We work with artists and actors who prioritize the audience and artistic appeal, aiming to spark and ignite the young audience's imagination through our performances.

Our productions reflect the complex realities of young people's lives and strive to move away from simplistic explanations.

A deeper understanding of the world

Riksteatern Barn & Unga consistently focuses on new dramatic works, bringing diverse stories and expressions to the stage. We believe in the power of performing arts to create meaningful experiences and foster a deeper understanding of the world around us.

A rich history since 1964

Riksteatern Barn & Unga has a rich history that dates back to 1964 when it was established as a dedicated school theater division within Riksteatern. Even before the official establishment, Riksteatern as a national touring theatre company, was pioneering in bringing theater to schools, with performances dating back to the 1950s. The demand for school theater grew rapidly, leading to the formal creation of a school theater department in 1964

High quality för young audiences

Throughout the years, Riksteatern Barn & Unga has undergone several name changes but has always remained committed to its mission of providing high-quality theater for young audiences. The early years were marked by innovative and sometimes controversial productions that challenged norms and aimed to depict reality and society from the perspective of young people. Notable authors such as Staffan Göthe, Ingrid Sjöstrand and Staffan Westerberg were instrumental in the early development of Riksteatern Barn & Unga, contributing to its unique style and repertoire.

Over the decades, Riksteatern Barn & Unga has toured extensively, not only across Sweden but also internationally, earning numerous awards and accolades. The tradition of creating new dramatic works for young audiences continues to be a cornerstone of Riksteatern Barn & Unga's activities, with projects like Länk and collaborations with institutions like the Centre for the Studies of Children's Culture at Stockholm University.

Playwright Residency

Through the announcement of a yearly residency, Riksteatern and the Centre for Children's Culture Research at Stockholm University aim to deepen the knowledge of developing ideas for writing drama for a young audience. The residency offers a professional playwright both artistic and academic guidance, as well as a commission for a rough draft of a play for young audiences. The goal of the playwright residency is to develop new forms of drama for children and youth and to exchange experiences and knowledge between playwrights, researchers, and students. The aim is also to challenge the artistic work as well as the academic discussions.

Länk

Länk (Connections) is an initiative by Riksteatern Barn & Unga aimed at developing new dramatic works for young audiences. It involves collaboration with youth ensembles all over Sweden and provides a platform for young voices to be heard. The project includes readings of new plays and performances by youth ensembles, fostering creativity and engagement among young people.

BURN Network

The BURN network at Riksteatern Barn & Unga is a dynamic and collaborative platform for teenagers, designed to enhance the repertoire and artistic development of productions aimed at young audiences. BURN stands for "Barn och Unga Repertoar Nätverk" (Children and Youth Repertoire Network) and serves as a vital forum for artists and theater professionals to exchange ideas and views with teenagers.

The network facilitates regular meetings and workshops where members can discuss the repertoire of Riksteatern Barn & Unga and also current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of children's and youth theater. These gatherings provide a space for creative brainstorming, feedback sessions, and the development of new dramatic works that resonate with young audiences.

BURN plays a crucial role in influencing the repertoire planning at Riksteatern Barn & Unga. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the network ensures that the productions are not only artistically engaging but also relevant and meaningful to the target audience.