Childrens Tiatr Competition

Childrens Tiatr Competition is an annual cultural scheme of Tiatr Academy of Goa that gives children up to 16 years a platform to present traditional Konkani theatre. The scheme supports Educational Institutions, Sports and Cultural Associations and Individual Producers with money help and a chance to perform before a live audience.

The 13th edition of this competition was held from 20 January to 9 February 2026 at Ravindra Bhavan, Vasco, in partnership with the venue. Eight children's tiatr troupes took part, and the tiatr 'Ek Zunvo', written and directed by Marcos Gonsalves, took the first place. The scheme keeps running every year, and the Academy announces the competition in the local press before the next edition.

Childrens Tiatr Competition 2026

Tiatr Academy of Goa runs this scheme under the Art, Culture and Museums Department, Government of Goa. The main aim is to encourage the growth of Konkani theatre by giving young artistes, writers and directors a proper stage, and to keep the rich heritage of tiatr alive for the future.

Each production must stay focused on the lives of children, and the script has to follow the traditional tiatr format approved by the Academy. Successful applicants get financial support to cover production costs, and winners are honoured with mementos and certificates in different categories.

Benefits

This scheme offers several forms of encouragement to help children and producers put up a good show.

Participating groups receive financial support to the extent fixed by Tiatr Academy of Goa. This money help covers production costs such as music (live band with at least two blowing instruments), light effects, stage setting, background music, make-up, costumes, refreshments for rehearsals and transport. The Academy makes all payments by cheque in the name of the institution, association or producer.

The Academy records every performance and keeps the copies in its library to preserve the legacy of tiatr for the future. One copy of the DVD is given free of cost to the producer or director. Winners in the different categories are awarded mementos and certificates, and the top award winners of the previous year get a direct entry into the next edition.

Eligibility

Participation is open to Educational Institutions, Sports and Cultural Associations and Individual Producers. All child performers must be 16 years old or younger on the date of submission of the application.

The production must revolve around themes based on the lives of children only, and scripts with no connection to children's lives are not considered. The tiatr should last between one and a half to two and a half hours, including an interval of 10 to 15 minutes. Each tiatr must have 6 to 7 acts with at least 4 cantos, and at least 10 Kantaram which include one interactive duet, one interactive duo, one interactive trio, one interactive quartet or quintet, one choral song and solos. Comedy must be linked to the main story, and no adverse remark against any government, individual, institution, caste, creed or religion is allowed in the script, lyrics or performance.

Application Process

The scheme is announced in the local press, and interested applicants have to apply offline in the prescribed form within the fixed time. Follow these steps to register.

STEP 1 - Get the prescribed application form from the office of Tiatr Academy of Goa or download it from the official website at tiatracademyofgoa.com.

STEP 2 - Fill in all the required fields correctly, attach the required documents and sign the form.

STEP 3 - Submit the completed form to the office of Tiatr Academy of Goa, AS-1 / AS-4, Block A, 2nd Floor, Campal Trade Centre, Opposite Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji, Goa 403001.

A total of 15 groups are given the chance to participate on a first-come, first-served basis. If more than 15 applications arrive, the Academy calls a meeting of all applicants and selects the remaining troupes by lots. If any participant withdraws, the vacant place is filled by the next troupe on the waiting list. If a participant withdraws after the schedule is drawn, the full security deposit is forfeited.

Documents

Below is the list of documents and details needed at the time of application.

• Self-attested copies of birth or baptism certificates for all child actors, or a certificate from the school headmaster or headmistress certifying the birth date, with originals for verification.
• Self-attested copies of Aadhaar card and PAN card of the applicant.
• A typed copy of the complete script of the tiatr and the typed lyrics of all the Kantaram.
• A refundable security deposit of ₹4,000 in cash or as a Demand Draft in favour of the Member Secretary, Tiatr Academy of Goa payable at Panaji. No cheques are accepted.

Exactly 3 days before the start of the competition, the final typed script, final lyrics, cast list and summary of songs must be submitted to the Academy during office hours.

References

For detailed rules and updates, refer to the official Tiatr Academy citizen charter and the Childrens Tiatr Competition rules and application form PDF.

FAQ's

What is the maximum age limit for participants?

All child performers must be 16 years of age or younger on the date of submission of the application.

What is the required security deposit?

A refundable deposit of ₹4,000 is required in cash or as a Demand Draft in favour of the Member Secretary, Tiatr Academy of Goa payable at Panaji.

Are there specific rules for the tiatr format?

Yes, the tiatr must have 6 to 7 acts with at least 4 cantos and at least 10 Kantaram, including interactive duets, duos, trios, quartets or quintets, a choral song and solos.

Can my team perform the script elsewhere before the competition?

No more than 2 shows of the given script may be performed before the competition.

How is the selection handled if there are too many applicants?

If more than 15 applications are received, a meeting of all applicants is called and the remaining troupes are selected by lots.

What happens if we withdraw from the competition?

If a participant withdraws after the schedule is drawn, the full security deposit is forfeited.

When is the deadline to submit final scripts and song details?

The final script, lyrics, cast list and song summaries must be submitted during office hours 3 days before the start of the competition.

Can technical staff work for multiple troupes?

Backstage and technical staff can take part only under the troupe they are listed with, while musicians may take part in more than one troupe.