At Canadian Academy, we believe that education goes beyond the classroom, and that includes empowering students to explore their passions, embrace creativity, and connect with others across cultures. This vision came to life last weekend when 18 of our Grade 7 and 8 students traveled to Hangzhou, China to participate in the International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) Festival, a powerful experience blending artistry, intercultural understanding, and personal growth.
Hosted by Hangzhou International School, the festival brought together students from three international schools: Canadian Academy (Kobe), Nanjing International School (China), and Hangzhou International School (China). Over three enriching days, students participated in ensemble-based theatre workshops led by professional ISTA artists, focusing on the theme of the global challenge, “The Space Between”. The festival’s theme: “Yin and Yang - The Space Between Reality and Imagination” was an initiative designed to engage and inspire students through the transformative power of theatre. The challenge invites young people to explore the invisible threads that connect us - across cultures, identities, and perceptions - while encouraging them to interrogate the forces that divide us. It’s a beautiful metaphor for the kind of open-minded, globally aware students we are developing at CA.
Throughout the weekend, students worked with peers from different countries to create original performances inspired by the theme. They started with their identity, and then moved on to exploring movement, improvisation, ensemble work, and storytelling, building skills in communication, risk-taking, and collaboration. The final performance was a vibrant celebration of collaborative creativity and unity, shaped entirely by the students' voices and perspectives.
“ISTA festivals are a wonderful way for students to create new work with others who share their passion for theatre,” shared Ms. Art, CA’s Theatre teacher. “The students at this festival made friendships that will last a lifetime and were able to collaborate together to create a dynamic final performance in such a short time!”
The experience extended beyond the theatre as well. Students enjoyed a cultural excursion to the iconic West Lake and the Broken Bridge, a scenic and historic site that introduced them to the stories and traditions of Hangzhou. These moments of exploration helped ground their artistic work in the rich cultural context of the host city.
Although Canadian Academy has participated in ISTA festivals for many years, this is only the second year we’ve extended this opportunity to Middle School students. It’s clear that the benefits are immense: students returned home more confident, more connected, and deeply inspired by the friendships and creativity they experienced.
At CA, we are proud to offer opportunities like ISTA that help our students develop into well-rounded, curious, and globally minded individuals. Through the arts, we help students discover their voices, nurture their passions, and become courageous learners, ready to shape the world around them.
Watch the YouTube video of the ISTA Festival Here!
