Nurkhan and Ilyas

In the K. Satpayev BINOM School, Nurkhan and Ilyas were far from being model students. Nurkhan was a natural-born fighter—always in the middle of conflict, indifferent to academics, and a regular source of frustration for teachers and parents alike. Ilyas, on the other hand, was restless and inconsistent, struggling even to memorize a simple stanza, and drifting without clear goals. However, everything changed with the B-FEST school festival.

When the school was casting for the musical “Dostar Serti” (based on the legendary band Dos-Mukasan), the director needed a character who was a natural troublemaker. Nurkhan was the perfect fit. He didn’t need to "act"; he just needed to be himself. His raw energy captivated the judges, earning him a "Best Supporting Actor" award. That moment of recognition became the catalyst for his transformation.

And what about Ilyas? He was cast in a lead role. The same student who once struggled to memorize a simple four-line stanza began performing complex monologues, channeling deep emotions on stage, and speaking with genuine honesty through his characters for the first time. His vivid imagination and knack for "talking his way out" of trouble—traits for which he was often scolded—suddenly revealed themselves as his greatest talents.

"Before the musical, I was truly a different person: I was a troublemaker and hung out with the wrong crowd. But as I got involved in the musical, I started changing without even realizing it. Now, I realize there is an Ilyas 'before' the musical and an Ilyas 'after.' My parents wanted me to become a military officer, but after the musical, I understood that I wanted to pursue the arts. I have never regretted that choice. I remember our performances at the grand theater with such warmth. Many of my friends, who were introverts by nature, opened up and made new friends after B-FEST. I am very grateful to BINOM for this experience," says Ilyas.

By the time the second B-FEST arrived, Nurkhan and Ilyas were among the first to sign up. They stepped onto the stage with burning passion in their eyes, delivering brilliant performances in the leading roles of the legendary musical MAMMA MIA.

Nurkhan improved his grades, grew more confident, secured a scholarship, and is now studying at one of Astana's prestigious universities. Ilyas found his calling in acting and, after graduation, enrolled in the Academy of Arts to major in drama.

When the third B-FEST arrived, Nurkhan and Ilyas returned not as participants, but as audience members. Sitting in the hall, they experienced every scene alongside the actors, as if they were stepping back under the spotlight themselves. For them, the BINOM musicals became more than just school productions—they were a turning point, the moment they believed in themselves and tasted true success for the first time.

Although their school days are behind them, the stage, the applause, and that unique feeling of "flying" during a performance will remain in their hearts forever.

The conclusion is simple: sometimes, a performer lives inside every troublemaker. If you give a person a chance—not by lecturing, but by trusting and engaging them—they may not only change, but truly flourish. Perhaps for some, the stage is the very path where they become their true selves for the first time. BINOM is not just about lessons, grades, and exams. The story of Nurkhan and Ilyas is just one example of how BINOM does much more than we usually think: it helps children find their purpose, discover their talents, and turn their doubts into strength.