WOW! Fest 2026 – Schools Participation Call out – Autin Dance Theatre

We are inviting 10 schools from across Walsall and the Black Country to take part in a unique opportunity to co-create and perform new outdoor dance works as part of WOW! Fest, a brand-new outdoor dance and arts festival taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Walsall Arboretum.

Each participating school will:

Be paired with a professional Dance Artist from Autin Dance Theatre
Create a 5-minute original outdoor dance piece
Perform it twice on the Schools & Community Stage at WOW! Fest on Friday 3^rd July between 10am and 3pm

Festival Overview: WOW! Fest celebrates the power of movement, connection, and creativity in public spaces. Over two vibrant days, the festival will showcase:

New works from regional dance companies i
Free workshops and mass dance activities for audiences on both days

Themes for School Groups:

Moments of Wonder – Exploring big and small moments that spark awe and imagination through movement and storytelling.
Move Like the Earth – Inspired by the rhythms and cycles of nature: tides, stillness, storms, and human emotion.

Creative Sessions:

Schools will receive a half-day in-school workshop with an experienced Autin Dance Theatre artist between Mon 16^th March and Fri 26^th June 2026.
The same artist will support your group on the day of the festival.

Additional Information: There is no minimum or maximum number of students per group. All pieces will be performed outdoors on an uncovered stage with minimal technical support. Schools are asked to confirm their participation and ensure children are accompanied by appropriate staff or chaperones on the day. Autin Dance Theatre will provide risk assessments and safeguarding policies in advance. Participating schools will also be asked to complete a media permissions form for documentation and evaluation purposes.

Important note: The professional and community programme continues Saturday 4^th July, and we warmly encourage students, staff, and families to return to the Arboretum to enjoy more performances and celebrate the wider festival.

Please let us know if your school is interested in taking part or if you have any questions. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting new celebration of dance, creativity, and community!