Erth’s Wild Rumpus

Let the Wild Rumpus begin!

For the inaugural Wild Things international Kids Festival at the Opera House, we’ve been let loose around the Hoose with our menagerie of wild creatures.

A reckoning of young performers from around Sydney has been secretly honing their puppeteering skills in the Erth workshop to present this wild animal extravaganza alongside the company’s puppeteers.

Around every corner, something stirs. A flick of movement, a sudden breath, a wild presence passing close by. Larger animals move through the space with quiet power, while smaller creatures dart, perch and play, each full of character and life.

These animals do not stay still. They wander, they gather, they appear when you least expect them. Each encounter is fleeting and unique, inviting you to pause, look closer and follow your curiosity.

Erth’s Wild Rumpus offers a rare chance to see the familiar made strange, as the Opera House becomes a place of surprise, wonder and wild imagination.

GET INVOLVED

Calling adventurous young performers: Erth is seeking a group of curious, confident and collaborative young people to take part in
a unique live performance experience during Wild Things, Sydney Opera House’s international festival for young audiences, running from 26 September to 6 October 2026.

Selected participants will work with Erth’s professional puppeteers and creative team, learning how movement, teamwork and imagination bring extraordinary creatures to life. You will be trained to operate some of Erth’s menagerie of puppet creatures in three Saturday masterclass workshops in the lead-up to the event. 

Successful performers will then be invited to participate in select roving performances at the Sydney Opera House during the school holidays.

Who we’re looking for

• Young people aged 11 to 21

• Enthusiastic physical performers – no professional experience required

• Reliable team players who enjoy learning, experimenting and creating together

• Participants available for at least 2 training rehearsal and a minimum of 4 daytime performances during the season

  Key details

  Training sessions:

  Erth’s Myrtle St Studios, Marrickville:

  • Saturday 5 September 10am-2.30pm

  • Saturday 12 September 10am-2.30pm

  Sydney Opera House:

  • Saturday 19 September 10am-2.30pm

  Performances: Daily from Sat 26 September - Tues 6 October

  Times: Various call times with morning/afternoon shifts between 11am and 4pm

  Where: Forecourt and Western Foyer, Sydney Opera House

  Fee: This is a volunteer opportunity

How to apply

1. Email a short expression of interest telling us about yourself, why you would like to be involved and any relevant performance, movement, puppetry or creative experience.
   Please include your name, age & suburb, plus contact details for a parent or guardian (name, email, phone);

2. Draw or otherwise create a picture or image of you as a “Wild Thing”; and

3. Film a short video of you doing something interesting.
   This could be operating a puppet, doing a dance or telling a story (max. 2 minutes, phone quality is fine).

Applications close: midnight Sunday 30 August 2026
Apply: Email your EOI, picture and link to a video to registrations@erth.com.au

Applicants under 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian. 
We welcome applications from young people of all backgrounds and abilities.

Erth’s Wild Rumpus is presented at Sydney Opera House for Wild Things International Kids Festival