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Among the wide variety of student associations at IÉSEG, one of them turns students into true performers each year. COMED’IÉSEG will be back on February 17 with The Lyre of Apollo at the Sébastopol Theatre, performing in front of nearly a thousand spectators. Before curtain time, another story unfolds behind the scenes: back-to-back rehearsals, ideas flowing freely, challenges, bursts of laughter, last-minute rushes… in other words, the hidden life behind a show that requires a year and a half of hard work. 

A new adventure every year

Each year, COMED’IÉSEG students rebuild everything from scratch: a brand-new script, original music, new choreography, new members—an entirely original production.

The script is written the year before, directors work on it throughout the summer, and in September the association recruits the performers. From then, everything speeds up: singing, dancing, acting, planning, managing partnerships, sponsors—everyone plays a key role.

This year’s musical tells the story of a fallen artist seeking rebirth, set in a universe inspired by Greek mythology. A theme that the 30 performers will bring to life in a beautiful, moving, and spectacular way.

Let’s go behind the scenes of this highly anticipated musical.

A day in the backstage with COMED’IÉSEG

Behind the performance lies a complex and carefully coordinated organization. I had the opportunity to spend a day behind the scenes with COMED’IÉSEG to discover how the preparations unfold.

At 2:00 p.m., I met the COMED’IÉSEG executive team, composed of five members who coordinate the association. Each member oversees a specific department (events, communication, sponsorship, theater, and musical production). For example, Emma HAMDAI, Head of the Musical Department, manages relations with the venue, sound and lighting equipment, and all logistical aspects related to the musical performance. Jean LE PORT is the Musical Director; he oversees the entire production, including acting, singing, and choreography. Funding, meanwhile, is managed collectively by the executive team.

“This project requires a great deal of commitment. I’m responsible for the musical’s overall development, both logistically and artistically speaking. I’m fortunate to be supported by an incredible team that truly carries this project forward. As an executive team, we do our best to support everyone and remain constantly attentive. I’m very proud to be part of this project and to learn so much—a project of this scale is only possible thanks to everyone involved.”

Jean LE PORT, Musical Director

“Being part of COMED’IÉSEG’s executive team is a major responsibility, but also a deeply fulfilling experience. It means watching students fully commit and realize the strength of collective effort. Together, we learn to reinvent ourselves and to build projects we could never imagine accomplishing on our own,” explains Inès BUREAU, President of COMED’IÉSEG

The Events Department focused on preparing the reception (organization, venue, budget, invitations, catering). The Sponsorship Department went out into Lille to meet potential partners and secure gifts for the audience. Meanwhile, the Communications Department worked on the communication strategy, creating visuals for posters and social media posts.

On the artistic side, directors Juliette FRANCHOMME, Estelle BILLIER, and Quentin LAVIEILLE adapted the script and coordinated singing, dancing, and acting, with support from IÉSEG Danse choreographers Maëlys SIMONNET and Anaïs BOUKOBZA, as well as Vocal Director Margaux DEBOIS.

“As choreographers, we created eight routines this year, blending jazz, contemporary dance, and touches of hip-hop. Choreographic creation is demanding, especially when working with a diverse group. What matters most is that everyone can grow, regardless of their level. Our goal is to motivate without discouraging, to share our passion for dance, and to create moments where everyone can give their best,” explain Anaïs BOUKOBZA & Maëlys SIMONNET, Choreographers

Margaux DEBOIS, Vocal Director, adds: “When I joined the musical as vocal director, I didn’t realize how strong the bonds would become. I love sharing tips with the performers, watching them grow, and seeing them proud of their progress. It’s an invaluable experience that goes far beyond theater, dance, and singing combined.”

Around 3:00 p.m., I visited the costume workshop, where student volunteers and L’Atelier—the fashion association—support COMED’IÉSEG in creating the costumes. Many fabrics were recovered thanks to the Sponsorship Department and costumes from previous years. Students now dedicate their free time to crafting new, handmade costumes.

At approximately 4:00 p.m., I observed the IÉSEG Arts Association (BDA) preparing a concert that will be performed exclusively for the audience before the show.

Then, at 5:00 p.m., I attended a rehearsal by the IÉSEG cheerleading team—extremely talented performers who will open the musical on show day and set the tone for the evening. They prepare their choreography independently and work autonomously.

At 6:00 p.m., I joined the full rehearsal. Singers and actors were all present—because in this musical, everyone dances. It was impressive to watch the choreographers supervise the entire group and make real-time adjustments.

“For me, being part of the musical is an incredible experience. I’ve met amazing people and learned so much—it’s a real pleasure to be part of this adventure” says Emilie OLIVIER, Performer.

I also crossed paths with the REC association, which will be filming the performance on the big day. It truly highlights how this collective project brings together multiple associations and enriches student life at IÉSEG.

More than just a show

Beyond the performance itself, COMED’IÉSEG is a team that supports, motivates, and encourages one another—above all, a team that works hard. It’s an association where everyone contributes their own ideas, energy, and creativity. A place where you discover that with dedication and passion, you can achieve far more than you ever imagined.

COMED’IÉSEG invites you on February 17 at the Sébastopol Theatre to discover the result of this incredible journey and experience the magic of their musical for yourself.