Il Baule dei Sogni
Theatre festival for families and children in Santa Maria a Monte
About Il Baule dei Sogni
Il Baule dei Sogni: theatre for the new generations in Tuscany
Il Baule dei Sogni is one of the longest-running youth theatre festivals in Tuscany. Now in its 41st edition, it brings a season entirely designed for children and their families to Santa Maria a Monte, in the heart of the lower Valdarno in the province of Pisa. The event is part of a regional network dedicated to theatre for new generations, organised by Giallo Mare Minimal Teatro and Fondazione Toscana Spettacolo onlus, in collaboration with the municipalities of Castelfranco di Sotto, Montopoli Val d'Arno, Santa Maria a Monte, Santa Croce sull'Arno, and San Miniato.
A town that becomes a stage
The common thread of the festival is transformation: classic fairy tales and original stories intertwine through different languages, from acting and clowning to storytelling and street theatre. The events in the municipality of Santa Maria a Monte take place between the Municipal Theatre, Piazza della Vittoria, and the square in front of the theatre, allowing the performance to step out of the hall and reach the town, involving children and making them the protagonists.
Performances for the little ones
The programme is dedicated to children aged 3 and up and features productions by companies specialising in youth theatre. The shows alternate the magic of fairy tales with the comedy of clowns, using a simple and poetic language that speaks to parents as well. The formula, with symbolic ticket prices, was created to introduce families to live theatre and to build an aware audience from childhood.
A Valdarno tradition
For over forty years, Il Baule dei Sogni has been a staple of spring in the towns of the leather district. The festival unites various towns in the province of Pisa, in Tuscany, in a shared cultural project that values theatre as a tool for education and socialisation. In Santa Maria a Monte, the shows are held on weekends between April and June, offering families a simple and accessible way to spend the afternoon together.
- Where: Municipal Theatre, Piazza della Vittoria, and the theatre square, Santa Maria a Monte (PI)
- For whom: Children aged 3 and up and their families
- Organisation: Giallo Mare Minimal Teatro and Fondazione Toscana Spettacolo onlus
Il Baule dei Sogni — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Il Baule dei Sogni opened on Sunday, April 6, in Piazza della Vittoria with the Balloon show by Clown Giulivo, with free admission as part of the Paniere in Festa event. It then continued at the Municipal Theatre and the theatre square with five performances for children aged 3 and up, all starting at 4:30 PM.
- April 6 — Balloon show, Clown Giulivo (Piazza della Vittoria, free entry)
- April 18 — The Bremen Town Musicians, Teatro Perdavvero (Municipal Theatre)
- May 9 — In scatola, Giallo Mare Minimal Teatro (theatre square)
- May 16 — Sleeping Beauty?, Proscenio Teatro (Municipal Theatre)
- May 23 — The Gnomes' Spell, Teatro Glug (theatre square)
- June 6 — Gunteria street show, Art Klamauk with the Swiss clown Gunter Rieber (theatre square)
Programme Il Baule dei Sogni 2026
Six performances, all at 4:30 PM:
- April 6 — Balloon show by Clown Giulivo, Piazza della Vittoria (free entry)
- April 18 — The Bremen Town Musicians, Teatro Perdavvero, Municipal Theatre
- May 9 — In scatola, Giallo Mare Minimal Teatro, theatre square
- May 16 — Sleeping Beauty?, Proscenio Teatro, Municipal Theatre
- May 23 — The Gnomes' Spell, Teatro Glug, theatre square
- June 6 — Gunteria street show, Art Klamauk, theatre square
Highlights Il Baule dei Sogni 2026
The final performance was entrusted to the Swiss clown Gunter Rieber with the Gunteria street show, featuring mime, juggling, magic, and balancing acts. The opening on April 6 featured the Balloon show with free admission, as part of the Paniere in Festa event.
Prices Il Baule dei Sogni 2026
Practical information — Il Baule dei Sogni
How to get there
Santa Maria a Monte is located in the province of Pisa, along the SS67 road in the lower Valdarno. By car, it is easily accessible from the FI-PI-LI motorway (Montopoli/San Miniato exit). The nearest train station is San Romano-Montopoli-Santa Croce, on the Florence-Pisa line.
Tickets
Symbolic entry fee: 3 euros for children and 4.50 euros for adults. All shows start at 4:30 PM.
Information and bookings
Giallo Mare Minimal Teatro, tel. +39 0571 81629 / +39 0571 83758, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Il Baule dei Sogni
Teatro Comunale di Santa Maria a Monte
Piazza della Vittoria, 56020 Santa Maria a Monte