Power of
Imagination
The right to play
Every child has the right to play, as outlined in the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of the Child adopted in 1989. Yet displaced children in Europe often face daily violations of this right, including their access to play and recreational activities.
Play, fun, and imagination are vital for children’s development and future well-being. Our mission is to advocate for these essential rights and to showcase the significance of theatre projects in supporting displaced children. By sharing our expertise, we aim to reinforce the importance of play and contribute to the healthy development of every child.
About us
We are Changing Stories. A group of professional performers and artists using the power of play and imagination to uplift children in refugee camps, slums and asylum shelters within Europe.
Many of these children are dealing with trauma due to war, violence or displacement. Through theatre and play we focus on joy and synchronicity to create carefree moments, to relieve tension and stimulate resilience.
With a team of four professionals we travel to places within Europe where children are growing up in circumstances that are not helpful for a healthy development.
Crowdfunding 2025
Will you help us reach our goal?
-
Around the World
More than a million refugee and displaced children are growing up in Europe. Often without a safe space to create and imagine. Changing Stories creates that space.
What will we do?
Around the World will be a mobile, non-verbal theatre performance for children aged 4 to 18 who are growing up in difficult circumstances. The show will be playful, visual, and musical – with no spoken language, so that every child can relate to it.
With each performance, we create a space where children are not refugees, but explorers. Not numbers, but talented individuals who deserve to be seen.
Four experienced creators will develop this new production, drawing on years of working creatively with children in crisis. During the process, we will actively involve children in shelters through workshops – allowing them to help change the story.
What your support makes possible
With your help, we can spark imagination and resilience in those who need it most. Your support makes it possible to:
– Develop a new theatre production tailored to both younger and older children.
– Build lightweight, mobile backdrops that can be used in emergency settings across Europe.
– Create interactive workshops where children become co-creators of the performance
– Train our artists so they can bring this show to life with strength and confidence.
Why do we do what we do
Theatre projects
Carefree play
Our goal is to create carefree moments with displaced children and provide them with a sense of agency. Within our theatre projects we use the power of play and creativity to build positive human connections based on respect and joy. Our method is interactive and trauma-sensitive, inviting children at the centre of the party.
Because when children play they do so much more than just have fun. It helps them to regulate emotions, express themselves and to grow and develop into healthy human beings.
The power of imagination
Through our colourful projects we empower children, using their creativity to gain a sense of control. For a moment we shift the focus to what is possible. The impact immediately reflects in the reactions of the children and can last a lifetime. Together with children we create a new story. We see the children we work with as the humans they are and not as the single identity of being ‘a refugee’. Through our method we make sure that together with the children and everyone else involved at that moment in time we create a positive time and positive memories.
Increase resilience
Unpleasant memories can cause children to remain stuck in the past, hindering their ability to thrive in the present. Our approach shifts the focus to the here and the now, focusing on positive encounters and feeling a sense of belonging. In a situation filled with challenges, we shift the focus towards what is possible in this moment. Our aim is to ignite a collective sense of optimism and resilience, crafting moments to be cherished. These moments serve as a counterweight to negative memories, hoping to create a wonderful experience that children can look back on with joy.
Get involved with Changing Stories
Bring the magic
of theater to children
We offer engaging theatre projects at emergency shelters designed to help displaced children experience the power of imagination. For details on costs and bookings, please contact us.
Let Changing Stories
inspire you
We offer workshops and interactive sessions for social or arts education. The aim is to inspire and motivate educators and social workers to make impact through creativity. Details about pricing and booking, contact us.
Join our mission by becoming a Story Changer
We invite performers and social workers to contribute their talents to our theatre projects and help us expand our impact. For information on how you can support and grow with us, please get in touch.
Support us by making a donation
Support us to help ensure that we can fully realise our projects for displaced children across Europe. There are multiple ways of showing your support. For information on how you can help, go to our donate page.
Subscribe to our newsletter
What our partners say about us
“We experienced the transformative power of play during the visit to the camps in Turkey. Despite the difficult times these children found themselves in after recent earthquakes, your team brought joy and laughter into their lives. You have spread happiness.”
“We all absolutely loved having you visit. We loved watching the children share their creativity and expression. You are a talented team of performers and really engage the children with your interactive activities, spreading solidarity and hope through the living site”
“We experienced the transformative power of play during the visit to the camps in Turkey. Despite the difficult times these children found themselves in after recent earthquakes, your team brought joy and laughter into their lives. You have spread happiness.”
We receive support from
