OUT OF THE BOX FESTIVAL
QPAC’s Out of the Box festival for children eight years and under returns this June
This year’s festival is a full venue takeover, packed with theatre experiences, workshops, free events and activities with additional programs across the cultural precinct at the State Library, Queensland Museum and QAGOMA.
Since its very beginning in 1992, Out of the Box has always placed children at the centre of the festival as artistic collaborators and experts in imaginative play. Every step is taken with children in mind, from the development of new work and the curation of in-theatre productions and workshops through to the adapted onsite experience to design an inclusive, child-friendly environment.
Registration for the National Early Years Policy Summit at QPAC’s Out of the Box includes access to attend performances. Multiple sessions of each of the below shows will be available, giving you the flexibility to tailor your experience as part of the Summit.
Large in-theatre performances:
The Gruffalo
Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Where is the Green Sheep?
An immersive visual theatre experience based on the beloved children’s book by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek.
Wolfgang in the Stars
Join the boy-genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as he embarks on an interstellar journey to seek inspiration for his beloved early masterpiece “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”.
Be-spoke offerings:
Gurril Storm Bird
Introduce young learners to rich First Nations storytelling and cultural knowledge through dance and theatre. Rooted in Yidinji and language, the performance supports educators in promoting respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
The Lost Lending Library
This interactive experience celebrates imagination and literacy by transforming children into active participants in a magical library setting. It fosters early language development, listening, and narrative skills. For educators, it offers a powerful model of immersive storytelling that supports creative thinking, problem-solving, and cooperative play—essential pillars of early childhood pedagogy.
Club Origami
Merging dance, design, and visual art to spark creativity and motor skill development. Children are invited to manipulate paper, respond to music, and co-create the performance. For early childhood educators, the show models a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, emphasizing child-led exploration, sensory learning, and the value of open-ended materials in fostering confidence and expressive communication.
Wonderbox
Designed specifically for young audiences with disability. A sensory-rich journey that explores emotional expression and social connection. Through interactive play, gentle storytelling, and tactile materials, the show encourages empathy and resilience. Aligned with early learning frameworks by supporting emotional development, inclusive participation, and reflective practice in early years education.
Register Now
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation shaping early childhood policy in Australia. Secure your place at the National Early Years Policy Summit today.
National Early Years Policy Summit
at the
Queensland Performing Art Centre’s Out of the Box Festival
Tuesday 17 - Wednesday 18 June 2025