King Abdulaziz Public Library boosts theater presence by nurturing young talent

King Abdulaziz Public Library, through its children’s libraries, continues to strengthen its presence in the Saudi theater scene by producing and presenting high-quality plays for children and young people. The library also takes part in major cultural and entertainment events, including 'Saudi Spirit' and 'Live It.' The library’s theaters across its branches have been activated as creative spaces for artistic expression and cultural engagement.

The library’s efforts extend to discovering emerging talent and organizing auditions for children and youth, offering them real opportunities to experience theater. It has also attracted playwrights, directors, actors, specialists, and enthusiasts, involving them in artistic projects that have enriched children’s theater content and opened new horizons for creative professionals in this field.

The role of children’s libraries in theater development

Sundus Al-Sharif, Director General of the Children’s Department at King Abdulaziz Public Library, emphasized that investing in children’s theater is a natural extension of the library’s cultural and educational mission. She noted that theater provides children and youth with opportunities to express themselves, discover their abilities, and develop artistic, linguistic, and social skills.

Al-Sharif said: “The role of children’s libraries goes beyond presenting plays to audiences; it extends to shaping the entire theatrical experience—from discovering scripts and talent, to auditions, training, and production, all the way to staging performances. We see children not just as recipients of art, but as partners in its creation and as creative individuals who can shape its future.”

Al-Sharif added that activating theaters in the library’s branches reflects a commitment to expanding opportunities for theater practitioners, creating an environment where experienced professionals and emerging talents can connect, and offering writers, directors, actors, and enthusiasts chances to participate and share expertise.

She pointed out that these experiences have helped uncover creative potential among children and youth, as well as promising talent in playwriting and script development for young audiences. She stressed the importance of supporting and nurturing these talents to enrich Saudi theater production.

Al-Sharif concluded by affirming that “theater in children’s libraries is not a passing activity, but a key cultural path through which we build individuals, foster artistic appreciation, and open doors for new generations to participate in the cultural and creative movement.”

These efforts reflect King Abdulaziz Public Library’s mission to support culture and the arts, expanding the impact of libraries as centers of knowledge and creativity that help discover national talent, nurture skills, and enrich the cultural and theatrical landscape in the Kingdom.