A Celebration of Young Performers on the World Stage
From November 5 through 10, a group of our AISV Theater students had the unforgettable opportunity to represent our school on one of the world’s most prestigious stages, Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Their journey began earlier this year, when students submitted video entries for the 2025 Magnum Opus International Speech & Drama Competition, a global celebration of creativity and performance excellence.
Out of thousands of entries worldwide, one of our Grade 11 students placed third in the Solo Performance category with a powerful rendition of OCD by Neil Hilborn, while three other Grade 11 students earned third place in the Group Performance category with their dynamic interpretation of The Philadelphia by David Ives. Their success led to an invitation to showcase their work at Carnegie Hall.
Between rehearsals and the showcase, the group immersed themselves in the city’s vibrant theater scene. They visited iconic landmarks and attended three outstanding Broadway productions. Each performance offered new perspectives on storytelling, design, and performance, sparking discussions that carried long into the night and deepening the students’ understanding of live theater.
“It was inspiring to see our students’ hard work recognized on an international level,” said Mrs. Jensen-Hengstler, who co-led the trip. “They didn’t just perform beautifully; they represented our community with confidence, curiosity, and heart.” Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Williams added: “This trip wasn’t only about performing. It was about belonging to a global community of young artists who believe in the power of theater to connect and inspire.”
The Magnum Opus International Speech & Drama Competition aims to inspire creativity, confidence, and cultural exchange among the next generation of artists. The AIS Vienna team was proud to take its place among this global community.
Standing on the stage of Carnegie Hall was both humbling and exhilarating, a moment that will stay with the students for years to come. Their achievements mark not only a milestone in their artistic journeys but also a proud moment for the AIS Vienna community.
