From February 13 to 16, 2020, the FIS hosted our very first ISTA Middle School Theater Festival.
The event was a huge success, thanks in large part to a wonderfully supportive and enthusiastic community of administration, parents, students, and teachers at the FIS. We welcomed visiting schools from Berlin, Warsaw, Antwerp, The Hague, and Moscow!
Visiting teachers and artists noted how hospitable the school and host families were, and how polite and friendly FIS students were towards the visitors. Three days of practical work with professional theater artists enabled 18 FIS students, as well as 65 visiting students to explore the theme of identity, and what happens when someone’s cultural identity is threatened. The festival culminated in a moving production, showcasing original music and theatrical work devised by the students.
After the festival closed, watching students tearfully saying goodbye to new friends, hearing groups chanting “ISTA, ISTA!”, and fielding questions on what festival we might be able to attend next year, made it clear that this was truly a life-changing experience for many of the students.
A big thank you to all of the families who volunteered to host visiting students, FIS leadership and administration, as well as the entire FIS community for your support during the festival and planning process. It is because of you that FIS students have opportunities such as this to explore and extend their learning.
Thank you again for all of your support and help in creating this wonderful experience for FIS Performing Arts students.
Jennifer Raine
Head of Performing Arts
