More Than a Stage: How ISL's Theatre Club Builds Confidence, Creativity and Community

When the curtain rises, the audience sees actors, costumes, music and lights. What they don't always see is everything that has happened behind the scenes to bring the performance to life.

At the International School of Lausanne, the Theatre Club is much more than putting on a show. It is a place where students discover confidence, develop creativity, build lasting friendships and learn to work together towards a common goal. Every rehearsal, every prop and every performance is an opportunity to grow.

Whether taking centre stage, designing costumes, creating sets or supporting the technical production, every student plays an essential role in bringing a story to life.

A Place Where Everyone Can Shine

One of the greatest strengths of theatre is that there is a place for everyone.

Some students thrive in front of an audience, while others discover a passion for directing, stage management, lighting, sound, costume design or set construction. Every production relies on a diverse team of talented individuals, each contributing their unique skills.

The Theatre Club is an inclusive community where students are encouraged to take risks, support one another and celebrate each other's successes. It is often where lifelong friendships are formed and confidence begins to flourish.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Theatre offers experiences that extend far beyond performance. Throughout each production, students develop valuable skills that support them both in school and throughout their lives, including:

• Communication and public speaking
• Creativity and problem-solving
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Leadership and responsibility
• Organisation and time management
• Resilience and perseverance
• Empathy by exploring different perspectives and stories

These experiences help students grow into confident, internationally minded young people who are ready to embrace new challenges.

The Journey Behind Every Production

Every performance begins with a simple idea.

Over weeks and months, students work alongside teachers and volunteers to transform scripts into memorable productions. Rehearsals, choreography, music, technical rehearsals, costume fittings, set building and countless moments of collaboration all contribute to the magic audiences experience on opening night.

Along the way, students learn that great performances are built on dedication, creativity and teamwork.

The applause at the end of a show celebrates not only what happens on stage, but also the commitment and passion of everyone working behind the scenes.

Memories That Last a Lifetime

For many ISL alumni, theatre remains one of their most treasured school memories.

The excitement before the curtain rises.

The friendships built during rehearsals.

The laughter backstage.

The sense of achievement after the final bow.

These shared experiences create lasting memories that continue long after students leave ISL. They are moments that shape confidence, inspire creativity and strengthen the sense of belonging that defines our community.

“Absolutely NO WORDS!!! A masterpiece! I’m gobsmacked!! Thanks for bringing this experience to us!!”

Alex Leach (former ISL parent)

Live theatre recommendations

Vidy Theatre, Lausanne will host the world premier of Questions for John a one-man show in English created, directed and starring Simon McBurney - founder of the extraordinary Complicité Theatre Company.

Running 31 October-8 November 2026 this promises to be an outstanding show created and starring one of theatre's greatest creators - highly recommended!

Coming together to experience outstanding theatre productions

We have the good fortune to have access to a number of outstanding shows that have been filmed in recent years and we are excited to be able to share these with you - parents, students and staff.

One performance will be streamed in the auditorium each half term. We will then host a short discussion afterwards for those that would like to take part.

The productions are suitable for High School aged students - each planned event will give an indication of content and suitability allowing you to judge if you would like to bring Middle School aged students. It is suggested that no performances are suitable for Primary aged students.

We hope to see you there!

One Man, Two Guvnors
23 September 2026 at 19:00

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"One of the funniest productions in the National's history." The Guardian

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from the dad of his fiancée.

But Roscoe is really his sister Rachel posing as her own dead brother, who has been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers, for whom Francis also works. Simple.

In this riotous comedy, even the audience is brought along on Francis’ madcap quest to serve two masters and get the girl. Full of high-energy physical comedy and crackling banter, One Man, Two Guvnors moves at a breakneck pace and leaves audiences rolling in the aisles.

Run time: 2 hours 35 minutes. This production contains adult language and sexual references. 

Inter Alia
28 October 2026 at 19:00

"A gale force performance" (Time Out) 

Jessica Parks is a judge, a mother, a wife, a friend. Her career exists inter alia (among other things). How will one unthinkable event pull into question all aspects of her life?

Following their global phenomenon Prima Facie, the ‘dream creative collaboration’ (Radio Times) of Suzie Miller and Justin Martin reunite with this searing examination of modern motherhood and masculinity. Featuring a ‘gale force performance’ (Time Out) from Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) and music from Erin Le Count and Jakwob.

Stream the sold-out, critically acclaimed show ‘that we should all be talking about’ (Broadway world), on National Theatre at Home today.

Run time: 1 hour 40 minutes. This production contains flashing lights, references to sex, violence, rape and other criminal activity.

Yerma
3 February 2027 at 19:00

"An extraordinary theatrical triumph" The Times 

A young woman is driven to the unthinkable by her desperate desire to have a child.

Set in contemporary London, this radical production of Lorca’s classic tragedy builds with elemental force to a staggering, shocking, climax.

Run time: 1 hour 40 minutes. This production contains adult language and sexual references. 

Othello
8 March 2027 at 19:00

"An urgent, thrilling tragedy" The Guardian 

Set in a turbulent 21st century, Frantic Assembly’s reimagined production of Shakespeare’s Othello exposes the tension, fear and paranoia that can be buried beneath relationships.

Captured at the Lyric Hammersmith in 2023, this modernised adaptation brings intense physicality to this classic tale of love and jealousy.

Contains violence, moderate dangerous behaviour, language, sex and references to alcohol.

Run time: 1 hour 55 minutes. This production contains violence and references to sex and alcohol.

Frankenstein
8 March 2027 at 19:00

"A bravura triumph" The Guardian

Directed by Academy Award-winner Danny Boyle, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as the creature and Jonny Lee Miller as Victor Frankenstein.

Childlike in his innocence but grotesque in form, Frankenstein’s bewildered creature is cast out into a hostile universe by his horror-struck maker. Meeting with cruelty wherever he goes, the increasingly desperate and vengeful Creature determines to track down his creator and strike a terrifying deal.

Run time: 1 hour 55 minutes. This production contains a scene depicting sexual violence. 

All my Sons
24 May 2027 at 19:00

"An extraordinary evening of theatre." The Times

America, 1947. Despite hard choices and even harder knocks, Joe and Kate Keller are a success story. They have built a home, raised two sons and established a thriving business.

But nothing lasts forever, and long buried truths are forced to the surface and the price of their American dream is laid bare.

Jeremy Herrin directs Academy Award-winner Sally Field, Bill Pullman and the rest of the All My Sons cast in Arthur Miller’s blistering drama.

Run time: 2 hours 15 minutes. This production contains a scene that references suicide.