The Addams Family High School Musical at BVIS Hanoi: How Performing Arts Foster Confidence and Growth

On Thursday and Friday evenings, 5th and 6th December, the BVIS Hanoi auditorium truly came alive as our High School students brought The Addams Family musical to the stage. Both performances concluded with prolonged applause, leaving unforgettable emotions for parents, teachers, and the entire school community.

Vibrant, mysterious, humorous, and utterly captivating – these were the shared impressions of the audience as they watched every moment unfold. More importantly, what resonated most was not just the storyline or the music, but the confidence and poise our students displayed through every glance, every note, and every movement.

Choosing Challenges to Help Students Go Further

After years of staging familiar genres such as modern musicals, fairy tales, and imaginative plays, our teaching team at BVIS Hanoi chose The Addams Family as a bold new direction. This production carried a more enigmatic tone and deeper psychological layers, while retaining its comedic charm – a significant challenge for High School students.

This difference allowed them to step out of their comfort zones, tackle multi-dimensional roles, and master emotional expression on stage. For many, this was not merely a performance, but a milestone in their journey towards maturity.

The Stage – Where Confidence Takes Shape

Behind these two nights were weeks of dedicated, rigorous rehearsals. During this time, students had to combine singing, choreography, and acting – skills that demand intense focus, personal discipline, and teamwork.

Teachers observed remarkable progress throughout the process: students became more confident, more assured on stage, and more adept at portraying their characters authentically. For those who have participated in musicals since their early High School years, the stage has become a place to affirm themselves. For newcomers, it offered a safe space to experiment, learn, and gradually build confidence.

Learning Through Real Experiences and International Expertise

A distinctive feature of BVIS Hanoi’s Performing Arts programme is the involvement of international experts, including faculty from The Juilliard School. By working and exchanging ideas directly with these professionals, students gain exposure to world-class performance standards – from technical skills to artistic thinking.

Many students shared that these experiences significantly improved their acting and singing abilities, while boosting their confidence in front of an audience. More importantly, they discovered genuine joy in contributing to a collective artistic project.

Pride from Parents and the School Community

For parents, every musical season at BVIS Hanoi brings unique emotions. Even for those who have attended previous shows, The Addams Family left a special impression thanks to its meticulous preparation, professionalism, and the evident progress of our students.

It is not only pride in seeing their children on stage, but also recognition of the teachers and the school – those who devote time and passion to creating an environment where students are encouraged to express themselves and maximise their potential.

Performing Arts in a Holistic Education Journey

At BVIS Hanoi, musicals form an integral part of our holistic education approach for High School students. Alongside classroom learning, we consistently provide opportunities for students to engage in artistic, sporting, and academic activities, ensuring a rich and balanced experience both inside and outside the classroom.

These experiences help students discover personal talents while nurturing confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and resilience – essential foundations for their future learning and life.

The Addams Family may have drawn its final curtain, but the values it imparted remain: growth, self-belief, and cherished memories of school days. These are the lasting meanings of Performing Arts within BVIS Hanoi’s educational environment.