The International Theater Festival for Children and Youth is one of the longest-standing theater festivals in Iran and the Middle East. In addition to featuring Iranian artists, it has welcomed renowned performing artists worldwide to present their works.

Since its inception in 1992, this annual festival has been held in historic cities across Iran, including Hamadan, Isfahan, Zahedan, Bam, Ardakan, and Gachsaran.

The festival is organized and supported by several institutions, including the Office of the Governor of the host province, the Cultural Office of the host province, the Iranian Center for Dramatic Arts, the Performing Arts Association, the Welfare Organization, the Educational and Cultural Deputy of the Ministry of Education, the host city's municipality, and the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults in Iran.

This festival holds international competitions in the following categories:

1. Preschool's Theater Competition

2. Children's Theater Competition

3. Youth's Theater Competition

4. Theater for Disabled

5. Street Theater

6. Iranian Traditional Theater (including puppetry, storytelling, and narrative performance)

7. Performances by children and youth under 18

8. Student Theater

9. Playwriting Competition

Moreover, the International Theater Festival for Children and Youth is not just about performances. It also offers a range of educational workshops and research-oriented sessions, all designed to enhance the understanding and appreciation of theater for young audiences.