Programme Leader
Diploma in Performance
Faculty of Performing Arts
20 November 2015
Tell us a little about yourself – which country do you come from and how did you come into the teaching profession?
I come from Liverpool, England – a dark industrial city, home of soccer and The Beatles. I began acting professionally on British TV at the age of 16 and started teaching acting-related subjects in my mid 30s, when I came to Singapore.
What made you decide to come to Singapore, and why LASALLE?
In 1998, I was visiting some friends in Singapore and was offered a job; initially for a short while, but then it just rolled on. I taught part-time at LASALLE from 2001, and was teaching about 20 hours a week then. In 2004, when the BA(Hons) programmes were launched, LASALLE offered me a full-time job.
How has your experience been living and working in Singapore and LASALLE so far?
I’ve been here in Singapore for 17 years now, so it can’t have been bad! I left LASALLE in 2008 to teach in Adelaide, Australia. But I returned because I prefer Singapore, which is vibrant and forward looking. LASALLE has grown a lot recently, and has established itself in the creative industries over the last 15 years.
You were recently part of the Pangdemonium production, Chinglish, could you tell us more about your experience?
Chinglish was an enormous challenge for me as Peter Timms, the man I was playing spoke excellent Chinese. I was worried that I’d bomb out, so I spent a year learning the lines and working on my speech. Pangdemonium was wonderful to work for. They were sincere, friendly and supportive. We had a right old laugh most of the time. The production was completely sold out, so it was a significant moment for me.
Are you involved in any upcoming productions?
I have deliberately chosen not to be involved in any productions at the moment, as I have to dedicate my energies to the Diploma in Performance Programme.
Read more about Matt here.
