Dr. Mike Bindon, a specialist in international arts education, is an active filmmaker and artist. His professional journey has been dedicated to creating innovative strategies to help young people access high-quality arts experiences. Before joining ISTA, he led the global development of the International Baccalaureate’s (IB) Diploma Programme theatre, film, and visual arts courses. Dr. Bindon holds a Master’s degree in Performing Arts Education and a Doctorate in International Education, with his doctoral research focusing on how IB World Schools can overcome barriers that prevent students from opting for IB DP arts courses.

As ISTA’s Executive Director, Dr. Bindon guides the organisation’s growth and champions its mission of empowering young people through world-class educational experiences in theatre and the related arts. Together with his team, he is committed to shaping globally-minded, collaborative, and culturally literate individuals capable of making a positive impact on the world.

Contact for: Strategic initiatives, projects, partnerships, fundraising and grants.

Tom Scott lives in Falmouth, United Kingdom, with his partner Logan and their Cocker Spaniel, Leo. He studied management, adult education teaching, and life coaching, with a background in local government. Now in his tenth year working full-time for ISTA, Tom serves as the Director of Operations.

In this role, Tom is responsible for the successful programming, production, and quality of all ISTA events and operations. Additionally, he oversees HR, risk management, and ISTA’s work with the International Baccalaureate.

Contact for: Operational matters, bespoke events and event programming, IB, and issues concerning managing risk or health and safety.

Helen Abbott holds a BA in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and an MA in Shakespeare and Theatre. As a theatre director and practitioner, she co-founded the theatre company Light Bulbs in Soil in 2018 and was honoured with the John Fernald Award in 2017.

Helen’s recent work includes serving as Guest Director for Hope Valley Hotel & Spa with Separate Doors, Associate Director for Persuasion at the Rose Theatre, Alexandra Palace, and Oxford Playhouse, and Movement Director for ISTA’s Digital Global Production 2020 Vision, which was nominated for an Outstanding Drama Initiative award. She also works as an ISTA artist, Artistic Director, and Artist in Residence.

In her role as Event and Artist Manager for ISTA, Helen collaborates closely with educators and artists. As the editor of Scene Magazine, ISTA’s biannual international theatre magazine, she curates a diverse range of articles from teachers, academics, industry professionals, education specialists, artists, and young people.

Contact for: ISTA’s Scene magazine, ISTA artists, and Artist in Residency (AIR) programme & events.

Vicki Close is a member of the Ontario College of Teachers, holding an Honours Specialist BA in Drama, a BEd in Intermediate/Secondary Drama & English, and an MSc in International Education. Her teaching career began in Canada, followed by international teaching and arts administration roles in Bahrain, Norway, Thailand, the Philippines, and the Czech Republic. Vicki specialises in IB DP Theatre and secondary drama and serves as a senior examiner for IB DP Theatre.

Joining ISTA in 2021, Vicki now calls Prague home. Her role involves managing membership and programming ISTA’s events for learners and educators. She works closely with the Education Development Manager to programme educator professional development and learning offers, as well as with member organisations to build the calendar of student festivals and TAPS Perspectives. Vicki also manages the membership database and accounts on the website and works as a Rep at TAPS, festivals, and IB Workshops.

Contact for: Programming and membership.

Sophie Galton holds a BA in Theatre Acting and a PGCE in Drama. She has taught in drama schools in the United Kingdom and internationally, working with various curricula and exam boards.

As Educator Engagement & Development Manager, Sophie creates resources and experiences for arts educators worldwide. In her role as Event Manager, she collaborates with ISTA member schools that host events, guiding them through the planning and development of their festivals, workshops, or bespoke event experiences. Sophie also curates teams from ISTA’s global network of artists to staff events and Artist in Residence engagements.

Contact for: Events, Artist in Residency (AIR), ISTA artists, and education development.

Emily Grant is a bilingual theatre director, practitioner, and performer. She trained as an actress at ENSATT in Lyon, France, and holds a BA (Hons) in Drama and Theatre Arts from Middlesex University in London.

Her recent work includes The Path of Words directed by Thomas Masters at Momo Art Space, Italy, Assistant Director/Dramaturg on Light by Gerry Carroll, and Romeo and Juliette Reimagined with Butterfly Theatre and Emerge Productions. In addition to her freelance work, Emily runs her own company, Join the Dots Theatre. She also works as an ISTA Artist, Rep, and Event Manager.

As ISTA Event Manager, Emily works closely with teachers and schools to plan exciting and inspiring events. She also connects with industry professionals to deliver at TAPS events and co-produces the TAPS journal.

Contact for: Event queries, TAPS companies and artists.

Keriann O’Rourke holds a BA (Hons) in Sociology with minors in English and Drama in Education, as well as a BEd for primary, junior, and intermediate levels, with experience teaching both the IB PYP and MYP curricula. As Communications Manager and Event Manager for ISTA, Keriann connects regularly with the ISTA community.

Her role as Event Manager involves working directly with hosts, participants, artists, and visiting schools to ensure smooth event experiences. As Communications Manager, Keriann organises and produces all content for the website, email, and video and social media channels. She also enjoys working as an ISTA Rep at events, allowing her to fully engage with the ISTA experience beyond her administrative duties.

Contact for: Communication and events.

Daniel Sierra is a Colombian-born learning designer and creative producer with a background in journalism, storytelling, and brand strategy. He has spent the past seven years working across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, specialising in content creation, learning design, and professional development. Passionate about supporting educators and young people, Daniel focuses on reimagining learning as embodied, relational, and culturally responsive.

Based in Hong Kong, Daniel serves as ISTA’s Creative Content & Web Manager. In this role, he leads the development of high-quality multimedia and educational resources, supports the marketing and delivery of ISTA’s global events, and plays a key role in shaping the organisation’s digital platforms and online user experience.

Starting July 2025

Jodie Williams holds a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and brings experience from both the private and public sectors. She began her career in accountancy practice before moving into school finance for UK local authorities. In addition, she spent five years running her own e-commerce business, managing national and international sales.

As ISTA’s Finance & Administration Manager, Jodie oversees budgeting, management accounts, payments, and supports HR and payroll functions. She plays a vital role in ensuring financial oversight and supporting the smooth day-to-day operations of the organisation.

Email for accounts, payments and invoices etc.