Behind the Curtain: Our Students Find Their True Voice at Their First Drama Festival

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25 Feb, 2026

10 : 22

In a world of conformity,
staying real is a game for the brave.

We ask:
Can small voices gather the power to turn the tide?
The answer lies here.

The 2026 YCYW Drama Festival has successfully concluded, centering on the profound theme: "The Secrets We Keep: How to Find Power in Your Voice".

During this three-day journey of inspiration, our students collaborated with peers from YCYW campuses across YCIS Beijing, YWIES Beijing Yizhang, YCIS Hong Kong, YWIES Shanghai Lingang, YWIES Shanghai Gubei, YCIS Shanghai Pudong, YCIW Shanghai Puxi and YCIS Qingdao.

Through compelling acting and critical thinking, they explored the nuances of "secrets" while discovering the strength inherent in their own voices.

In their festival debut, how did our students perform?

We take you behind the scenes to explore their journey and listen to their personal insights.

01 First Time on Stage: Learning to Be Undefined

"Voice is about owning your perspective —not being defined by others."

This was the mature insight from Ethan, a first-time performer. Beyond finding his courage in the spotlight, the cross-campus exchange opened his eyes to new friendships and a broader horizon of possibilities.
02 Behind the Scenes: Discovering Her Many Sides

For Bella, who worked behind the scenes, drama is more than just performance — it's a safe outlet for expression. "It gives us a chance to convey the side of ourselves we usually keep hidden," she shared with deep feeling. This experience has solidified her resolve to always "listen to her inner voice" in the future.

When asked to describe her time with peers from other campuses, she didn't hesitate to choose three words: "Growth, Exchange, Joy." These words capture not only her personal journey but perhaps the true essence of this drama festival.
03 Multi-Faceted Growth: Seeing a Better Me

Growth is never one-dimensional.

George excitedly shared his transformation during the Film Workshop. From framing shots to post-production editing, he learned how to master the language of the lens to tell a story. Infusing his understanding of "keeping secrets" into light and shadow, he used his video work to convey the students' unique interpretation of the theme.
For Cici, however, the change was more internal. She confessed that this cross-campus experience was like a key, unlocking a brighter, more outgoing side of her personality. "I made so many new friends," she said. This genuine connection and self-release found through interaction is perhaps a "life bonus" more precious than any trophy.
The spotlight belongs to every dedicated young artist.

Besides our interviewees, several other YWIES Tongxiang students created magic on stage. Their passion and hard work deserve to be celebrated.

Cast list also includes:

Kevin YUAN (G7)
Nancy LI (G7)
Mini SUN (G5)

Resonance Beyond Borders｜Not Just Hosts, But Family

The festival also welcomed friends from afar.

In interviews, students from YCIS Hong Kong expressed how much they loved attending the event at YWIES Tongxiang, noting that the familiar campus environment made them feel right at home. Everyone agreed that drama provides a unique platform for building confidence through interaction, making the bonds within the YCYW family even stronger.

Giselle CHAN Y7

"The biggest change

that drama brought to me

was probably my confidence

and I've also met a lot of friends through doing theatre

So I'd say it just helped me

become more comfortable

speaking to a lot of people"

Melody XIE Y6

"This school is actually quite big,

and I really love the facilities,

so I really got to have fun here,

and enjoy the time!"

Logan TSE Y6

"My most memorable moment

in Tongxiang is

when we all got together

in our room

it was like getting together

in like family party"

The Profound Meaning of Education: Infinite Growth Beyond the Stage

The YCYW Drama Festival was more than just a celebration of the arts; it was a profound educational experience. Through workshops, cross-campus collaboration, and the final showcase, students discovered the true value of listening to their inner voices.

As the festival's mission suggests, in an era where it is easy to follow the crowd, using drama to unleash inner strength is a precious gift that education bestows upon students. Our students' exceptional performances not only showcased their artistic talent but also proved a powerful truth: when young hearts dare to speak up, the world begins to change.

The stage lights may have dimmed, and the curtain has fallen on The Secrets We Keep, but for these young students, the true journey of courage, individuality, and sincerity has only just begun.

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