Another chapter in my life has closed as a new one has begun to open. September 19th – 22nd, I participated in my last ever ISTA taps experience. These were some of the most memorable days of my high school career. I learnt so much through the practical workshops, but also through interacting with other theatre students. One of the downfalls of my close knit IB DP theatre class of 4 students is the lack of exposure to foreign ideas and styles. Frequently, material will  become repetitive which makes it hard for me to grow and expand my skills as a theatre student. That being said, programs like ISTA (international school theatre association) are always a great place to interact with a variety theatre students, I always return with a fresh new set of skills eager to apply them in practicals. Over the course of the 3 days I became more acquainted with the DP theatre syllabus and explored theatre traditions and practitioners I normally wouldn’t have.

Initially, we were divided into ensemble groups with which we spent the next 3 days of the program doing workshops and exploring different theatrical conventions. Each ensemble explored different traditions and styles of theatre, so it was interesting to hear about what my peers had learnt. Initially, I was nervous being around a group that I wasn’t use to performing around. However, I put my worries aside and wanted to make the most of this opportunity. Thus, I was always willing to say YES! My ensemble leader Darren focused our practicals around the theatre style of physical theatre. It was through this ensemble that I discovered where my interest and passion lies in theatre. I found it to be super powerful how we can express emotions, build tension/ atmosphere and create meaning simply by pushing our own physical limits. I was moved by the intricacies of the physicality and was left hungry for more skills and experiences.

 

Our ensemble participated in a lighting and X masterclass. Through both of these masterclasses I was able to push myself to challenge the skill set that already I had, in order to see what more I could do. I learnt how impactful the slightest change in technicality,  like with lighting, can be on a piece of theatre. Ultimately, I was able to expand my knowledge and came back feeling more confident and passionate about the subject than ever before. Though I stripped of my confidence present in the black box back at home. I was able to evolve as a theatre student and grow in ways I never imagined. This taught me how it is important to challenge the skills you already have because you would be amazed to see what you are actually capable of.

On a less technical note, over the course of the trip I was able to interact with students from across the globe and learn more about not only their cultures, but how their cultures and backgrounds influence their work. It truly was eye opening to see how our experiences really do define us and make us all unique. There were so many light hearted moments I shared with the students that went on the trip with me from my school. I became a lot closer to the DP theatre students, and it is important to maintain these bonds especially when delving into the final year of the course.