Take the stage.
Perform for the Global Goals.
Create and perform a live theatrical production that brings one or more of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals to life — through story, movement, music and stage design, performed in front of judges and a live audience.
Every performance starts with a Global Goal
Choose one or more SDGs and build your whole production — story, staging and design — around it.
17 Goals →
📌 Your SDG link is essential. Judges will look for a clear, meaningful and creative connection between your performance and your chosen Goal(s) — it is the most heavily weighted criterion (25%).
Share powerful messages about the Global Goals through performance.
Unpack complex global challenges through movement, sound and staging.
Move your audience to care about — and act for — a sustainable future.
Live on the day
This is an in-person category: your team performs live at the IGO in front of judges and an audience.
Choose your SDG
Pick the Goal(s) your production will explore and plan your piece as a team.
Create & rehearse
Develop your story, staging, costumes, props and music — everyone has a role.
Set up · 2 min
On the day, you have 2 minutes to prepare your space and get ready.
Perform · 8 min
Deliver your performance live. Judges score it against the six criteria below.
Is Performing Arts the right category for you?
IGO has three performance-based categories. Here's how they differ.
🎭 Performing Arts
- What
- A staged theatrical production: drama, dance, music, movement and design combined
- Who
- Ensemble teams (up to 7) or solo performers
- Judged on
- The complete performance — creativity, expression, SDG message, structure and staging
- Format
- Live, in person · 8 minutes
🎤 Public Speaking
- What
- You want to deliver a speech on the SDGs
- Judged on
- Your individual voice, clarity, confidence and body language
- Format
- 3–5 minute speech
🔬 STEM Storytelling
- What
- You want to explain a STEM concept through a story, film, animation or podcast
- Judged on
- Scientific accuracy and educational value
- Format
- 5 minute presentation
Eligible performance disciplines
Choose one discipline or combine several in a single production.
Theatre & Drama
- Drama and Theatre
- Acting and Monologues
- Musical Theatre
- Physical Theatre
Dance & Movement
- DanceContemporary, Ballet, Cultural, Folk, Street and other styles
- Original Choreography
Music
- Instrumental Performance
- Vocal Performance and Singing
Cultural & Experimental
- Cultural and Traditional Performances
- Performance Art
- Interdisciplinary and Experimental Performance
- Spoken Word and PoetryWoven into a staged piece, not a standalone speech
Not limited to these areas — as long as it's a live, staged performance linked to the SDGs.
Need inspiration?
Your production could be…
13
An original short play following a family whose village is affected by rising sea levels.
14
A contemporary dance piece where costumes made from recycled plastic tell the story of our oceans.
5
A musical theatre scene exploring girls' right to an education, with original songs.
16
A cultural or folk performance reimagined as a message of peace between communities.
How you'll be judged
The same six criteria apply to every discipline, for solo performers and teams alike.
Total: 100 points
✨ Originality & Creativity
20%- Is the concept, form or interpretation fresh and innovative?
- Does it offer a new perspective on the chosen SDG(s)?
- Are characters, ideas, movement or music developed in an original way?
🎭 Performance & Expressive Skills
20%- How effectively do performers convey emotion, character or ideas, through acting, movement, voice or music?
- Are themes, motivations and relationships clear in the context of the SDG(s)?
- Is the performance believable, controlled and consistent from start to finish?
👀 What "expressive skill" looks like in each discipline
🌍 Topic Compliance with UN SDGs
25%- How clearly does the performance align with the chosen SDG(s)?
- Does it raise awareness or give meaningful insight into the issues?
- Is the SDG creatively woven into the piece, not just mentioned?
📖 Structure & Content
15%- Is the script, choreography or musical arrangement well-crafted, with a clear beginning, development and ending?
- Does the pacing fit the 8-minute slot and support the SDG message?
- Does the material feel natural and build understanding of the issue?
💡 Technical Aspects
10%- How well do lighting, sound, music, costume, props and set enhance the performance and reflect the SDG(s)?
- Are cues, transitions and set changes smooth during the live performance?
💬 Judges reward thoughtful choices, not expensive ones. Simple staging can score highly.
🏆 Overall Presentation
10%- Do all elements come together into a cohesive, engaging experience with a clear SDG message?
- Is the piece well-rehearsed, polished and delivered within the time limit?
Project requirements
Entries should reflect the student(s)' own creative work.
Linked to the SDGs: your production must clearly explore one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Live & in person: performed live at the IGO within the 8-minute time limit.
Student-made: created, directed and performed mainly by the student(s).
Use the stage: costumes, props, music, lighting, multimedia and set pieces are welcome where appropriate.
See it in action
Ready to take the stage?
Choose your Goal, gather your team and register your production today.