Group photo (from left to right): Andy Summers (second from left), John Altman (third from left) and students and teachers at WISS. Photo provided to Shanghai Star

Shanghai is now home to the world's first permanent International Schools Theater Association (ISTA) Performing Arts Academy — bringing expert training in acting, dance, music and technical theater to the city.

The ISTA Performing Arts Academy Shanghai, launched on October 10 at the Orsini Theatre at the Western International School of Shanghai (WISS), with a superb devised theater piece performed by students from WISS. The specially invited audience included educators, diplomats, business leaders, as well as guests from the music, theater and movie industries.

ISTA brings young people a very unique performing arts education. As the sole provider for IB DP Theater training and with the membership of 203 leading international schools, ISTA runs 50 festivals and workshops around the world every year.

The ISTA Academy features some of the most celebrated names in Hollywood, Broadway and the music industry, including Oscar, Grammy, Golden Globe, Emmy, Lawrence Olivier, and BAFTA award winners — all of whom will run master classes at the ISTA Academy. The ISTA Academy staff are celebrated artists, technical and creative directors, IB performing arts examiners and musicians who have taught stars like Amy Winehouse and Leona Lewis.