GREAT STORIES INSPIRE CHANGE
Wakakirri is a nationwide initiative for Australian schools that provides a platform for students to express their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations through the art of storytelling and dance. Inspired by the belief that great stories can inspire change, Wakakirri is designed to promote student engagement and well-being in schools through the creation and performance of captivating Story-Dances.
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Held in term 3, this grand celebration showcases the Story-Dances from schools all across the country. With prestigious theatres in major cities and carefully selected regional areas serving as our venues, we ensure that no school is left behind. Even those in remote and regional areas can participate through our innovative Wakakirri Video platform.
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At the end of the season, we recognise and honour outstanding schools for their remarkable efforts in promoting positive social change through their Story-Dances.
WHY DO WAKAKIRRI
Hear from teachers who’ve experienced the positive impact Wakakirri has on students, helping them express their ideas, build resilience, and shine on stage.
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​"Nothing can prepare you for the absolute joy the children will feel as they perform and feel like they have accomplished great things. The teamwork, the hard work, the sense of connection and belonging that comes from participating is not matched by anything else I have seen in my 35 years in education."
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"Never before have we had an event that has brought ALL of us together. It means the world to us."​
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WAKAKIRRI AMBASSADORS
Wakakirri enjoys the support of some of Australia’s leading industry professionals who give their time as part of our National Panel to encourage the next performing arts generation.
Wakakirri Ambassadors partner with Wakakirri in various ways including participating in Performing Arts Careers Day, mentoring workshops and activities on Show Days, appearing in Waka TV, marketing and advocacy.​
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WHAT IS A STORY-DANCE?
A Wakakirri Story-Dance is a 3-7 minute performance where a group of students theatrically tells a story using a combination of dance, creative movement, acting, and pre-recorded music. Story-Dances can be performed live or submitted via video.
Schools can unleash their creativity by incorporating any mix of dance styles, acting, music, props, costumes, sets, and film projections to enhance their storytelling, all while considering sustainability and minimising their environmental footprint. We also offer special awards to schools excelling in this area.​​​​​ For an extra challenge, schools can choose to incorporate the annual festival motif into their story, although it’s not compulsory. The possibilities are endless!
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SUPPORT FOR TEACHERS
Comprehensive Resources
​Wakakirri is committed to providing schools with a variety of resources, from video tutorials to online workshops and a practical "how to" guide. Our goal is to make sure every school feels fully supported throughout their Wakakirri journey.
Artist in Residence Program
We understand that schools may need assistance, especially if they are under-resourced or their teachers have limited time. That’s why we offer the Wakakirri Artist in Residence program as a solution. Wakakirri can provide a qualified expert Facilitator that will come to your school and help create a story-dance performance for everyone involved!
WHAT STORY CAN WE TELL?
At Wakakirri, schools have the freedom to choose any story they wish to tell, guided by our ethos of “great stories inspire change” and the annual festival theme (in 2025, the theme is 'Mind Over Matter: Tales of Inner Strength').
Popular themes include environmental issues, social topics, cultural heritage, health, history, and reconciliation narratives. Each year, hundreds of primary schools across Australia create and perform Story-Dances that reflect their students’ thoughts, ideas, and aspirations.​​
WHICH SCHOOLS CAN PARTICIPATE?
Every primary, secondary and independent dance/performing arts school are welcome to participate, and group sizes for live events can range from 20 to 120 students. There are no minimum or maximum group size restrictions for video submissions.
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Students of all experience levels can participate, with a focus on creative movement and drama rather than technical dance. Our emphasis is on creative storytelling and sustainability, promoting inclusive and imaginative performances without the need for expensive and extravagant productions
FESTIVAL AWARDS & THEME
​Wakakirri has chosen 'Mind Over Matter: Tales of Inner Strength' as the theme for 2025. This theme highlights the power of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges. It encourages students to explore their inner strength and to share stories of courage, perseverance, and triumph. By sharing stories of courage and determination students can inspire themselves and others showcasing how a strong mindset leads to personal growth confidence and success.
Wakakirri celebrates schools that embody the Wakakirri ethos through our ambassadors’ assessments and awards. Outstanding schools that raise awareness, promote community building, and excel in the performing arts are acknowledged with State and National Awards and showcased via our website, local and national media. Read more about Festival Awards.
COSTS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Participation fees for Wakakirri Live are $39 (incl GST) per student which includes pre-season workshops, certificates and a digital copy of your school’s performance. Parents and friends are invited to watch students perform with tickets prices starting at $36. Other costs to consider include props, costumes and transport to the theatre. The fee for Wakakirri Video is $200 (incl GST) per entry. This includes screening, certificates and feedback.
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The Wakakirri Inspiration Fund was established to encourage and assist disadvantaged schools to participate in Wakakirri. The fund is filled each year by public donations and grants. Schools can apply for funding for subsidising student participation fees for Wakakirri Live. More information here
SEASON DATES
WAKAKIRRI VIDEO
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Entries due Term 3 week 9
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WAKAKIRRI LIVE - VENUES & SHOW DATES
Dates are tentative and will be confirmed once registrations close.
ACT
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Canberra Theatre 4 - 6 August & Awards Show 23 September
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NSW Sydney
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NIDA 6 - 8 August
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Riverside Theatres 28 - 31 July
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Awards shows NIDA 15 - 17 September
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NSW Wollongong
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WIN Entertainment Centre 15 August
NSW Newcastle
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The NEX 14 August
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QLD Brisbane
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Logan Entertainment Centre 18 - 21 August & Awards Shows 9 - 10 September
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QLD Sunshine Coast
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The Events Centre 31 July
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SA
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Norwood Concert Hall 4 - 8 August & Awards Shows 11 - 12 September
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VIC
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Clocktower Centre - 22 - 24 July & Award Shows 11 - 12 September
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Frankston Arts Centre 11 - 14 August & Award Show 8 September
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WA
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His Majesty's Theatre 18 - 19 August