Arts at International High School

The Arts are a vibrant, integral part of International High School's community and student life. Student exploration of the Arts ranges from directing one-act plays to making short films, from painting murals to composing music. Every year, our after-school performing arts program, Back à Dos, produces four major shows. In addition to theater performances, there are several concerts, musical events, and art shows throughout the year.
Theater![]() With a black-box theater, a costume shop, and a fully-equipped workshop, our theater program invites students to develop their talents as actors, writers, directors, and designers. Every year, our after-school performing arts program, Back à Dos, produces four major shows: a fall play, student-directed one act play festival, spring musical, and faculty-directed, student-written May project. In addition to performing on stage, students are involved in all aspects of backstage support. Visiting artists from local and national companies help students develop their skills through master classes and workshops. |
Fine Arts![]() Our Arts Pavilion offers three large classroom-studio spaces where students work in a variety of media ranging from oil paint to charcoal, photography to sculpture. Studio hours are held at lunchtime and after school to enable students to work on projects beyond the classroom. In the gallery and other spaces around the Pavilion, students showcase their work year-round, and more specifically during art shows and festivals held throughout the year. Seniors studying art in the International Baccalaureate program also display their projects in an IB Showcase in March. See examples of student art on Flickr. |
Music![]() Music is a vital part of the artistic life of our school. Student musicians perform in events year-round, including the Winter and Spring Concerts and the Spring Musical. Whether working on solo pieces or with student bands, they can take advantage of our practice rooms and recording studio. The school also brings in visiting artists and hosts evening classes, which are often free or at reduced rates for students. |
Film![]() With state-of-the-art computers, software, cameras, and sound equipment, students write, shoot, and edit their own work in our four-year film program. Student projects include experimental pieces, animation projects, and traditional narrative work. Their films have been seen in local film festivals. |