Little Artists. On Stage and in Life, Timișoara.

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Micii Artiști Guide. On Stage and in Life.

Practical exercises in emotional education, career exploration and personal development through music.

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As part of the „Micii Artiști. On Stage and in Life” project, we continued the activities dedicated to children's socio-emotional and cultural development through an educational experience held during the „Green Week” program.

On March 30, 2026, 100 children from Școala Gimnazială nr. 13 in Timișoara attended the „A Heart of Stone” show, staged at Teatrul pentru Copii și Tineret „Merlin”. The activity was coordinated by Ana Maria Bocșan, teacher, together with the team of teachers involved in the project.

For many of the children, this was their first experience at the theatre and their first real contact with the magic of the performing arts. Beyond the show itself, this encounter was about emotion and closeness — a moment where the children discovered a new world, full of stories, characters and feelings that captured their attention and imagination from the very first minute.

Through this cultural and educational experience, children had the chance to feel, observe and understand emotions in a deep and authentic way, continuing the workshops they took part in during the previous module.

The project contributes to developing artistic expression, emotional intelligence and creativity among children, giving them access to cultural activities and alternative, non-formal education methods through art.

An educational initiative carried out with the support of City of Mara, in partnership with Fundația Alber.

Education through theatre and cultural experiences for children

Although cultural activities and educational experiences through art play an essential role in children's emotional and social development, access to such opportunities is still limited for many children in Romania.

The project proposes an approach based on education through art and cultural experiences that helps children explore emotions, relationships and new perspectives in a natural and accessible way. Attending children's theatre shows contributes to developing imagination, empathy and the ability to express oneself. Through direct contact with the stage, the characters and the stories, children learn to observe the world around them more closely and to express their own emotions and ideas.

Cultural experiences encourage them to be curious, to explore and to broaden their horizons, contributing to building a healthy relationship with art and culture from an early age.

What was the theatre experience like?

Attending the „A Heart of Stone” show turned the theatre trip into an educational and emotional experience for the 100 children involved in the project. The activities were designed to support children's education through interactive cultural experiences:

• a trip to Teatrul pentru Copii și Tineret „Merlin” in Timișoara, where children discovered the magic of theatre in a setting dedicated to art and education
• exploring the emotions and relationships between characters through the story and the stage performance, and encouraging emotional expression, empathy and curiosity
• developing imagination and attention through direct contact with the world of theatre
• interacting with the artistic environment of the theatre, through characters, emotions and moments that stimulated children's imagination and attention as part of the „Green Week” program
• moments of reflection and dialogue about the lessons discovered in the story presented on stage

The 100 students from grades II, III and V at Școala Gimnazială nr. 13 followed the adventures of the character Peter with emotion and enthusiasm, actively engaging with the story and discovering, step by step, the difference between good and bad, courage and fear, friendship and trust.

For many of the children, this theatrical experience was a context in which they learned to observe, feel and express themselves in a different way.

What it was like for participants

What did children discover through theatre?

The „A Heart of Stone” show was, for some of the participants, the first time they set foot in a theatre and had direct contact with the performing arts, while for others it was the moment they understood that emotions can be conveyed and understood beyond words.

Through stories and life situations presented on stage, children had the chance to look at the world from different perspectives and draw connections between the characters' experiences and their own feelings.

Why does education through theatre matter for children?

Theatre plays an important role in children's emotional and social development. Through shows and cultural experiences, children develop their imagination, empathy and ability to express themselves. Education through art helps children to:

• develop creative skills
• better understand emotions and relationships between people
• improve their attention and observation skills
• develop their empathy, expressiveness and critical thinking
• discover cultural life, new perspectives and forms of artistic expression

Through projects like „Micii Artiști. On Stage and in Life”, children have access to cultural experiences and non-formal activities that complement traditional education and contribute to their well-rounded development.

Impact

The activity held at Teatrul pentru Copii și Tineret „Merlin” highlighted the importance of cultural experiences in children's development and in the process of non-formal education through art.

By attending the „A Heart of Stone” show, children had the chance to develop their imagination, explore emotions and discover new ways of expressing themselves and relating to others.

Over the course of nearly three months, 140 students take part in the project's emotional education workshops through art, cultural experiences and personal development activities, designed to help build self-confidence and support children's well-rounded development.

Partners

Partners: Școala Gimnazială nr. 13 Timișoara, Asociația Provident pentru Educație, Fundația Cărturești, Hotel Continental, 5 to go, Carpathian Jerky, Safala, Arty, Twinkle Star, Noi Hypermarket, Carul cu Miere, Florina Todor Photography, Flori în Culori, A’Clair by Alma Dulce, Cuina Bunicii, Iusti Flower Shop.

Media partners: Kanal D, Kanal D2, Radio Impuls, Ringier România, Revista Biz.