All roads lead to the National Theatre this Sunday, June 7, 2026, as the Performing Arts Society of International Community School (ICS) prepares to stage what promises to be a landmark showcase of young artistic talent. ICS brings student talent to one of the nation’s most prestigious stages.
Titled ‘I See A Star’, the production is written and directed by Naaana Ofosuaa Acheampong, playwright and artistic director.
The performance underscores a growing conviction in educational circles, that the arts are not peripheral to a child’s development. They are central to it.
The production will draw on a rich repertoire of performance styles, guiding students through dramatic and imaginative play, sensory exploration, constructive expression and collaborative storytelling.
Together, these forms create a stage experience that is as much about the process of becoming as it is about the final performance. The ambition behind I See A Star runs deeper than a single show. The production is a deliberate argument made in the language of theatre, for the place of extracurricular arts in formal education. Research consistently supports this case.
Engagement with creativity in the performing arts has been linked to measurable reductions in stress, stronger cognitive flexibility, and greater capacity for empathy.
Art, in both its making and its reception, offers young people a non-verbal space to process emotion, build social bonds, and develop the kind of adaptive thinking that no examination paper can adequately test.
For parents and guardians in the audience, that message carries particular weight. The extracurricular choices made for children today, often treated as optional, secondary, even indulgent, may prove to be among the most formative investments in their futures. I See A Star is not merely a school play; it is a statement.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the event, Director Naaana Ofosuaa Acheampong said the inspiration for the production came from the image of a child gazing at the sky and believing they could reach the stars.
According to her, the star symbolises aspiration, hope and purpose. On the benefits for children, Miss Acheampong said the production has been intentionally designed as an educational experience as much as a theatrical one.
She noted that student performers also gain practical life skills, including stage presence, active listening, teamwork and self-confidence.
The production further integrates music and storytelling as tools for child development.
“Performance gives children role models for expressing emotions and trying new things without fear. Music anchors the story emotionally, helping children remember the message that reaching for something difficult is worthwhile while also strengthening listening and coordination skills,” she explained.
Miss Acheampong said the ultimate goal is for every child who watches or participates in the production to leave inspired.
“At the end of the day, we want children to leave feeling that their voices matter and that their dreams are valid.”
With its blend of education, creativity and inspiration, I See A Star promises to be more than a school production. It is a celebration of the power of the arts to shape confident, imaginative and resilient young minds.
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