The Emerging Theatre Artists’ Competition -- previously known as the "Youth Competition" -- is a major component of the Wuzhen Festival. Its purpose is to establish a platform on which promising young artists can develop original theatre works. Eighteen creative groups are chosen from hundreds of applicants to come to Wuzhen to perform a newly created 30-minute work devised from the annual Festival theme plus three elements designated by the Festival. The Jury, consisting of luminaries and masters of the art, chooses the Best Play and the Most Outstanding Artist, which both come with a cash prize, and a Special Prize for Excellence. These prizes are announced at the Closing Ceremony of the Festival.

The theme of the 2024 Festival is “SOLIDITY”. The three required elements are: a pillow, sunlight, and a big dinosaur.