Performing under the spotlight, nine SIS students open the stage with their seven-minute introduction production. The performance ends and the crowd applauds, marking the beginning of the first ASIS Drama Festival. The festival, hosted on April 10 at Dwight School, invited students from six international schools to stage productions and partake in drama workshops.

The first of its kind, the drama festival relied on individual teachers for its preparation process. Drama teachers from respective schools not only brought together the interscholastic community, but also coordinated different elements of the event, such as Introductory Performances or award plaques.

“Music festivals, history days or science fairs are common opportunities for students passionate in those fields,” said Stephanie Cha (11), participant. “But despite the passion students have for drama, [festival] opportunities have been nonexistent until ASIS. Being able to watch, learn from and interact with others who share the same interests made the experience so meaningful.”

Not only did students watch and perform with drama students of other schools, participants also rotated through specialization workshops. In these clinics, drama teachers from respective schools shared their knowledge of areas such as Unarmed Combat/Gratuitous Violence, Directing, or Playwriting.

“What I wanted the students to gain from the experience was the understanding that working with other artistic people can be fun, but also challenging,” said Simon Williams, drama teacher. “Everyone has their own artistic niche. Even towards a same production, the vision varies from person to person.”

Apart from the learning experience, the festival was also an opportunity to showcase SIS drama productions and the students’ abilities. According to Mr. Williams, the introductory performance was met with numerous positive feedbacks, a success only possible due to the effort students poured in.

“Students stayed up until 1 a.m. in the morning, perfecting the production over and over again,” Mr. Williams said. “There is more to a show than what is seen on stage, and I was impressed seeing my students give their everything to the production. Even beyond their successful performance, their passion will definitely be memorable.”