The project by the “Youth Guard Detachments” Association under the Erasmus+ program, number 2024-3-BG01-KA154-YOU-000288013, titled “The Youth of Bulgaria – Opportunities for Creative Development,” kicked off actively with its first activity – the Traveling Musical and Creative Youth Academy, held in the city of Smolyan.
As part of the project, which will last six months, more than 1,000 young people from different regions of the country are expected to be involved.
The first edition of the Academy brought together over 70 young people from Smolyan and Rudozem.
The event was supported by the Municipality of Smolyan, represented by Mayor Nikolay Melemov and Deputy Mayor Marin Zahariev—a prime example of effective partnership between institutions and civic organizations, creating real opportunities for the development of young people.
The academy began with an interactive quiz through which participants introduced themselves to each other in a creative and entertaining way. The host of the format was the popular actor Dimitar Banenkin.
The format develops key skills such as teamwork, quick thinking, agility, and information navigation. The questions covered topics like civic engagement, little-known facts, and knowledge about Bulgaria.
Among the highlights of the program was the performance of the play “The Facebook Illness” by Austrian playwright Stefan Vögel—a satirical comedy that raises important questions about modern human dependency on social networks through laughter and irony. The youth worked on the play with the charismatic actor Petyo Petkov – Shaibata, developing their stage and communication skills.
The highlight of the event was the Improv Theater, featuring improvisational games led by the renowned theater director and master of contemporary stage interpretation, Bogdan Petkanin, along with Dimitar Banenkin and Petyo Petkov. The improvisational activities offered young participants the freedom to express themselves, the opportunity to develop their imagination, and a chance to share ideas in a supportive and inspiring environment.
For the finale of the “Moon and Sun” Musical-Creative Academy, young people immersed themselves in magical moments with StarBoy Ivan – one of the brightest rising stars of contemporary magic. He was a special guest at the academy thanks to the golden girl Reneta Kamberova, and presented an unforgettable illusion show that electrified the senses and thrilled the audience with some of the most spectacular illusions of our time.
The project “Young People of Bulgaria – Opportunities for Creative Development” not only stimulates creative activity but also encourages personal growth, social engagement, and cultural awareness among young people in the country. Future editions of the Traveling Academy will continue to inspire and unite young talents from across Bulgaria.
We express our gratitude to the Konstantin Velichkov Drama and Puppet Theater – Pazardzhik for their support and assistance in the implementation of our activities.
The upcoming editions of “Moon and Sun” will take place in Burgas, Pavlikeni, and Vidin.
