Download our App
Directions to Ithra
We are Closed Today
Returning for its sixth edition, the Ithra Short Play Contest continues to empower emerging Saudi theater talent through mentorship, professional production, and live performance opportunities.
The contest features competitive and guest performances, alongside a cultural program that celebrates creativity and strengthens the local theater scene.
This Ticket Grants You
• Admission to your selected theater show.
• Complimentary access to the contest’s accompanying program taking place on the same day, subject to the capacity of each venue.
• Complimentary access to the Cultural Seminars.
• Complimentary access to the Networking Zone, where you can meet theater industry experts and contest participants.
• Complimentary access to the Interview with the Directors session, offering insights into the competing directors’ perspectives and creative visions.
Opening & Closing Ceremony
Theater Shows
Accompanying Programs
The role of theater festivals in developing theatrical and cultural movements
10th August 2026
8:00 PM - 8:45 PM
+12 Years
Arabic
Cinema
Hobby with Expert: Theatrical Art
11th August 2026
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
+16 Years
Arabic
Library - Level 3
The director and actor: an integrated, creative relationship
12th August 2026
7:15 PM - 8:00 PM
+12 Years
Arabic
Cinema
The role of reading in developing Imagination and theatrical creativity
13th August 2026
7:15 PM - 8:00 PM
+12 Years
Arabic
Cinema
In collaboration with
FAQs
How long will the sixth edition of the Ithra Short Play Contest run for?
The sixth edition of the Ithra Short Play Contest will take place over six days, from August 10 – 15, 2026.
Where will the sixth edition of the Ithra Short Play Contest 2026 be held?
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) will host the sixth edition of the Ithra Short Play Contest. A range of performances and accompanying program activities will be presented in the Ithra Theater and other venues across the Center, including the Energy Exhibit Studio Theater , Cinema and Library.
How many plays will be presented during the contest?
Five Contest Shows and five Host Shows will be presented over the six-day contest, from August 10 –15, 2026.
How can I obtain tickets for the theater shows and accompanying program?
Tickets for the Contest Shows can be purchased through Ithra’s website or from the designated ticket desks within the Center.
Tickets for the host shows are free and can be reserved through Ithra’s website or collected from the designated ticket desks within the Center.
Most accompanying program activities can be accessed with a Contest Show or Host Show ticket for the same day. Cultural Seminars and Interview with Directors do not require a theatre show ticket. Meet the Expert appointments and Masterclasses can be booked separately online and do not require a theater show ticket.
Where can I find the schedule for the theater shows and accompanying program?
To view the complete schedule of theater shows and accompanying program activities, please visit the Ithra Short Play Contest webpage.
When is the opening ceremony held?
The opening ceremony will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026.
Is a ticket required for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies?
Yes. Tickets for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are free and can be reserved through Ithra’s website or collected from the designated ticket desks within the Center.
How much does a contest show ticket cost?
A contest show ticket costs SAR 20 and includes access to the accompanying program activities taking place on the same day, subject to the capacity of each venue.
Is a ticket required for a host show?
Yes. Tickets for the host shows are free and can be reserved through Ithra’s website or collected from the designated ticket desks within the Center.
A host show ticket also provides access to most accompanying program activities taking place on the same day, subject to the capacity of each venue.
Can theater ticket holders attend the accompanying program activities?
Yes. After purchasing a contest show ticket or reserving / collecting a free host show ticket, ticket holders may attend the accompanying program activities taking place on the same day.
These activities include the Cultural Seminars, Networking Zone and Interview with the Directors sessions. Access is included with the theater-show ticket but is subject to the capacity of each venue.
Meet the Expert appointments and Masterclasses can be booked separately online and do not require a theater-show ticket.
Are full-day tickets available?
No, full-day tickets are not available.
Does attendance at a Cultural Seminar require a ticket or advance registration?
No, entry is open to everyone ages 12 years old and above. A ticket or advance registration is not required.
Access is subject to the capacity of the venue.
Is a ticket required to access the Networking Zone?
Yes. Visitors must hold a ticket for a theater show taking place on the same day. This may be a purchased contest show ticket or a free host show ticket.
Access is subject to the capacity of the venue.
Does attendance at an Interview with the Directors session require a separate ticket or advance registration?
No, entry is open to everyone ages 12 years old and above. A ticket or advance registration is not required.
Access is subject to the capacity of the venue.
How can I book a Meet the Expert session?
Meet the Expert sessions must be booked online at least one day in advance. A theater show ticket is not required.
How can I register for a Masterclass?
Masterclasses must be booked online. A theater show ticket is not required.
Note: Applying for the masterclass does not mean final acceptance. Candidates will be contacted to schedule a personal interview before final acceptance.
When will the contest show award winners be announced?
The contest show award winners will be announced during the Closing Ceremony on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Will the theater shows be broadcast on Ithra’s social media channels?
No. The theater shows will not be broadcasted or livestreamed during this edition of the Ithra Short Play Contest.