International Artist Day highlights how opportunities in the performing arts can help South African students find their voices, develop confidence and turn creativity into achievement.
“Murder She Didn’t Write” cast and crew
A spotlight comes on. A student steps forward. Months of preparation become a moment that demands courage, concentration and the confidence to be heard. The applause matters, but the skills developed before the curtain rises can last far longer.
In celebration of International Artist Day on 25 October, IVA Online School is highlighting its students’ achievements at the 2026 Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Arts (FEDA), alongside a message for South African families: creative opportunities deserve a meaningful place in a child’s education.
IVA’s productions, Unquestioned and For Old Time’s Sake, received recognition across performance, writing, directing, technical production and social media, demonstrating the range of talents involved in bringing theatre to life.
“A stage gives students an opportunity to discover what they can do when their ideas, preparation and courage come together,” says Carol Fields of IVA Online School. “The value extends beyond a performance. Students practise listening, taking responsibility and contributing to something bigger than themselves.”
FEDA 2026: “For old time sake”
Creative talent earns recognition
Certificates of Excellence recognised Lonwabo Bingwa for Best Actor in a Cameo Role in Unquestioned and Shaniqua Hlatshwayo for Best Supporting Actor in a Female Role in For Old Time’s Sake. Both productions also received Certificates of Excellence for social media.
The merit certificates reveal equally valuable contributions behind the scenes. Ruth Quinn received recognition for writing, directing and set design in Unquestioned. Jude Quinn was recognised for sound design, Kehumile Modibedi for lighting design, and Liam Sakupwanya for poster design. Liam and Ruth also received recognition for social media presence.
Rorisang Motsepe received merit recognition for writing and directing For Old Time’s Sake, while students across both productions earned performance certificates.
These achievements show that creative participation offers several routes to success. A student’s contribution might be a compelling performance, a carefully timed sound cue or a visual idea that helps an audience understand the story.
“Some students feel most comfortable performing. Others discover their strengths through writing, design or technical work,” says Fields. “Each contribution matters. Theatre creates space for different abilities and teaches students to respect the expertise their peers bring.”
IVA Online School: FEDA 2026
Skills that travel beyond the theatre
Preparing a production creates practical opportunities to develop communication, collaboration and discipline. Students must understand their responsibilities, respond to feedback and consider how individual decisions affect the group.
Exploring a character also encourages students to consider experiences and perspectives beyond their own. Rehearsals offer opportunities to test ideas, make adjustments and keep working when an approach falls short.
These experiences have relevance beyond a creative career. Presenting an idea, listening carefully and solving a problem with others are valuable skills in further study, working life and everyday relationships.
IVA’s FEDA participation also offers a tangible example of creative achievement within online schooling, showing families that digital learning and participation in the performing arts can form part of the same educational journey.
FEDA 2026: IVA Online School – Unquestioned
Give creativity room to grow
Fields encourages parents to look beyond the leading role when considering creative opportunities. Writing, backstage work and design can provide meaningful starting points for students who feel hesitant about performing.
“Parents do not need to know whether their child will become an artist before encouraging their creativity,” says Fields. “Sometimes the most significant achievement is a student discovering that their voice matters and that they have something worthwhile to contribute.”
South Africa’s next generation needs opportunities to imagine, question, collaborate and create. Giving students a stage can be one powerful place to begin.
