Following the incredible success of the 2025 Snowy Monaro Performing Arts Festival, we congratulate all the schools, students, and teachers who brought such talent, creativity, and energy to the stage.

Now we turn our attention to 2026.

The Snowy Monaro Performing Arts Festival returns – bigger, brighter, and bursting with energy. This annual celebration brings together public school students from Kindergarten to Year 12 across the Snowy Monaro and beyond, showcasing the creativity, dedication, and passion of our young performers.

Through dance, drama and music, students will share stories, express ideas, and celebrate the joy of performing. For performers, it’s an opportunity to step onto the stage and share their hard work. For schools and communities, it’s a reminder of the powerful role the arts play in bringing people together.

The festival aims to:

✅ Support arts education in schools – Encourage the development and teaching of creative and performing arts programs by providing a performance goal that aligns with the NSW Creative Arts curriculum while fostering creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills.

✅ Foster community and wellbeing – Provide an opportunity for students to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience while developing a sense of belonging within their school and the broader community.

✅  Celebrate diversity and Inclusivity - Showcase our students' diverse talents and cultural backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment where every voice is valued and celebrated.

✅ Deliver a high-quality performance experience – Host a vibrant, entertaining, and professional event that leaves a lasting impression on students, teachers, and the community, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

✅ Celebrate achievement and growth – Create an engaging and inspiring event that recognizes the dedication of students and teachers while leaving lasting memories for all involved.

Join us in celebrating the incredible achievements of our students and teachers through the transformative power of the arts. 

We can’t wait to see your students shining on stage!

Notificiations

Following the closing of nominations, schools will be notified of their performance day and technical rehearsal timeslot by Friday 24 April 2026 (Term 2 Week 1).

Performance day schedule

Technical rehearsals will take place during the day of your allocated performance.

• Technical rehearsals: 9:00 am to  11:30 am

• Dress rehearsal: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm 

• Evening show: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

Students will be marshalled from their seats for the dress rehearsal so they can watch each other perform.

Staffing

Students will, at all times, be under the duty of care of their teacher/s throughout the festival.   

A maximum of 2 parent volunteers (if required) per school will be allowed backstage and must be named on the submitted student and staff roll.  Parent volunteers cannot be swapped throughout the day.

Principals will be required to sign off on all staff, aides, and parent volunteers attending the festival to ensure they meet Department guidelines for WWCC and mandatory training.