A Four-Day Theatrical Experience That Fostered Creativity, Collaboration, and Cultural Exchange
From February 12 to 15, six Middle School students from School of the Nations took part in the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) Festival, hosted by The American School of Brasília. This immersive event, designed to develop artistic and intercultural skills, provided an extraordinary opportunity for students to engage with professional artists, collaborate with peers from different schools, and create a unique theatrical performance from scratch.
A Transformative Theatrical Experience
ISTA, a UK-based charity, is dedicated to providing transformative learning experiences for students and educators worldwide. As the exclusive global provider of teacher training for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) Theater, ISTA's festivals align with its commitment to fostering identity exploration, community building, and artistic expression.
Over the course of four days, students immersed themselves in an intensive artistic journey, developing skills such as collaboration, communication, and boundary-breaking creativity. The festival aimed not only to enhance their theatrical abilities but also to foster cultural understanding through storytelling and artistic exploration.
Connecting Through Art and Culture
A key focus of the festival was cultural exchange, encouraging students to bridge differences, foster empathy, and engage in cross-cultural dialogues. The event brought together professional artists from around the world, including Angela David, Dylan George, and Ana Margineanu, who guided students in mastering stage performance and theatrical expression. The experience culminated in a play, entirely created and performed by the participants.
Beyond the stage, students had the opportunity to bond with peers from The American School of Campinas (EAC), The American School of Brasília (EAB), the International School of Curitiba (ISC), the Pan-American School of Bahia (PASB), and The American School of Rio de Janeiro (EARJ). In addition to their indoor workshops, participants explored Brasília’s artistic and cultural heritage, visiting iconic locations such as Quadra Modelo and the Dom Bosco Sanctuary.
Not only did students participate in this enriching experience, but teachers also took part in workshops designed to enhance their artistic skills and refine their teaching methodologies. These sessions provided educators with innovative approaches to teaching theater, ensuring they could better support and inspire their students in creative expression.
Reflections on the Experience
Ms. Maíra Figueiredo, our Middle School Visual Arts teacher, shared her perspective on the festival:
“As a visual arts teacher, it was fascinating to experience the same methodology being taught to the students. I was able to draw parallels between visual arts and theater through the activities I participated in, making this an incredibly valuable learning experience. Even though we focused on theatrical elements such as sound, light, focus, and movement, I realized these are also essential components of visual arts. This festival allowed me to integrate these elements into my own teaching.”
“I witnessed the remarkable growth and development of our students. The festival was entirely student-centered, emphasizing their artistic performance, but the impact went far beyond that. I saw them forming friendships, solving problems in a new environment, collaborating, and embracing creativity. They faced challenges independently, growing into responsible, self-aware individuals capable of communicating effectively. Watching them transform on stage, stepping into new roles with confidence, was truly inspiring.”
Clara Trindade, a Grade 6 student, also shared her thoughts on the festival:
“My favorite part of the event was the performance itself. I had the chance to learn new theater skills and refine the ones I already had as a young actress. Throughout the festival, we were constantly encouraged to be ourselves, to be bold and confident, and that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I truly believe that even those who don’t normally do theater should participate in an event like this because it helps you grow—not just as an actor, but as a person. It’s an opportunity to build confidence, discover new passions, and explore creative expression in ways you never imagined.”
A Lasting Impact
The ISTA Festival seamlessly aligns with the IB framework at School of the Nations, reinforcing the school's commitment to holistic education. Through practical sessions integrating storytelling, creative play, and performance arts, students engaged in inquiry-based learning that extended beyond traditional classroom settings. By participating in this prestigious festival, Nations reaffirms its dedication to offering students enriching experiences that nurture their passions and talents. As the school continues to support students in their artistic journeys, opportunities like ISTA remain invaluable in shaping well-rounded, expressive, and globally minded individuals.
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