Over the weekend of 10–12 September 2021, UWCSEA East Grade 11 and 12 IBDP Theatre students had the chance to participate in a three-day intensive acting and directing programme with Shane Anthony and Natasha McNamara, acting and directing tutors who work at NIDA (The National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney, Australia).
Our students took part in voice, viewpoints and monologue workshops, learning best practices such as how best to use their voice with pitch, articulation and breath. They also had the chance to put what they learnt into practice during the hands-on workshops.
These workshops focused on developing our students’ skills in the areas of acting and directing, and are particularly beneficial to our Grade 11 and 12 students in relation to their IB Theatre assessments.
With resources, monologues, exercises, education packs, the practical workshops taught, shaped and guided the students on a tremendous learning journey as a performer and director as they made strong connections with the hard skills needed to make an impact in the world in any career area.
I have a better understanding that it’s ok to take my time and break down my text or actions to figure out what emotions I want to convey, as each line or word can give a very different story. The online and offline focus and what difference that makes on what I do; and how important it is to recognise when you are doing one of them. I have learnt as well not to overthink, and that just trying it out is always a very good way to recognise or discover new meanings in what I am doing.
–India
In this workshop I just learnt how powerful words and actions can be, it helped me a lot to discover the beauty of theatre and communication in general.
–Marian
I learnt how important stressing individual syllables can be to bring out the true emotion of a text. Emphasising the focus I kept on consonants really helped me define my words.
The biggest thing I learnt is that my voice, and expression is tied inexplicably to my body and this is something I can carry into my life, as taking care of my body means taking care of my voice.
–Aryan
I didn't realise how beautiful and powerful it is to connect with your group and how even without words it creates something meaningful.
–Patricia
Drama@East is in its 11th year now and teaches middle school. IGCSE and IBDP theatre students. In that time we have empowered hundreds of young people to explore, discover and tell stories about themselves and the world around them. Through the experimentation with techniques and creative technologies, students develop their own unique voice to communicate ideas and meaning. Drama provides agency and opportunities for effective collaboration and develops a range of skills required to be successful in our ever changing world.
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