Starting in 1992, QPAC launched its theatre festival aimed at children, Out of the Box, and ever since then, kids have been at the centre of it as as artistic collaborators and experts in imaginative play, and the festival has become a beloved event for parents all over Queensland.
Now, over 30 years on, this year’s festival, inspired by the theme of hope, is planned as a full venue takeover from June 17 to June 22, with a program packed with theatre experiences, workshops, free events and activities with additional activities across the cultural precinct at the State Library, Queensland Museum and QAGOMA.
Some of this year’s highlights include international sell-out hit The Gruffalo, the magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, and Where is the Green Sheep?, an immersive visual theatre experience based on the beloved children’s book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek. Blending puppetry and animation, this beautiful production invites young audiences to join the different sheep on their search for the Green Sheep.
And that’s only the performance side of things! There will also be fun and creative workshops such as Little Chefs, a hands-on cooking adventure where kids will learn about the Food Rainbow, and even make something tasty themselves. And everyone’s favourite heeler is having an fun-filled puppetry workshop, where little ones can make their very own Bluey-inspired puppet and bring them to life. It’s the perfect blend of learning and play!
Every experience is planned with children in mind, encouraging them to share stories, explore new ideas, and dive into the world of imagination. Clapping, cheering, singing, dancing, asking questions — it’s all on the table and it’s all part of the experience, although there will also be dedicated Slow Down Spaces available for those who need them.
See the full program and get your tickets here!