performaNce

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Award: Diploma in Performance

The Diploma in Performance aims to equip you with the expertise required to launch a professional performing career in Southeast Asia. You will gain knowledge, skills and professional discipline in your three-year training and be enriched by a comprehensive programme including history, literature, theory, repertoire, and performing arts-related studies. You will be monitored closely and mentored in a hands-on, project-based programme.

Top local and international industry practitioners provide invaluable knowledge and experience as you gain confidence to take on professional-level projects. Throughout the programme, you will be given opportunities and encouraged to collaborate with fellow programme members and LASALLE students in other productions to broaden your artistic perspective and creative experience. Upon completion, you will have the necessary skill set to pursue a professional career in the theatre, film, TV and live events industries. Additionally, the programme also serves as a solid foundation for future specialisation and further study at the Degree level.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Placement learning is where students are offered opportunities to experience learning outside the classroom in real-life working environments or in approved partner institutions. Read more about placement learning here.

Modules

Level 1

Performance Skills 1
Voice and Speech classes introduce exercises and techniques designed to develop a technically sound vocal instrument. You are made aware of the physiology of the voice, importance of breath, resonance and articulation; and the inter-dependence of voice and body. Movement introduces varied approaches in contemporary movement practice in Ballet, Yoga and Wushu, covering a range of areas such as alignment, posture, balance, stamina, and flexibility. The Music component establishes the study and analysis of melody, harmony and rhythm. A range of music approaches and aesthetics is introduced through singing and music theory. Rhythm Ensemble consolidates the discipline required of ensemble rehearsal and performance.

Acting Techniques 1
Acting classes lay the foundation for skills that will be developed during the three years through the practical application of Stanislavski's System: the key to the actors playing and analysis. Improvisation classes aim to develop the responsive side of acting. They stimulate the imaginative resources by introducing the principles of play, spontaneity and stimulating awareness of others. Performance and Textual Analysis provides the groundwork for the actor's ability to transform text into performance.

Performance Studies 1
This contextual module orientates you in the sphere of artistic aesthetics, creative rationale and history. Through the survey of the performing arts, you will link your own practice to the rich traditions of performance history. With Research and Writing 1 you are introduced to the skills and process of writing an organized research paper, which prepares you for other contextual studies throughout diploma year.

Performance Project 1
This module consists of a range of performance projects and theatre placements in both semesters. It also introduces practical elements of Production Management and Technical Management in the performing arts. The intensives and performance projects in this module culminate in a series of small-scale rehearsal room presentations, including collaborations within the programme and with other programmes and faculties.

Level 2

Performance Skills 1
In this module, techniques are turned into skills through applying physical and vocal techniques to the act of performance. Rhythm is now the key to body and voice coordination and integration. The process of refining and developing voice and speech continues as you explore more complex and contrasting language structures. Skills are developed in areas of interpretation and through specific performance requirements with continual focus upon characterization from a place of truth, and always from the text. You will strengthen your skills in voice and speech, with focus upon character, developing clear vowels, and crisp consonants, whilst singing class focuses on developing singing from the musical theatre canon. Movement classes in Silat, Contemporary Dance and Mask Work develop your skills in physical expressions.

Acting Techniques 2
A variety of rehearsal processes are applied to more complex dramatic texts with particular consideration paid to structure, theme, mood, character, and relationships. Dramatic Writing and Dramaturgy develops skills and tools that will help you conceptualise and devise an effective and performable dramatic piece.

Performance Studies 2
The Asian Theatre component focuses on classical Asian performance forms such as Noh, Butoh, Kathakali, Kabuki, Wayang Kulit, and Chinese Opera. This leads to a historical overview of Chinese Language Theatre, Singapore English drama, Asian Arts and Culture that surveys Asian art, music and literature. Research and Writing Skills will continually inform the other components and further develops analytical skills.

Performance Projects 2
A series of performance projects continues to provide opportunities for you to apply class work to projects that have performance outcomes, and to apply core techniques of acting, improvisation, movement and voice to the Asian Theatre Intensives. A theatre placement sees you integrate and apply the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in Acting 1 and 2 with the responsibility for sustaining a role throughout a rehearsal and performance process.

Level 3

Performance Skills 3
Performance Skills 3 includes singing and introduces Fitzmaurice Voicework and Dudley Knight's Speech and Dialect training to further knowledge and sensitivity of the vocal instrument. Anne Bogart's Viewpoints introduces the challenges of selectivity, 'taste' and aesthetics, as well as extending the concepts of physical text. Kalaripayattu and dance training continues to develop physical exactness and grounding together with total inhabitance of the body.

Acting Techniques 3
Acquired skills and techniques are now tested through the demands of acting for the camera. You prepare for entry into the profession by developing your audition technique in 'simulated' theatre, television and film auditions. Classes in presenting for TV and live events educates you by developing interview techniques that may include skills in presenting from a live location, as well as how to research and write material for broadcast. Musical Theatre classes introduce you to the vocal repertoire of musical theatre and explore key works and styles that form the foundation for this genre.

Performance Studies 3
You are introduced to the business behind the arts, and the arts and creative industries in Singapore. Through the study of the Singapore arts policy, government bodies involved in the arts, the arts groups and practitioners in Singapore, and major arts events, you develop a general understanding of performing arts practices in Singapore. You will also learn how to start managing yourself as emerging arts practitioner, as well as to practice effective time management, discipline, punctuality, responsibility, teamwork and presentation skills. The cinema component contextualises Asian film with a guiding focus towards South-East Asia.

Performance Project 3
This module offers opportunities to perform and accustoms you to the practices and working conditions associated with a professional theatre company. You are expected to rise to the demands of a variety of theatre spaces and settings with greater demands made of individuals to perform with depth and confidence. You are also expected to create work that is skillful and polished.

Faculty Members

Programme Leader, Performance
Harris Jahim

• Master of Fine Arts in Theater (Acting), Florida Atlantic University, Florida, United States of America
• Certified Integral Yoga Teacher, Satchidananda Ashram, Virginia, United States of America
• Lessac Kinesensic Training, Lessac Training and Research Institute, California, United States of America
• Professional Actor Training Program, Ohio University, Ohio, United States of America
• Actor Training Program, University of Miami, Florida, United States of America
• Bachelor of Arts (Drama and Media), Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

Harris Jahim is an actor, director, dance choreographer and fight choreographer with BA in Theater and Film from Murdoch University (Australia) and University of Miami. After earning a Master of Fine Arts from Florida Atlantic University and Ohio University's Professional Actor Training Program, he studied voice with Arthur Lessac at the Lessac Research and Training Institute (California), and also an Integral Yoga teacher at Yogaville (Virginia). He is also an actor-combatant certified by the British Academy of Dramatic Combat.

Harris has performed in contemporary & classical plays including In Perpetuity Throughout the Universe, Fit To Be Tied, Mousetrap and Placebo, with American theatres such as Edge/Theatre and Theatre Charlotte; classical pieces including Richard 3 and Imaginary Invalid with Shakespeare Santa Cruz and Chickespeare. In Singapore he has performed with 3:14 Company in Pancha Tantra and I Theatre in Of Mice and Men, and Man-Woman-Child. He has taught in Florida Atlantic University (Florida), Central Piedmont College (North Carolina), and Blue Lake School of The Arts (Michigan).

He teaches acting, voice and yoga in the Performance (Diploma) program, and also a Program Leader; he also teaches Improvisation and Script Analysis across other programs in the School of Theatre.

He has directed in Short and Sweet Festival Singapore (2007-10) and the children's musical Shiro and the Cherry Blossom in ACE! Festival Singapore 2010. Currently he is working with French Stage, choreographing fights in Cyrano de Bergerac; another children's musical Malin Kundang for ACE! Festival Singapore 2012, and Hikayat Malim Dewa with Panggung Arts due to open June 2012.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level: 5 subjects (including English) at C6 higher, or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list
• Two essays of about 200-250 word each. Questions to be determined later.
• Resume – including training and/or performance experiences (e.g. SYF etc)
• Two referees. One of who should be able to recommend your work.

AUDITION & INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS

You must submit two (2) written assignments and present two (2) performances, from either Option A or Option B.

Written Work
You must submit BOTH written assignments on the day of the audition appointment. All written work must be typed and printed.

• Write a critique about a play or musical that you have seen recently. In your opinion was it successful? Why? In your opinion, what elements were not so successful? Why? Be specific in your answers. (450-500 words)
• Make a Top Ten list of all the things you hope or expect to gain from your college experience. Which two or three would you place at the top of your list? Explain what you want to gain and why these experiences are most important to you. (450-500 words)

Performance Audition
You must have memorised and rehearsed for the presentations. They will be presented and performed before your interview. You can pick up the audition materials – monologues and songs – from the office of the Division of Admissions at LASALLE.

Option A

• One monologue from the selection of Singaporean plays provided.
• One monologue from the selection of American plays provided. (Please choose appropriate texts specific to your gender.)

(Note: No Song)

Option B

• One monologue from the selection of Singaporean plays provided.(Choose appropriate text specific to your gender.)
• One Song(Choose one of the songs from the prescribed list, 32 bars only of any section, not the entire song. We will provide an accompanist.

Audition Process

All local applicants are required to observe one entire day of theatre classes in LASALLE.

Classes are from 8.30am – 5pm. This will be followed by your audition/interview, in the late afternoon.

If you are an international applicant, who cannot audition in person, you must submit a video recording of the above audition requirements on a DVD, together with all written work. A telephone interview will follow.

*Note – All the prescribed plays in the selections are available in The Ngee Ann Kongsi Library (Block F Level 4) at LASALLE. It is recommended that you have read them so you have a better grasp of the texts and can make informed choices.

Programme Information

Duration: 3 Years

Award: Diploma in Performance

The Diploma in Performance aims to equip you with the expertise required to launch a professional performing career in Southeast Asia. You will gain knowledge, skills and professional discipline in your three-year training and be enriched by a comprehensive programme including history, literature, theory, repertoire, and performing arts-related studies. You will be monitored closely and mentored in a hands-on, project-based programme.

Top local and international industry practitioners provide invaluable knowledge and experience as you gain confidence to take on professional-level projects. Throughout the programme, you will be given opportunities and encouraged to collaborate with fellow programme members and LASALLE students in other productions to broaden your artistic perspective and creative experience. Upon completion, you will have the necessary skill set to pursue a professional career in the theatre, film, TV and live events industries. Additionally, the programme also serves as a solid foundation for future specialisation and further study at the Degree level.

Assessments: Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and will be formative and diagnostic as well as summative and evaluative, providing feedback to students wherever appropriate. Read more about assessments here.

Placement learning is where students are offered opportunities to experience learning outside the classroom in real-life working environments or in approved partner institutions. Read more about placement learning here.

Modules

Level 1

Performance Skills 1
Voice and Speech classes introduce exercises and techniques designed to develop a technically sound vocal instrument. You are made aware of the physiology of the voice, importance of breath, resonance and articulation; and the inter-dependence of voice and body. Movement introduces varied approaches in contemporary movement practice in Ballet, Yoga and Wushu, covering a range of areas such as alignment, posture, balance, stamina, and flexibility. The Music component establishes the study and analysis of melody, harmony and rhythm. A range of music approaches and aesthetics is introduced through singing and music theory. Rhythm Ensemble consolidates the discipline required of ensemble rehearsal and performance.

Acting Techniques 1
Acting classes lay the foundation for skills that will be developed during the three years through the practical application of Stanislavski's System: the key to the actors playing and analysis. Improvisation classes aim to develop the responsive side of acting. They stimulate the imaginative resources by introducing the principles of play, spontaneity and stimulating awareness of others. Performance and Textual Analysis provides the groundwork for the actor's ability to transform text into performance.

Performance Studies 1
This contextual module orientates you in the sphere of artistic aesthetics, creative rationale and history. Through the survey of the performing arts, you will link your own practice to the rich traditions of performance history. With Research and Writing 1 you are introduced to the skills and process of writing an organized research paper, which prepares you for other contextual studies throughout diploma year.

Performance Project 1
This module consists of a range of performance projects and theatre placements in both semesters. It also introduces practical elements of Production Management and Technical Management in the performing arts. The intensives and performance projects in this module culminate in a series of small-scale rehearsal room presentations, including collaborations within the programme and with other programmes and faculties.

Level 2

Performance Skills 1
In this module, techniques are turned into skills through applying physical and vocal techniques to the act of performance. Rhythm is now the key to body and voice coordination and integration. The process of refining and developing voice and speech continues as you explore more complex and contrasting language structures. Skills are developed in areas of interpretation and through specific performance requirements with continual focus upon characterization from a place of truth, and always from the text. You will strengthen your skills in voice and speech, with focus upon character, developing clear vowels, and crisp consonants, whilst singing class focuses on developing singing from the musical theatre canon. Movement classes in Silat, Contemporary Dance and Mask Work develop your skills in physical expressions.

Acting Techniques 2
A variety of rehearsal processes are applied to more complex dramatic texts with particular consideration paid to structure, theme, mood, character, and relationships. Dramatic Writing and Dramaturgy develops skills and tools that will help you conceptualise and devise an effective and performable dramatic piece.

Performance Studies 2
The Asian Theatre component focuses on classical Asian performance forms such as Noh, Butoh, Kathakali, Kabuki, Wayang Kulit, and Chinese Opera. This leads to a historical overview of Chinese Language Theatre, Singapore English drama, Asian Arts and Culture that surveys Asian art, music and literature. Research and Writing Skills will continually inform the other components and further develops analytical skills.

Performance Projects 2
A series of performance projects continues to provide opportunities for you to apply class work to projects that have performance outcomes, and to apply core techniques of acting, improvisation, movement and voice to the Asian Theatre Intensives. A theatre placement sees you integrate and apply the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in Acting 1 and 2 with the responsibility for sustaining a role throughout a rehearsal and performance process.

Level 3

Performance Skills 3
Performance Skills 3 includes singing and introduces Fitzmaurice Voicework and Dudley Knight's Speech and Dialect training to further knowledge and sensitivity of the vocal instrument. Anne Bogart's Viewpoints introduces the challenges of selectivity, 'taste' and aesthetics, as well as extending the concepts of physical text. Kalaripayattu and dance training continues to develop physical exactness and grounding together with total inhabitance of the body.

Acting Techniques 3
Acquired skills and techniques are now tested through the demands of acting for the camera. You prepare for entry into the profession by developing your audition technique in 'simulated' theatre, television and film auditions. Classes in presenting for TV and live events educates you by developing interview techniques that may include skills in presenting from a live location, as well as how to research and write material for broadcast. Musical Theatre classes introduce you to the vocal repertoire of musical theatre and explore key works and styles that form the foundation for this genre.

Performance Studies 3
You are introduced to the business behind the arts, and the arts and creative industries in Singapore. Through the study of the Singapore arts policy, government bodies involved in the arts, the arts groups and practitioners in Singapore, and major arts events, you develop a general understanding of performing arts practices in Singapore. You will also learn how to start managing yourself as emerging arts practitioner, as well as to practice effective time management, discipline, punctuality, responsibility, teamwork and presentation skills. The cinema component contextualises Asian film with a guiding focus towards South-East Asia.

Performance Project 3
This module offers opportunities to perform and accustoms you to the practices and working conditions associated with a professional theatre company. You are expected to rise to the demands of a variety of theatre spaces and settings with greater demands made of individuals to perform with depth and confidence. You are also expected to create work that is skillful and polished.

Faculty Members

Programme Leader, Performance
Harris Jahim

• Master of Fine Arts in Theater (Acting), Florida Atlantic University, Florida, United States of America
• Certified Integral Yoga Teacher, Satchidananda Ashram, Virginia, United States of America
• Lessac Kinesensic Training, Lessac Training and Research Institute, California, United States of America
• Professional Actor Training Program, Ohio University, Ohio, United States of America
• Actor Training Program, University of Miami, Florida, United States of America
• Bachelor of Arts (Drama and Media), Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia

Harris Jahim is an actor, director, dance choreographer and fight choreographer with BA in Theater and Film from Murdoch University (Australia) and University of Miami. After earning a Master of Fine Arts from Florida Atlantic University and Ohio University's Professional Actor Training Program, he studied voice with Arthur Lessac at the Lessac Research and Training Institute (California), and also an Integral Yoga teacher at Yogaville (Virginia). He is also an actor-combatant certified by the British Academy of Dramatic Combat.

Harris has performed in contemporary & classical plays including In Perpetuity Throughout the Universe, Fit To Be Tied, Mousetrap and Placebo, with American theatres such as Edge/Theatre and Theatre Charlotte; classical pieces including Richard 3 and Imaginary Invalid with Shakespeare Santa Cruz and Chickespeare. In Singapore he has performed with 3:14 Company in Pancha Tantra and I Theatre in Of Mice and Men, and Man-Woman-Child. He has taught in Florida Atlantic University (Florida), Central Piedmont College (North Carolina), and Blue Lake School of The Arts (Michigan).

He teaches acting, voice and yoga in the Performance (Diploma) program, and also a Program Leader; he also teaches Improvisation and Script Analysis across other programs in the School of Theatre.

He has directed in Short and Sweet Festival Singapore (2007-10) and the children's musical Shiro and the Cherry Blossom in ACE! Festival Singapore 2010. Currently he is working with French Stage, choreographing fights in Cyrano de Bergerac; another children's musical Malin Kundang for ACE! Festival Singapore 2012, and Hikayat Malim Dewa with Panggung Arts due to open June 2012.

Entry Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Recognised Singapore qualification: Singapore-Cambridge GCE 'O' Level: 5 subjects (including English) at C6 higher, or recognised equivalent.
• Recognised international qualifications: Please click here to view list
• Two essays of about 200-250 word each. Questions to be determined later.
• Resume – including training and/or performance experiences (e.g. SYF etc)
• Two referees. One of who should be able to recommend your work.

AUDITION & INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS

You must submit two (2) written assignments and present two (2) performances, from either Option A or Option B.

Written Work
You must submit BOTH written assignments on the day of the audition appointment. All written work must be typed and printed.

• Write a critique about a play or musical that you have seen recently. In your opinion was it successful? Why? In your opinion, what elements were not so successful? Why? Be specific in your answers. (450-500 words)
• Make a Top Ten list of all the things you hope or expect to gain from your college experience. Which two or three would you place at the top of your list? Explain what you want to gain and why these experiences are most important to you. (450-500 words)

Performance Audition
You must have memorised and rehearsed for the presentations. They will be presented and performed before your interview. You can pick up the audition materials – monologues and songs – from the office of the Division of Admissions at LASALLE.

Option A

• One monologue from the selection of Singaporean plays provided.
• One monologue from the selection of American plays provided. (Please choose appropriate texts specific to your gender.)

(Note: No Song)

Option B

• One monologue from the selection of Singaporean plays provided.(Choose appropriate text specific to your gender.)
• One Song(Choose one of the songs from the prescribed list, 32 bars only of any section, not the entire song. We will provide an accompanist.

Audition Process

All local applicants are required to observe one entire day of theatre classes in LASALLE.

Classes are from 8.30am – 5pm. This will be followed by your audition/interview, in the late afternoon.

If you are an international applicant, who cannot audition in person, you must submit a video recording of the above audition requirements on a DVD, together with all written work. A telephone interview will follow.

*Note – All the prescribed plays in the selections are available in The Ngee Ann Kongsi Library (Block F Level 4) at LASALLE. It is recommended that you have read them so you have a better grasp of the texts and can make informed choices.