Beyond the Stage: What Theatre Teaches Us
In this episode of Kids Gone Global, we delve into the world of theater with two students, Nayeli and Vilasani, who share their experiences in the ISH 2026 theater production of 'Alice.' They reflect on what drew them back to the stage, the intense yet rewarding rehearsal process, and the surprising challenges they've faced while embodying their characters. The discussion highlights the unique atmosphere of school plays, the importance of teamwork, and how theater has helped them discover new strengths and talents. Nayeli and Vilasani also offer insights and advice for students considering auditioning in the future. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of the arts in fostering creativity, commitment, and confidence.
ALICE runs from February 10 to 12, 2026.
For more information about the production, visit: https://info.ishamburg.org/alice
ALICE runs from February 10 to 12, 2026.
For more information about the production, visit: https://info.ishamburg.org/alice
Creators and Guests
Host
Sarah Reich
Sarah Reich, your host, serves as the Director of Community Relations at the International School of Hamburg. With a career in European government relations and public affairs, Sarah has worked within EU institutions, the consular corps, and leading international companies. Her academic and professional interests have always centred on governance and citizenship, making the mission of the International School of Hamburg—to prepare students as tomorrow’s global citizens—a perfect fit. In 2022, upon joining the International School of Hamburg, Sarah launched the Kids Gone Global podcast. This initiative aims to provide a platform for sharing the insights of experts and students in the dynamic field of international education. Through the podcast, she engages parents and the broader community in discussions about modern educational approaches and how international schools are addressing contemporary challenges in learning and growing up in a global environment.
Guest
ALICE Play Cast 2026
Vilasani (Grade 8) and Nayeli (Grade 11) are two students at the International School of Hamburg who found a shared sense of purpose and creativity through school theatre. With American and German backgrounds, both are deeply engaged in the ISH community and committed to their academic journeys — Vilasani as a 13-year-old in Grade 8, and Nayeli as a Grade 11 student preparing for the International Baccalaureate. Having first taken the stage together in last year’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, they returned this year for ALICE, drawn by the intensity, collaboration, and joy that theatre brings. For Vilasani, the play became a space to explore creativity, expression, and confidence beyond the classroom. For Nayeli, it offered a meaningful balance to the demands of senior school — a place to recharge while still challenging herself artistically. Throughout rehearsals, both students embraced the commitment the production required, learning to manage time, embody complex characters, and work closely with a diverse cast united by a shared goal. Their reflections reveal how theatre helped them discover new strengths, build lasting connections, and see themselves as more than just students. In this podcast episode, Vilasani and Nayeli share what it means to choose creativity, to grow through collaboration, and to find voice and confidence through the arts. ALICE runs from February 10 to 12. For more information about the production, visit: 👉 https://info.ishamburg.org/alice
