Membership FAQs | ISTA Global

Making sense of membership — the easy way.

Explore our FAQs to discover how ISTA membership works, what’s included, and how joining our global community can support your journey in arts education.

1. How do I choose the right tier?

Solo – For individual educators seeking resources and community.
Ensemble – For teachers/organisations wanting full PD benefits.
Company – For schools/organisations engaging students and staff in ISTA events.
Association – For school networks seeking tailored benefits.

2. How do I join?

Visit membership page

3. Can I upgrade later?

Yes. Upgrades can be made anytime, with fees adjusted for your remaining membership period.

4. What discounts members receive?

Ensemble, Company, and Association members receive 10% off ISTA Store products, plus discounted rates on professional development, IB teacher workshops, and—exclusively for Company and Association members—student festivals and events.

5. What membership options are available?

ISTA offers four tiers open to individuals, schools, and organisations involved in theatre and arts education:

Solo (£50/year): Access to the ISTA HUB, SCENE Magazine, and selected resources.
Ensemble (£150/year): Full individual membership with event discounts, professional development savings, and more.
Company (£525/year): For schools/organisations with multiple educators, student event discounts, and early booking privileges.
Association (Bespoke pricing): Customised packages for regional or national school associations.

‍

6. What do members receive?

All members benefit from access to exclusive resources, connections, and professional growth opportunities:

Access to the ISTA HUB – A global space to collaborate and share.
SCENE Magazine – Digital editions with insights and best practices.
Exclusive resources – Monthly classroom materials and teaching tools.
Discounts – On professional development, IB DP resources, and the ISTA Store (Ensemble+ tiers).
Events – Early booking and student event discounts (Company/Association).
Global connections – Networking with educators and artists worldwide.

7. What is the ISTA Hub, and how do I access it?

The ISTA HUB is our members-only online space—a global community designed to connect, support, and inspire arts educators and practitioners. It’s where you can:

Stay informed – Read the latest ISTA news and updates.
Connect and collaborate – Join discussions in the Community Forum and meet colleagues in Our Community.
Get inspired – Participate in IB Theatre and IB Film Q&A, guidance on MYP as well as DP Theatre and Film..
Share and discover – Browse and contribute to Member Resource Sharing, download monthly resources from the Resource Library, and explore past issues of SCENE Magazine.
Grow professionally – Access the Resource Library, and explore job postings and opportunities.
Join events – Join ISTA Live! webinars, and explore upcoming events and festivals.

You can access the ISTA HUB:

Via the link in your Member Dashboard, or
Directly at hub.istaglobal.org

8. I'm already a member but can't log in to the ISTA dashboard. What should I do?

If you can’t access your account, someone else in your organisation is likely the account admin—usually the person who set up the membership.

Your account admin can:

Log in and manage the organisation’s ISTA account.
Add new members by sharing the unique account invitation link.
Transfer account ownership to another person if needed.

If you’re unsure who your account admin is, contact membership@ista.co.uk for assistance.

9. Are members required to host events?

Hosting is a vital part of what keeps ISTA vibrant, sustainable, and connected—and we are deeply grateful to all our members who make this possible.

Company and Association members are asked to host at least one ISTA festival within four years of joining: Hosting is a chance to bring the world to your school; welcoming international artists, creating unforgettable experiences for students, and contributing to our global mission.
Solo and Ensemble members are not expected to host but are encouraged to engage in other ways—by attending events, sharing expertise, or supporting community initiatives.

10. How do I renew or cancel my membership?

Membership renews automatically every 12 months. You’ll receive a reminder beforehand and can update details or cancel anytime via the Member Dashboard.

Everything you need to know about ISTA Membership.

Making sense of membership — the easy way.