We give a standing ovation to our very own superstar, Tina Casey, HS Drama and IB Theater Teacher, who has gone above and beyond for each student, supporting them to become confident thespians as they brace the stage for their performances and the IASAS Cultural Convention. Mrs. Casey has the special role of being both a current faculty member, and an alumni parent to three Panther graduates - Liam Casey (‘18), Lily Casey ('17), and Maggie Casey (‘14).

Tina arrived in ISKL in 2010, teaching middle school drama for five years, then transitioned to high school English for four years, finally arriving at where she is now in her teaching career. She received her theater degree from McGill University in Canada and continues to be involved, producing and writing plays 30 years later.

The most recent High School theater production that Tina helped to direct was the quirky, fun, and enchanting musical of “The Addams Family”. The final production was an elevation of entertainment and talent as the 50 students involved came together and brought the Robert B. Gaw Theater to life!

Just as the Addams family in the musical embraced change, our students had to adapt and pivot, especially with SOP restrictions that prevented them from running the show as it used to be before COVID. Tina praised the students' perseverance and enthusiasm for theater. She explains, “They were so resilient and kept up their passion for it. Even if we teach them nothing else, we’re teaching them that they can overcome anything amidst these hardships. "

At the 2022 Cultural Convention, she expressed how proud she was of her students who performed their adaptation of “Emotional Baggage." Tina expressed that some of the obstacles they faced had been following SOPs such as physical distancing measures, being two meters apart no matter the situation, and having masks on. The result of all these measures put in place was “Emotional Baggage”, a non dialogue, all pantomime piece. The performance received praise from participating international schools, audiences, and the ISKL community. Bravo to all those involved in putting on such a fantastic performance despite the challenges faced.

Tina further explained that the past year was extra special as it was the third year that she was involved in the IASAS Culcon virtually, and though it still remains a challenging transition, the students’ perseverance resulted in the most spectacular performances. “We did three shows in three months! The IASAS Cultural Convention, the High School Musical, and the Middle School Play!” said Tina. With a cheerful smile, she ends the conversation, as she always does, on a positive note with a message to encourage thespians to continue this path with the following:

“When we see the world in distress, we always turn to musicians and actors, and though this might sound cheesy, I truly feel that artists in this career heal humanity. Students who need to feel connected to humanity, this is the most important time to do so. We are all in this together. At the end of the plays, when students stood side by side, they felt a sense of pride and connectivity. When all is in despair, it is in the arts that we can rise above. The Emotional Baggage that everyone carries is lighter after they turn to a form of art.”

It is without a doubt that Tina is a role model on and off-stage as she continually nurtures each student's confidence, bringing out the best in them. 12 years after having first stepped into ISKL, Tina and her family are Panthers through and through! Be sure to catch Tina’s next production, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,  the HS Play, October 13-15 in the Robert B. Gaw Theater.