Co-Curricular Activities Specialist, at Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), Noof Al-Taweel (left) and Sara Abdullah Al Sulaiti, a 10-year-old student at Qatar Academy Doha (QAD)
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Foundation is preparing to welcome audiences to “Showtime! 2026: The Secret of the Garden,” which will run from October 7–10 at the Pre-University Education Theater in Education City, with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) performing live alongside the students.
The musical theatre production is designed for families and children aged five and above. The production takes audiences on an imaginative journey following the story of a young girl who discovers a forgotten garden that has lost its beauty and vitality.
As she encounters the garden’s characters and different worlds, she embarks on a journey shaped by hope, courage, and friendship, in a production that brings together live music, acting, singing, and movement.
Co-Curricular Activities Specialist, at Qatar Foundation’s (QF) Pre-University Education (PUE), Noof Al-Taweel said, “As ‘Showtime!’ enters its sixth year, the programme continues to provide students with a space to discover their talents, develop their abilities, and experience the different elements of theatrical production.
“Over the past six years, ‘Showtime!’ has grown from a school-based arts initiative into one of the leading extracurricular programs across QF schools, giving hundreds of students the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and perform on a professional stage.”
Al-Taweel noted that this year’s production features a more cohesive and enriched musical narrative, with Arabic playing a prominent role alongside English, reflecting the diversity of the QF community.
“Presenting the production in both Arabic and English reflects QF’s commitment to strengthening culture, language, and identity, while preserving the global character of the theatrical experience.”
Al-Taweel also emphasised that the “Showtime!” experience extends well beyond performing in front of an audience. Months of rehearsals and preparation bring together students from different PUE schools, giving them opportunities to build new relationships, learn from one another, and work as one team.
“Over the course of the rehearsals, friendships and connections are formed beyond the boundaries of a single school. Students learn the value of teamwork, mutual respect, and relying on one another to achieve a shared goal.”
Concluding, Al-Taweel said, “What we look forward to most is seeing months of hard work and commitment come to life in front of an audience. Every student taking part has been on a journey of learning, challenge, and growth, and what we see on stage reflects that experience through creativity, collaboration, and personal development.”
Sara Abdullah Al Sulaiti, a 10-year-old student at Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), part of QF’s PUE, said, “This is my first time taking part in ‘Showtime!’, and I wanted to join because it looked really fun. I’m happy that I get to spend my time doing something I enjoy, while also learning new things.
“I’m most excited about being on stage in front of everyone, especially because my family and friends will be there watching me. I can’t wait for the show, and I think it will be really special to finally perform everything we have been practicing.”
Jawaher Al Thani, a 9-year-old student at QAD, said, “I love joining activities outside school, so I was really happy and excited when I found out I had been chosen for ‘Showtime!’
“Before, I used to watch ‘Showtime!’ from the audience, but this year I get to be on the stage, which makes me very excited. I’ve invited my family and friends to come and watch me, and I would tell my classmates to join too because it’s fun and we get to learn lots of new things.”
