ISTA’s global arts blog
SCENE.
Ideas, insight and stories from our global ensemble of artists, educators and young people.
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Sitting and Listening
What does it mean to listen when what we hear makes us uncomfortable? Reggie Yip reflects on privilege, process and creating theatre with migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.
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A new home for ISTA. Everything in one place.
Discover what's changing at ISTA, from our refreshed website to the next evolution of STAGE Manager, bringing bookings, membership, professional learning and resources together in one place.
Arts Uptake Is About Permission, Not Persuasion
Drawing on his doctoral research, Michael Bindon explores why declining participation in the arts may be less about persuading students to choose them, and more about whether schools genuinely enable that choice.
Young people have never needed Film education more
In a world saturated with moving images, social media and AI, ISTA's Executive Director Michael Bindon makes the case for putting Film education firmly into young people’s hands.
Long reads
The Journal
Research, reflection and practice from artists, academics and teachers across the ISTA network.
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More from SCENE
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Meet Ben Vardy, SCENE’s new Guest Editor
Meet theatre maker Ben Vardy, SCENE’s new Guest Editor, and discover the ideas shaping his first season: creative courage, trusting your instincts and creating without waiting for permission.
Professional Learning with ISTA: Events, Practical Resources and Shared Ideas
From September 2026, ISTA members can join monthly professional learning events, access recordings and explore practical resources in the ISTA Hub.
From rehearsal room back to the classroom: How TAPS Perspectives supports IB DP Theatre students
Discover how TAPS Perspectives connects IB DP Theatre students with professional artists, live performance and reflection to support their learning.
A new ISTA year: strengthening our Global Ensemble
ISTA Executive Director Mike Bindon reflects on community feedback, organisational improvements and new global learning opportunities shaping the year ahead.
Why the Future of Theatre Education Begins with Less
As AI reshapes arts education, ISTA is championing human-centred practice that strengthens the focus, judgement, collaboration and creative responsibility young artists need to make meaningful work.
A new home for the ISTA artist community
ISTA’s new Artist Profile gives artists one secure place to manage onboarding, safeguarding information, event details and records, helping us better support our global artist community.
The Act of Making: Rethinking Concept-Based Learning for Theatre Teachers
Most concept-based professional learning was built around the Structure of Knowledge — understanding extracted from texts and analysis. But theatre teaching lives in the Structure of Process. Michael Bindon on why the framework never quite fit, and what changes when you find the language that does.
A New Chapter for ISTA: Board Leadership and Trustee Updates
April marked an important moment of transition within our Board of Trustees, recognising both the contribution of a long-serving trustee and the appointment of new leadership to guide the organisation forward.
ISTA Encore named Education Resource Awards finalist for online arts learning
ISTA Encore has been named a finalist in the Education Resource Awards, recognising a different kind of digital learning, one built around artistic practice, not just theory.
JournalThe vibrant world of Nautanki: India’s beloved folk theatre
Nautanki is a vibrant folk theatre tradition from North India, deeply rooted in rural entertainment. Combining storytelling, music, dance, and humour, Nautanki captivates audiences with tales of love, bravery, and…
JournalCollaborative practice: Learning on location
As any film graduate will tell you, the leap from second year to the final-year project stretches the tendons. Students will enter their concluding year having worked on a number of productions and will be finding their…
JournalWhy Dance Matters
Creativity is vital, and dance is its purest expression. For me, teaching dance is about shaping critical thinkers, creators, and principled citizens, who will make a positive impact on the future. Teaching is an…