Actor Training in Singapore's Arts Schools
A live panel discussion which showcases and explores Theatre in Singapore for those interested in pursuing a career in the theatre industry
The panel will feature teachers from the art schools in Singapore — School of the Arts, LASALLE College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and Intercultural Theatre Institute.
The event will provide an opportunity for those interested in becoming an artist and wish to know what steps to take in the field with regards to training.
Panelist
School of the Arts (SOTA)
The School of the Arts (SOTA) is Singapore’s first national pre-tertiary specialised arts school with a six-year integrated arts and academic curriculum, leading to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or Career-related Programme, for youths aged 13-18 years old.
Under the ambit of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), SOTA offers a dedicated development path for those who have interest and show early talent in the arts, providing a learning environment where both the artistic and academic potential can best be realised.
With a vision to nurture creative citizens for the future, SOTA aims to identify and groom artistic and creative learners who positively impact Singapore and the world, through a vibrant learning environment that is anchored in the arts.
A school of the future, SOTA embraces a holistic educational philosophy that celebrates experimentation, expression and discovery.
Sean Tobin
Sean hails from West Australia and holds a BA Edu (Drama) from Edith Cowan University. This year marks his 30th year working in theatre and education.
In addition to heading drama departments in schools in West Australia, Sean also has over 25 years experience in the Singapore theatre and education circles as a teacher, performer, writer, director, consultant and festival director.
This is Sean's 15th year working with SOTA. He served as Head of Faculty (Theatre) at SOTA from 2009- 2019 and remains a fulltime teacher there. He was also Artistic Director of the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival from 2015 - 2020.
Sean has also conceptualised and directed well-regarded productions such as Close – In My Face, Sing Song, Such Sweet Sorrow, Tongues and The Perfection of 10.
He has worked full time with Act 3 International, TOUCH Arts and The Necessary Stage and was formerly the Artistic Director of the M1 Youth Connection, M1 Theatre Connect and the Necessary Community Festival.
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
The Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) is Singapore’s pioneering arts institution, established in 1938. Over the decades we have nurtured many diverse, award-winning artistic talents who are today trailblazers in their fields.
We offer foundation, diploma and degree courses, through our three faculties and with overseas partner universities.
All our students will enjoy a strong industry-led and experiential learning journey in their inspiring arts education with us. Our programmes, which are backed by years of heritage and strong pedagogy, will ultimately empower our students to have the courage to create as they continue to grow through the arts they pursue.
Andrew James Mowatt
Andrew began acting at the age of 16 at the Manchester Youth Theatre (UK). From these humble beginnings, he went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in theatre and then a postgraduate course in acting. He has worked as an actor in the UK, and since moving to Singapore, he has worked with major theatre companies and has also worked on local TV and film productions.
Andrew won the Best Actor Award at the 2010 Short and Sweet Theatre Festival and he was also nominated for Best Actor in The Straits Times Life! Awards in 2006. An accomplished, versatile and inspiring actor, Andrew teaches with the same passion as he performs, bringing his knowledge of the theatre industry into the classroom.
LASALLE College of the Arts
LASALLE College of the Arts offers 30 diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fine arts, design communication, interior design, product design, film, animation, fashion, dance, music, theatre, arts management, arts pedagogy and practice, arts and cultural leadership, art therapy, Asian art histories and creative writing.
LASALLE provides a nurturing, interdisciplinary learning environment to inspire the next generation of forward-looking, globally engaged artists, designers and leaders of creative industries.
Nora Samosir
Nora Samosir has been active in the theatre since 1979 and has also worked in television and film. She has acted with TheatreWorks, Cake Theatricals, Wild Rice, The Necessary Stage, GenerAsia, The Theatre Practice, Teater Ekamatra, Singapore Lyric Opera, Singapore Repertory Theatre and other theatre companies. Aside from her voice work with actors, she has conducted voice workshops for the general public. Nora is the Voice teacher in the School of Dance and Theatre at Lasalle College of the Arts.
Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI)
Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI), formerly known as Theatre Training and Research Programme (TTRP), is an independent theatre school for contemporary artists.
Founded in 2000 by Singapore’s acclaimed theatre practitioners and cultural thought leaders, Kuo Pao Kun (1939 - 2002) and T. Sasitharan, ITI is a unique enterprise in theatre training, human understanding and raising social and cultural awareness.
Yazid Jalil
Yazid is an alumnus of École Philippe Gaulier, the Intercultural Theatre Institute, and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. He works as an actor, multidisciplinary artist, and theatre educator. He has collaborated in over 50 professional theatrical productions in the last 17 years. He teaches theatre at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and Lasalle College of the Arts as an adjunct lecturer.