What we do
Every child has the right to play, yet this is one of the first things lost in displacement. As professional artists working with children, we see how profoundly neglected this group is. Every child deserves safety, joy and the space to just be a child, regardless of where they were born or where they have ended up.
Where we operate
Changing Stories works with children on the move across Europe living in refugee camps or shelters. Even short stays in these environments can negatively affect children’s mental health and development. All children we work with are in the migration process, carrying the weight of violence, forced displacement and loss.
Because so much can be taken from them, we focus on something that cannot: what happens inside a child when they play, imagine and create. A magic that belongs to them entirely. This fragile context sharpens our purpose, pushing us toward trauma-sensitive practice and deep collaboration with partners.
Projects for children
Our pop-up projects are short and high-energy. In these projects, the children are invited to play and co-create performances. In a 10-day mission we mostly visit different locations for 1 to 3 days. We work as clowns and create immersive, interactive, non-verbal theatre. Our sessions are best suited for children aged 6–12, and typically last 1.5 to 2.5 hours, with an average of 15–30 children per group.
Activities involve a variety of games, colouring textiles, face-painting, blowing bubbles, jump ropes, improvised theatre scenes and an interactive theatre show. In workshops, children also create backdrops, props, and decorations used in the final performance. During the activities, the artists play their own clown character and speak in gibberish.
Our projects are designed to recognise trauma responses and attachment challenges, keeping every activity safe, inclusive, and nurturing. We always adapt to the specific needs of each site.
Impact
Changing Stories creates moments of joy, belonging, and agency that reduce stress and strengthen resilience. These experiences build positive, lasting memories that support children’s mental health. In doing so, we also empower caregivers and communities to foster more humane and hopeful environments.
