RUSH 2. — Youth Festival of Theatre and Dance Theatre

23-25 October 2026 Wroclaw Cultural Centre Nowy Pafawag

RUSH is back! After a successful first edition, we again invite youth theatre and dance theatre groups from all over Poland to jointly create an event in which young people not only present their performances, but also co-create the atmosphere of the festival, exchange experiences and have a real impact on its course.

RUSH is a nationwide festival aimed at people aged 12—19, working in theatre groups, dance theatre ensembles, community centres, schools, NGOs and independent artistic collectives. It is a space for young artists who want to show their work, meet peers from all over Poland and develop under the guidance of experienced artists.

The festival program will include competition presentations, workshops, masterclasses, meetings with jurors and integration events. All qualified groups will be able to participate free of charge in the educational part of the festival. Registration details for workshops and masterclasses will be published at a later date.

Who can apply?

We invite youth theater and dance theater groups, whose members are from 12 to 19 years old. Each group may submit one theatrical or dance presentation with a maximum duration of 40 minutes.

We do not accept applications for cabarets, stand-up shows or performances presented during the first edition of RUSH.

RUSH is not only an opportunity to show your performance in front of an audience and a professional jury. It is also an opportunity to participate in workshops conducted by renowned artists, meet young artists from all over Poland and exchange experiences and inspiration.

The festival is held in a competition format, and the total prize pool is PLN 10,000.

The awarding of the prizes will be decided by both the Festival Jury, made up of experts related to theatre, dance and artistic education, as well as the Youth Jury, formed by representatives of all qualified teams. At RUSH, we believe that young people should have a voice not only on stage, but also when talking about art.

How do I apply?

We announce the second stage of the call for the festival The call runs until 21 September 2026 until 12:00.

The application must be submitted using the online form, attaching:

full recording of the performance from one camera,

2 to 5 photos of the presentation,

signed consents for the use of participants' images.

Information about the results of the preselection will be published by July 10, 2026 on the website and social media of the Cultural Center Nowy Pafawag.

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Participation in the festival is completely free. The organizer does not cover the costs of transport, accommodation or meals of the participants.

The performances will be presented on the stage of the Nowy Pafawag Cultural Centre in Wrocław. Each group will be given time to assemble the set design and technical preparation before the show and dismantle after its completion.

📍 See you in Wroclaw from 23 to 25 October 2026.

RUSH is a scene that does not stand still. If you create a theater, work in a dance theater and want to meet people who think like you - apply and become part of the second edition of the festival.

Funding:

“Co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage under the programme of the National Cultural Centre: Culture — Interventions. Edition 2026”

Partners

Patronage