As autumn colors the Vardar River with warm hues, families and young dreamers gather in Skopje for the International Festival for Children’s Theatre „Igor Madzirov“, a joyful showcase of plays, puppets, and performances that spark imagination. Set for October 15 to 18, 2025, in the lively capital of North Macedonia, this fourth edition invites troupes from around the world to bring stories to life for kids and youth. Hosted at the National Institution Theater for Children and Youth, the festival turns theaters into wonderlands, blending global talents with local charm in a city rich with history and hospitality.
Named after Igor Madzirov, a beloved Macedonian director whose passion shaped children’s theater for decades, the event honors his legacy by creating a space where young audiences discover empathy, adventure, and creativity through professional plays. It is more than shows, it is a bridge between cultures, where laughter echoes across borders and every curtain call feels like a shared hug.
A Celebration of Young Minds and Global Stories
Since its launch in 2022, the International Festival for Children’s Theatre „Igor Madzirov“ has grown into a cherished tradition, staying true to its roots in joy and education. Founded by the Theater for Children and Youth to fill a gap in professional kids’ programming, it draws on Skopje’s vibrant arts scene and Madzirov’s enduring influence as a mentor and innovator. The first edition in 2022 featured nine plays from Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Italy, Greece, and local troupes, drawing hundreds of families and earning praise for its focus on diverse narratives.
The 2025 edition, the fourth, builds on this momentum with a competitive program open to all professional productions for children and youth, from classics to contemporary tales. Submissions close April 30, 2025, with selections announced by June, ensuring a mix of puppetry, dance, music theater, and more. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and ASSITEJ International, the festival welcomes thousands, offering free or low-cost tickets to make magic accessible. Themes of friendship, courage, and discovery will shine, reflecting last year’s motto “Everything is Yours,” which encouraged kids to claim their stories.
In Skopje’s cozy venues, the festival feels like a family picnic with a stage. No stuffy formality here, just wide-eyed wonder, interactive chats, and the simple thrill of live tales unfolding under theater lights.
The Site: Theaters, Parks, and City Heart
The festival centers at the Theater for Children and Youth on Boulevard Ilinden, a welcoming hall with colorful murals and kid-friendly nooks that buzz with pre-show excitement. Performances spill into nearby gems like the Drama Theater and Theater Comedija, each a short stroll through Skopje’s pedestrian zones lined with cafes and statues. Outdoor spots in Macedonia Square or along the river host pop-up readings or workshops, turning the city’s Ottoman-era bridges and modern squares into extensions of the stage.
Attendees hop easily between sites, grabbing burek pastries from street vendors or ice cream by fountains. The layout fosters flow, with festival shuttles for families and printed maps highlighting kid zones. Skopje’s blend of ancient aqueducts and green parks adds a fairy-tale backdrop, making every corner feel like part of the plot.
This urban tapestry not only highlights North Macedonia’s crossroads heritage but echoes the festival’s spirit, weaving international threads into the local fabric like Madzirov’s own innovative weaves.
A Line-up of Puppets, Dancers, and Dreamers
The festival sparkles with its blend of international flair and emerging voices, curating plays that delight and provoke thought. For 2025, expect 8 to 10 competitive entries from Europe and beyond, judged by an international jury on artistry, innovation, and appeal to young viewers. Awards include Best Production, Best Director, and a Children’s Jury Prize, with cash grants up to €1,000 to support future works.
Last year’s third edition in October 2024 wowed with “small forms” like France’s “Don’t Wait for Me” opener, a poetic tale of loss and hope that moved audiences to tears and cheers. Standouts included Serbia’s “Little Girl,” a physical theater piece on bravery; Turkey’s “World Star Show” with lively Karagoz puppets; Italy’s “Hole and Button,” a quirky soul-searching fable; and Croatia’s “Oh La La,” a whimsical puppet adventure. The Children’s Jury crowned Serbia’s “On the Wolf’s Trail” for its clever chase and life lessons, while workshops on puppetry by Czech expert Jakub Maximov inspired local youth. A panel on children’s theater trends wrapped the fest, sparking ideas for bolder, more inclusive stories.
The 2025 roster promises similar variety, with masterclasses, artist talks, and a nod to Madzirov’s love for inventive forms, ensuring every show plants seeds of creativity.
Days of Laughter and Nights of Enchantment
Mornings at the festival start bright in sunlit lobbies. Families arrive for 11am matinees, like last year’s “Visit to Kate and Freda” from Bitola, where kids joined in silly songs about friendship. Workshops follow, teaching shadow play or mask-making, with crayons flying as children craft their own mini-tales over apple strudel snacks.
Afternoons hum with back-to-back shows at multiple halls, gasps and giggles filling the air during high-energy dances or quiet storytelling moments. Food stalls serve tavče gravče beans and fresh lemonade, keeping little legs fueled for post-show Q&As where actors answer “How do puppets talk?” with demos and hugs.
As evening falls, the main stage glows for family galas. Lights dim on tales like 2024’s closing “Frankenstein,” a heartfelt reimagining of monsters and belonging that left crowds clapping till hands hurt. The vibe stays cozy and communal, no booming effects, just honest emotions that linger like a bedtime story. Late sessions might include teen improv circles or parent panels, blending generations under Skopje’s starry bazaar skies.
A Festival Built on Imagination and Inclusion
The festival cherishes more than applause, it nurtures growth and unity. Tied to ASSITEJ’s global network, it prioritizes diverse voices, from Balkan border tales to Mediterranean myths, while eco-friendly sets and local sourcing support North Macedonia’s artisans. Workshops target theater students and underserved kids, building skills Madzirov championed, like using theater for empathy in divided times.
The schedule mixes set times with free play, like park puppet parades or open-mic storytelling, giving space for unplanned magic. Prizes fund travel for winners, launching careers, and free children’s juries empower young critics. In a screen-heavy world, this fest reminds us theater heals, teaches, and unites, valuing every child’s spark.
Planning Your Visit
Submissions for troupes run till April 30, 2025, via puppet.com.mk, free for qualifying pros. Public tickets start at €3, with family packs €10, on sale September 2025; book early as seats fill fast. Free workshops cap at 20, register online.
Skopje is easy via Alexander the Great Airport (20 minutes to center) or trains from Sofia. Stay at family hotels like Holiday Inn (€80/night) or hostels near the Old Bazaar (€30). October’s mild 15°C days suit layers; pack comfy shoes for walks. Download the festival app for schedules, and arrive a day early to explore the Stone Bridge or markets. Kids under 12 go free, making it a budget dream.
Why International Festival for Children’s Theatre „Igor Madzirov“ Stands Out
In a rush of cartoons and apps, this festival feels like a warm embrace. No flashy ads or VIP zones, just packed halls where a puppet’s wink draws belly laughs, or a dancer’s leap inspires a shy kid to try. It is the place to see 2024’s “Once Upon a Lion” roar with life lessons, or join a workshop that turns scarves into characters, echoing Madzirov’s magic.
Rooted in Skopje’s resilient spirit, from Ottoman echoes to modern unity, it proves theater for tots builds bridges. Families leave not just entertained, but equipped with stories that foster kindness long after the bows.
Explore the Surroundings
Beyond the curtains, Skopje’s charms unfold. Wander the Old Bazaar for handmade toys and baklava, or picnic in City Park with swan boats and playgrounds. Hike to the Millennium Cross for panoramic views, or visit Lake Matka for cave boat rides that feel like entering a play.
Day trips to Ohrid’s fairy-tale lakeside or Matka Canyon blend adventure with downtime, while evening mezes in the bazaar tie tales to tastes. These outings enrich the fest, turning stage dreams into real-world wonders.
International Festival for Children’s Theatre „Igor Madzirov“ 2025 offers more than plays, it ignites lifelong loves. With its puppet whimsy, global giggles, and heartfelt heritage, it calls you to sit front row, dream big, and carry the joy home in every young heart’s beat.
Follow International Festival for Children’s Theatre „Igor Madzirov“ online for updates on submissions, line-ups, workshops, and tips: Instagram: @teatarzadecaimladinci