Sydney Opera House October School Holidays Program

Sydney — Tuesday 5 August 2025

The Sydney Opera House today announced a playful school holiday season of performances and workshops for kids, families and young people designed to spark curiosity, creativity and wonder. From science‑fuelled storytelling to multi-sensory acrobatics and inspiring magic, the program invites audiences to discover new ways of seeing, feeling and imagining the world around them.

Highlights include the Australian premiere of Murmur, a genre-blending immersive sound and circus work from Belgium; NYC's own Mario the Maker Magician, with his heartwarmingly exuberant homage to DIY robotics, visionary artists and sleight-of-hand; Moss Piglet, an epic new Australian production that dives into the microscopic universe of tardigrades - tiny, indestructible creatures that have survived space and extinction; and Palette Session, a freestyle workshop blending hip hop, ballroom, krump, folk, contact improvisation and First Nations dance, led by Dylan Goh.

Sydney Opera House Head of Children, Families and Creative Learning, Tamara Harrison says: “We’re inviting kids and their grown-ups, and young people to embrace their inner rebel, artist, nerd or poet this spring. It’s all about celebrating what makes us unique. We’re excited to present a season of wild magic, miniscule worlds and meditative ocean journeys, a chance to play with sound, movement and imagination in unexpected, joyous ways.”

Spring highlights include:

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (AGES 4+)

• Moss Piglet || 27 – 28 September || Ages 5+: A new Australian work from Windmill Theatre that explores the world of tardigrades, also known as “moss piglets” or “water bears”. These curious microscopic creatures are known for surviving multiple extinction periods and extreme environments - including outer space! The production uses puppetry, movement, live video and green screen to introduce young audiences to the science and mystery behind these resilient organisms.
• Murmur || 1 – 8 October || Ages 4+: An Australian premiere combining circus, physical theatre, acrobatics and sound art from Belgium’s Grensgevalt Theatre. Murmur follows a character who creates a soundscape from everyday objects and movements. The performance includes interactive elements, rustling sound backpacks and a landscape of speakers, transforming the theatre into a multi-sensory environment.
• Mario the Maker Magician || 2 – 12 October || Ages 4+: Direct from NYC, magic’s punk rock Peter Pan philosopher arrives in Sydney with a show that blends DIY robotics, inventive slapstick and sleight of hand with inspirational art and science, and a message to “do what you love, use what you have and have fun!”. Mario has appeared on Sesame Street and Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show and is described by David Blaine as “the best kids' magician in the world.”
• What the Ocean Said || 11 – 12 October || Ages 4+: From local Sydney artist James Brown, an immersive installation of light and sound, this guided meditation invites children and their carers to follow the underwater journey of a humpback whale. Designed to introduce younger audiences to mindfulness and sensory storytelling.

WORKSHOPS (AGES 8+)

• Adam Mada Magic Workshops  || 1 – 3 October || Ages 8 – 12: Led by Australian master magician Adam Mada, participants learn to turn everyday objects into illusions and develop their own short routines. Each child receives a take-home kit of props to continue practicing after the session.

WORKSHOPS (AGES 18+)

• Palette Session || 7 September, 5 October, 2 November || Ages 18+: A freestyle dance lab led by Sydney-based artist Dylan Goh. Rooted in street dance culture, the session invites participants from all backgrounds to explore improvisation, connection and creativity. Styles include hip hop, krump, ballroom, contact improvisation, folk and First Nations dance.

See details about the other workshops here