ISTA International Baccalaureate (IB) Theatre - Category 3 Staff Training
… a whirlwind 3 days in Shanghai.
During Week 2 of Term 4, I was extremely fortunate to represent QACI at the International School of Temple Arts (ISTA) IB Theatre workshops in Shanghai, China, exploring models of creating collaborative Theatre. After a long flight, I arrived to quite luxurious accommodation (the taxi ride is another story) in Pudong where I met other teachers attending the sessions.
After a brief sleep, I excitedly made my way to the Shanghai American School, who was also hosting a series of Theatre workshops with students from different schools in Shanghai. Our workshop leader Sarket (born in India but teaching in Vietnam) delivered three days of highly engaging and practical workshops. Our group of 11 Theatre teachers from all over the globe worked together to devise, write, direct and design Theatre whilst unpacking the nuances of the summative task which our students do in the form of our Year 12 MUSE Showcase event.
A highlight of the trip was attending Punch Drunk’s, Sleep No More; a three-hour immersive, promenade Theatre experience unlike anything I’ve ever seen and something I’ll never forget. Loosely exploring fragments of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, audiences are allowed to roam through a five-storey hotel, exploring characters’ stories and experiencing intimate moments of performance.
Meeting like-minded Theatre educators, engaging in rich practical exploration and developing strong international connections are just some of the take-aways for me on this trip. I’d like to thank Shannon and the Executive Team, in particular Joanna Evans, for organising everything for me. I am grateful and look forward to bringing this knowledge back into the Theatre Space.
Brad Jennings
Experienced Senior Theatre Teacher