Dear students and parents,
The right Musical Theatre program can change lives!
As the Artistic Director at iStage Academy, I am very proud that we have developed such a strong and unique curriculum, where everyone can grow their skills, talents and authenticity – whether you want to pursue a career in Performing Arts, want to build your confidence and poise, or just want to do it as a hobby.
Over the past nine years, iStage Academy has become a place where creativity is nurtured, and playfulness is encouraged. A place where our students are confident and not afraid to take risks, and where a true passion for Performing Arts is ignited!
My name is Karina Bes. I am originally from the Netherlands, but theatre has taken me all around the world: from Europe, to the US, to Australia and to Asia. I have been in Shanghai and with iStage Academy since 2017. After graduating, I directed and performed in many shows – nationally and internationally – from small theatres to (Off-)Broadway. I have also worked as a vocal coach for productions, taught private vocal classes, and worked as a Musical Theatre teacher in schools and theatre schools around the world. This international outlook is strongly reflected in our iStage curriculum.
I strongly believe that as a performer ‘being you’ is enough – our body and voice is our unique instrument, that can be trained and developed without losing the authenticity and uniqueness of each individual.
Our program emphasises a strong technical training, where students develop various tools to make deliberate creative decisions. In our classes, we take students along on a journey, where they can experiment and try things along the way without being judged. This will not only make them stronger performers, but also unique and confident individuals that are able to adept to an ever-changing world.
Since our opening in 2016, we have grown from a handful of students into an extensive academy that offers both recreational and professional programs (including BTEC) for all ages. Over the years, we have witnessed our students grow into well-rounded and confident human beings. Some of them have continued their journey into Performing Arts universities, while others think back on their time at iStage Academy with a big smile on their face. I am looking forward to keep nurturing and inspiring new generations of aspiring Musical Theatre performers at our academy!
Karina Bes
