| Academy Core |
Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts
The Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts module introduces facets of the artistic traditions of mainland and maritime Southeast Asia from the kingdom to the present. The module approaches Southeast Asia's rich heritage thematically, encouraging interdisciplinary understanding between intersecting geographies and narratives. It offers insights departing from different perspectives and vantages - the evolving role in defining aesthetics, cultural belonging, polities, and intercultural exchanges in the ongoing multiplicities of the region.
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Year 1 Semester 1 |
10 |
| School Core |
Acting, Voice and Movement 1: The Foundations of Practice
In this module, students are introduced to the foundational principles of voice, movement, and the art of acting. Through hands on exploratory activities and experiential learning, students are given opportunities to discover the practical tools as well as knowledge that will give them a firm grasp of the basics of the actor's craft. The module integrates three core areas to facilitate a holistic approach to the acquisition of skills and knowledge. This forms the basis for all performance projects in the theatre diploma.
You will learn:
The principles and practical application of the Stanislavsky System for actors
The principles and practical application of vocal anatomy and its application in the performance of spoken text
The principles and practical application of physical awareness and the understanding of the neutral body in preparation for performance
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Year 1 Semester 1 |
30 |
| School Core |
Theatre Contextual Studies 1: Theatre, Culture and Society
In this module, students are introduced to the significance of theatre as part of world culture. Through discussions, group projects, seminars and presentations, students will explore what theatre means in both regional and global contexts. The module extends students’ understanding of theatre as a meaningful part of our contemporary society not simply as entertainment but as a space and place for artists and audiences to engage with issues, values, and important conversations about life and the world around them. The module works in relation to the students’ ongoing practical work in acting, voice and movement and enables them to better articulate the relevance and importance of theatre in a complex world.
Through this module, students will engage with the significance of theatre and its place in contemporary society, the cultural value of theatre as an art form in everyday life and why theatre is relevant in today’s world.
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Year 1 Semester 1 |
10 |
| School Core |
Stagecraft Stage and Production Management
In this module, students are introduced to the fundamentals of theatre vocabulary and terminology, understanding theatre plans and equipment, venue specifications, technical riders, and staging procedures.
You will acquire essential stage management skills, including spiking the stage, cue calling, and prompt script preparation. Furthermore, the module focuses on equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate effective communication with technical and design personnel.
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Year 1 Semester 2 |
10 |
| Faculty Core |
Professional Development Plan 1
In this module, students are introduced to the foundational skills and knowledge essential for a successful career in the performing arts, encompassing dance, theatre, and music.
You will learn about the multifaceted nature of the performing arts industry, including historical development, career paths, and the integration of multidisciplinary collaboration. The module aims to equip you with the tools necessary for crafting a realistic and personalized career plan, enhancing your professional skills such as communication, CV writing, and interview techniques, as well as fostering an understanding of personal branding and digital literacy in the modern arts landscape.
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Year 1 Semester 2 |
10 |
| School Core |
Acting, Voice and Movement 2: The Actor and the Text
In this module, students begin to extend their foundational knowledge and explore this within a more established framework of a written dramatic text. As in Acting, Voice, and Movement 1, there is an integration of Acting, Voice, and Movement. The key focus in this module is the shift from playing oneself and building stage confidence to that of inhabiting the world of text as envisioned by an author.
You will learn an in-depth and systematic process for rehearsing a short play or scene as well as the individual skills that go into this. You will also learn how to further develop skills in creative imagination, improvisation, and stage awareness. You will build on skills in Voice through exploration of different texts and character and your physical range will be extended using character based physical work such as mask and animal studies.
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Year 1 Semester 2 |
30 |
| School Core |
Theatre Contextual Studies 2: Playwrights, Directors, and Artists.
In this module, students take their explorations of theatre further into the realm of the writer, the director, and the influential figures in theatre from a range of associated practices related to the creation and realisation of theatre.
Extending conversations from Theatre Contextual Studies 1 in contextualising theatre as an important art form in society, this module takes a more specific look at how important thinkers, writers, and practitioners have shaped theatre through various historical periods and in global cultural contexts.
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Year 1 Semester 2 |
10 |
| School Core |
Stagecraft: Lighting and Sound
In this module, students are introduced to the fundamental aspects of handling sound equipment for theatre production. You are also introduced to the fundamental knowledge of the process of designing lighting for all forms of stage production and the description of the equipment used.
You will learn how to operate sound equipment in a studio theatre to facilitate the staging of a straightforward theatrical performance. You will explore the creative, production, management, and technical aspects involved in sound design for performances and rehearsals. Throughout the module, you will acquire the ability to program and manage a basic Qlab show file, as well as the skills needed to plan, execute, and operate a basic audio system for performances. You will learn how to handle lighting equipment and to be able to operate the equipment in a studio theatre to stage a simple theatrical production. You will acquire basic skills in rigging and focusing lights as well as plotting lighting cues.
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Year 1 Semester 2 |
10 |
| Academy Core |
Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice
The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.
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Year 2 Semester 1 or Semester 2 |
10 |
| School Core |
Acting, Voice and Movement 3: Acting and Style
Building on all previous work, students are given opportunities to explore the three core areas of their practice by working on a range of conventions from the broad spectrum of theatre styles. This includes going back to the origins of Western theatre and the Greek concepts of theatre and performance and then proceeding to examine how all theatre is a matter of style. Students are challenged with inhabiting characters and dramatic contexts that often-run contradictory to realism and naturalism but nevertheless still require a sense of truth and an understanding of how to adapt to styles and often radical ways of performing. Shakespeare is studied in this module. As is the work of Brecht and that of specific historical time periods such as Commedia dell Arte and Restoration drama.
In the voice component, students learn to appreciate how their foundational skills will be extended through this challenge of application of vocal skills within the framework of various stylistic conventions which develop the students’ expressive capabilities. Working with Shakespearean text for example is one of the greatest challenges a student actor faces in the vocal realm. Using methods to enhance speaking of verse, students appreciate the requirements and are further challenged to hone their vocal apparatus.
In the movement component, students are again provided with the technical vocabularies of movement that empower them to respond the demands of text or dramatic situation. In the varying styles explored, movement takes on a different meaning as it is needed to convey through character and intention as well as the overall style of the theatre form.
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Year 2 Semester 1 |
30 |
| School Core |
Theatre Contextual Studies 3: The Practice, Form, and Style of Singaporean theatre
As with the previous contextual studies module, this is an opportunity for students to explore the rich and diverse cultural and social ideas that impact theatre and to allow them to see how theatre as an art form contributes to the way we shape meaning through art. Specifically at this point in their learning, students are introduced to the complex, diverse and challenging history of theatre in Singapore. Beginning with an overview of the current state of affairs, the module asks questions as to how this came to be, how has Singaporean theatre developed, and at what stages of Singapore history has theatre been an active participant.
Through discussions and group projects, students engage with pivotal moments in Singapore theatre history and examine what it meant then, and what it means now. Students will also be given opportunities to think and articulate where local theatre might be heading in terms of the future development. Students can link their thinking back to previous contextual studies and place the local theatre scene alongside that of the often more prominent players of the global theatre industry.
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Year 2 Semester 1 |
10 |
| School Core |
Stagecraft: Set and Costume
In this module, students are immersed in the realm of theatrical creativity, focusing on the design of sets and costumes for theatre productions. The goal is to nurture and expand their creative capacities while providing foundational skills in conceptualizing and bringing design concepts to life.
You will learn to harness your creativity and translate it into tangible set and costume designs for theatrical performances. The module equips you with the skills needed to navigate the entire design process, from analysing texts and conducting research to expressing your ideas through drawings and 3D modelling. Practical aspects, including the appropriate terminologies and construction considerations, will be a central focus. By the end of the module, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to conceptualize, develop, and realise impactful set and costume designs that enhance the overall theatrical experience.
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Year 2 Semester 1 |
10 |
| Faculty Core |
Professional Development Plan 2
In this module, you are introduced to a comprehensive range of professional skills and digital tools essential for a successful career in the performing arts (Dance, Music, and Theatre).
You will learn how to effectively showcase your talents through the creation of ePortfolios, develop compelling curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letters, and enhance your interview skills. The module is designed to expand your career opportunities beyond traditional performing roles, highlighting the transferability of your artistic skills to a variety of professional contexts. By the end of this module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to present yourself effectively to potential employers and collaborators, opening doors to diverse career paths within and outside the performing arts sector.
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Year 2 Semester 2 |
10 |
| School Core |
Acting, Voice and Movement 4: Contemporary Practices
In this module, students are given opportunities to employ previous skills and then to extend them into the contemporary realm. The focus in this module is on the shift to creative exploration through a framework of devised theatre making. Students are introduced to the established devising methodologies that are current, and which are common practice globally in training contexts and the professional world. Furthermore, students are given the space to explore the differences and similarities between the concept of theatre and that of performance and how these two contradict and complement each other. This exploration furthers students’ knowledge of the art form of theatre and places them more centrally as makers.
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Year 2 Semester 2 |
30 |
| School Core |
Playwriting and directing
In this module, students are introduced to the art and craft of playwriting and directing, aimed at equipping them with fundamental skills essential to orchestrate compelling performances. Throughout the module, students will delve into the intricacies of interpreting texts, seeking inspiration, developing conceptual frameworks, and effectively communicating with actors through rehearsals and written plays.
You will acquire expertise in the fundamentals of playwriting, delving into key theories such as Aristotelian Unities, narrative structure, and the art of crafting effective dialogue. Engaging in practical exercises, you will learn to imbue subtext, infuse action, and create nuanced characters. The module explores devising processes, challenges traditional stereotypes in character creation, and delves into contemporary writing practices, ultimately culminating in each student composing a one-act play to showcase their acquired skills.
Similarly, in the fundamentals of directing, you will adopt a holistic approach covering text, space, actors, and design in production. Participating in hands-on workshops, you will explore blocking techniques and scene orchestration. The module concludes with each student directing a specified scene, providing an opportunity to apply the acquired skills in a practical setting.
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Year 3 Semester 1 |
30 |
| School Core |
Creative Project: Applied Theatre and Independent training
In this module, students are introduced to ways to engage in devising and improvisation for a range of applied theatre purposes. The concept of social theatre will be emphasised, and a range of methodologies drawn from major international practitioners will be taught.
You will acquire a comprehensive understanding of applied theatre, delving into its definition, historical evolution, functions, diverse applications, associated challenges, and illustrative examples. The module emphasizes foundational skills necessary for effective facilitation, improvisation, devising, and presentation within developmental contexts. Additionally, you will develop the ability to critically reflect upon and evaluate applied theatre projects, fostering a discerning perspective on the field. Culminating in a performance project, this module empowers you to conceive and implement an applied theatre initiative addressing contemporary challenges faced by young people.
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Year 3 Semester 1 |
30 |
| School Core |
Essentials of Teaching and Learning
In this module, students are introduced to basic pedagogical methodology and tools to teach and facilitate a range of drama workshops.
You will learn the ten principles that shape drama praxis and gain insights into the roles and benefits of integrating drama into school education. You will acquire essential skills for designing and facilitating impactful drama workshops, exploring varied approaches to engaging with text in an educational context. You will also develop proficiency in assessing and evaluating both drama activities and student performances. By the end of the module, you will summarize and conclude with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of drama education.
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Year 3 Semester 2 |
20 |
| School Core |
Industry Project
In this module, students will undertake a range of different projects with external industry partners. This module aims to provide students with “real world” experience of being cast rehearsing and presenting a performance to a public audience.
You will learn to embody professional conduct aligned with industry standards and respond adeptly to the specific demands set by industry partners. The module emphasizes the synthesis and application of knowledge and skills acquired in previous performance-based and stagecraft modules, underscoring their crucial role in achieving success in the assigned tasks.
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Year 3 Semester 2 |
30 |