India's most iconic theatre venues. Thespo Awards recognised by India's national theatre community. Networking with young theatre practitioners from across India. Mentorship and feedback from senior theatre professionals.
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