Connecting

I have been teaching internationally since 2009. Through this experience, I have been able to become heavily involved with an organization called International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) as a festival host, attendee, and a proud member of their advisory panel.

ISTA is an international organization that brings students from different schools, from around the world, together to collaborate, create and celebrate theatre. The festivals are facilitated by professional artists, directors, and educators who take on the role of ensemble leaders; although there is a strong emphasis on the process being student-led. The three-day festival ends with a sharing opportunity with an audience. Each festival has a unique theme that is provided by the host of the festival, and this can be whatever one dreams up.

In 2019 I hosted a festival with the theme 'Courage and Convictions' that looked at what motivates us to do what we do, examining the relationship between courage, conviction, and leadership. The festival was attended by approximately 150 persons from five international schools (Shanghai American School, Singapore American School, Australian International School in Singapore, Hong Kong International School, King George V School in Hong Kong), 11 visiting teachers, and 11 artists from around the world.

My role as the host is to liaise with the central ISTA office in the UK, co-ordinate the employment of the local workshop leaders, and manage all facets of the festival before, during, and after the arrival of all participants from Taiwan and from overseas. So far, my two previous festivals have sold out within hours and have been oversubscribed. My goal is to maintain this reputation and involvement.