Media release: ITI-LASALLE agreement offers new pathway to BA (Hons) Acting degree

Intercultural Theatre Institute (ITI) and LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore (LASALLE) have signed an Articulation Agreement on a new academic pathway for ITI students to a BA (Hons) Acting degree. 

Starting in 2026, ITI graduates with a practice-based Professional Diploma in Intercultural Theatre (Acting) may apply for direct entry into Year 2 of LASALLE’s BA (Hons) Acting programme, a rigorous conservatory-style acting programme that develops actors with training in acting, voice and movement techniques synthesising theory and practice. Through this streamlined process, ITI graduates will be able to complete their BA (Hons) Acting degree after two years. 

ITI offers a unique conservatory programme juxtaposing traditional and contemporary practices, with master teachers from across the Asia-Pacific region. This first-of-its-kind collaborative initiative between ITI and LASALLE will offer students new pathways to further develop their artistic practice and engage with Singapore’s vibrant and diverse performing arts scene.

With this agreement, ITI graduates who completed their Diploma within the last three years will enjoy special exemption from audition and progress directly to an online interview if shortlisted. ITI applicants who have graduated more than three years ago are welcome to apply for Year 2 articulation as well, but will be invited to attend an audition to demonstrate that their practical training remains current.

For the first time since ITI’s inception 25 years ago, graduates of its three-year Diploma in Intercultural Theatre (Acting) course will have an opportunity to obtain second-year direct entry to a degree programme. This will raise the level of practice, with artists having both a strong practice-based foundation in intercultural theatre and sound theoretical understanding.

On the partnership, Koh Wan Ching, ITI Head of Acting said: “ITI attracts experienced practitioners from diverse backgrounds and communities who commit to a three-year, practice-based intercultural learning environment. Candidates gain admission to ITI not by academic credentials, but by dedication to their craft. Through this partnership with LASALLE we are pleased to be able to offer our graduates an academic pathway towards a BA (Hons) Acting degree. This partnership reaffirms our commitment to lift the practice of arts, education and social entrepreneurship in Singapore and beyond. ITI will continue to strive to combine tradition with innovation to meet the demands of next generation storytellers in a rapidly changing, fragmented and ecologically fragile world.”

Dr Venka Purushothaman, Deputy President & Provost, LASALLE College of the Arts, said: “LASALLE’s BA (Hons) Acting is recognised for its leading actor training, with graduates working internationally and in key roles across Singapore’s theatre, television and digital landscape. Our highly selective programme focuses on contemporary performance to develop industry-ready actors adept in working across genres, media and cultures, while engaging with new technologies and experimental practices to push the boundaries of performance. We are delighted to partner ITI to offer its talented graduates the opportunity to further their training with a dynamic community of artists.”