The Artist in Residence programme is part of a vibrant programme and activities available to Middle and High School students at UWCSEA. It integrates classroom teaching with artistic exploration resulting in a unique learning journey for students. The school describes its performing arts workshops as practical, participatory experiences – and they’re led by local and internationally renowned professional artists from Singapore and around the world.
Students get a chance to cover a broad spectrum of theatre skills, traditions and styles while exploring their physical and vocal expression. They also gain a richer insight into some of the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia that enrich their academic learning.
Here’s a rundown of the different performing arts workshop themes, the professional artists helming each one, and the takeaways for UWCSEA students in attendance.
Embrace Your Inner Clown
Performing arts workshop with Shanice Stanislaus, award-winning actor and clown
UWCSEA students explore physical comedy by learning to embrace mistakes and taking risks. Through the medium of humour, they foster a spirit of playfulness and effective communication.
Silat Tua
Performing arts workshop with Lian Sutton, founder of Nusantara Theatrical Combat, member of Dark Matter Theatrics
Through practising this traditional Malay martial art, UWCSEA students understand their bodies and physical limitations, and explore creative expression through physical storytelling.
Creative Expression
With Artist in Residence Claire Glenn, founder and artistic director of Conundrum
In this performing arts workshop, UWCSEA students get immersed in dynamic storytelling techniques that are creative and expressive.
Telling Original Stories
Performing arts workshop with Red Leap Theatre Company, New Zealand
Through quick-fire devising techniques, UWCSEA students tap into their physical instincts to explore new creative possibilities and creative collaboration that push through their mental boundaries.
Kathakali Classical Indian Dance Workshop
With Artist in Residence Mr Biju, Bhaskar’s Arts Academy
This performing arts workshop kicks off the Research Presentation assignment for Grade 12 IBDP students, where they consider cultural settings and significance to dance. UWCSEA students see how Kathakali brings together music, vocal performers, percussionists, choreography, hand gestures and facial expressions to express an idea.
Hear from Anna Parr, Head of Drama, and Lizz Baker, Head of Middle School Drama, UWCSEA East
“Through the multimodal Artist in Residence programme, students refine their definition of what theatre can be, its importance in different cultures, and how far they can push themselves physically and vocally to meet the objectives of the tradition or the style.”
UWCSEA
• Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road | 6774 2653
• East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5353
uwcsea.edu.sg
This article first appeared in the July 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy! Here are the best things to do in Singapore with kids and the family. Read our international schools guide in Singapore, reviewed by parents.
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