Scuola in Scena Festival
The inclusive theatre festival for schools in Avezzano
About Scuola in Scena
A theatre festival born from schools
The Scuola in Scena Festival is the inclusive theatre showcase for the schools of Avezzano, the main hub of the Marsica region in the Abruzzo province of L'Aquila. Conceived by Professor Mafalda Di Berardino at the Liceo Croce (now part of the IIS Torlonia-Croce), the project has grown into a highly anticipated event for the entire city and a wide network of local educational institutions.
The stage of the Teatro dei Marsi
The heart of the festival is the Teatro dei Marsi, Avezzano's municipal theatre on Via Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto, which is handed over to the students for several days. Over one hundred secondary school students—often reaching more than one hundred and fifty participants—bring the stage to life in various roles: actors, singers, dancers, voice actors, and sound and set technicians. The work is prepared throughout the school year through workshops led by professional directors and theatre experts.
The value of inclusion
What sets Scuola in Scena apart is its commitment to inclusion: the festival actively involves students with disabilities, who participate in the performances alongside their peers, using theatre as a tool for personal growth and dialogue. Each year, the event addresses a social theme—from respect to the value of diversity—with directors Mario Fracassi of the Fantacadabra company, Alessandro Martorelli of Teatranti Tra Tanti, and musical theatre expert Marco Verna guiding the young participants in crafting their performances.
A recognized project
The festival, promoted by the IIS Torlonia-Croce with the support of the Municipality of Avezzano and local partners, has received regional recognition and has become a model for school-based theatre in Abruzzo. For many students, this experience has sparked a true vocation, leading them to collaborate with national theatre companies. Each edition concludes with a gala evening at the Teatro dei Marsi, open to the public, which reviews and celebrates the work accomplished.
- Where: Teatro dei Marsi, Avezzano (AQ), Abruzzo
- Who: Over 100 secondary school students from the Marsica region
- What: Theatre performances, music, dance, and a gala evening
Scuola in Scena — edition 2026
Scuola in Scena 2026: respect on stage
The fourth edition of the Scuola in Scena Festival took place in Avezzano in the spring of 2026 at the Teatro dei Marsi. Presented on April 14th in the Council Chamber of the Municipality, the festival brought together a network of eight local schools—led by the IIS Torlonia-Croce—and over one hundred student-artists.
The theme of this edition was respect, the common thread running through the performances developed in workshops led by directors Mario Fracassi, Alessandro Martorelli, and Marco Verna. Among the works brought to the stage was the musical production "Il vento degli anni '60. Diverso è bello" (The wind of the 60s: Different is beautiful), focused on the value of diversity. The event concluded with a gala evening at the Teatro dei Marsi, presented by journalist Luca Di Nicola, which celebrated the young people's work and already looked ahead to the 2027 edition.
Programme Scuola in Scena 2026
Program of the 2026 edition at the Teatro dei Marsi in Avezzano:
- Theatre performances by the network of schools, including the musical production "Il vento degli anni '60. Diverso è bello" directed by Marco Verna
- Final gala evening presented by journalist Luca Di Nicola
Theme of the edition: respect. Directors: Mario Fracassi, Alessandro Martorelli, Marco Verna.
Highlights Scuola in Scena 2026
- Over 100 student-artists from 8 schools in the Marsica region
- Theme of the edition: respect
- Gala evening at the Teatro dei Marsi
Practical information — Scuola in Scena
Getting there
The Teatro dei Marsi is located at Via Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto 24, in Avezzano (AQ). The city can be reached by car via the A25 Rome-Pescara motorway (Avezzano exit) and by train via the Avezzano station on the Rome-Pescara line.
Admission
Morning school performances are primarily aimed at students, while the final gala evening is open to the public. For schedules and ticketing information, please check the official channels of the Municipality of Avezzano and the Teatro dei Marsi.
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Where does it take place — Scuola in Scena
Teatro dei Marsi
Via Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto 24, 67051 Avezzano