STRANGE Lab.

SPAC-Shizuoka Performing Arts Center

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Overview

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Project Objectives

In Japan, the field of street theater remains underdeveloped compared to traditional indoor productions, with few dedicated artists, staff, or critics. However, younger generations are increasingly drawn to immersive and participatory formats, such as immersive or experiential theater. Street theater offers an accessible entry point into international markets for these emerging artists. This project supports the creation of original street theater works by young Japanese artists as part of the Strange Seed Shizuoka festival, aiming to increase their visibility on the global stage.

Project Approach

This project strengthens SPAC’s role as an international training hub for street theater creation, a field with strong future potential. Four emerging artists supported by the program present their works annually at “Strange Seed Shizuoka,” a street theater in Shizuoka City. This initiative promotes entry into the global performing arts market while showcasing Shizuoka’s rich cultural foundation.

SPAC-Shizuoka Performing Arts Center

SPAC – Shizuoka Performing Arts Center is Japan’s first public cultural organization where actors, technical staff, and producers operate from dedicated theaters and rehearsal spaces. Its mission encompasses not only creating and presenting original stage works but also introducing international productions and nurturing performing arts professionals. SPAC hosts the international theater festival World Theatre Festival Shizuoka during Japan’s Golden Week and the Street Theater Festival Strange Seed Shizuoka, fostering global collaboration and talent development.

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