About SDEA Interest Groups
At Let’s Connect: Interweave in February 2019, we announced SDEA’s Interest Groups – ground-up interest groups led by members based on what they are passionate about and what they want to advocate for in the field of drama/theatre in performance, education, and community. We want to empower our members to advocate, and do more than they would be able to on their own.
It takes time, conscious effort and resources to grow advocates and leaders in the arts, especially considering we have very different and diverse causes and needs.
Through these interest groups we can get feedback and input from these different theatre/drama communities which will better reflect the ground needs. This in turn will help SDEA identify and advocate for changes that are relevant.
After all, we cannot assume that the needs for different theatre/drama communities can be met by one catch-all activity/solution.
If you would like to pitch us an idea for an interest group, drop us an email at office@sdea.org.sg
Upcoming Interest Group Activities
Art Jamming – Self-Care Interest Group
Wednesday, 19th June 2019
For this edition of the self-care interest group led by drama practitioner Rosie McGowan, we’ll be doing some art jamming and creating our own little self-care jars! For reference, this is what they look like:
Each unique jar created with your own hands is filled with phrases of encouragement and self-care. Everything else from ribbons to washi tape is up to you to decorate as you see fit. At the end of the day, you’ll be the proud owner of your very own self-care jar!
Click here to register.
Level Up! Fest
SDEA is thrilled to announce Level Up! Fest, a brand new initiative that begins in November 2019 celebrating you, the professional.
Join this month-long celebration full of exciting opportunities and activities that will advance the profession of the drama/theatre educator*. From workshops, to getting a new headshot taken, to career consultation sessions, there’s a lot to look forward to this November and beyond.
About Level Up! Fest
Level Up! Fest is SDEA’s new platform to recognise, celebrate, and bring focus to the importance of professional development of the theatre/drama educator, in line with its mission. This year marks only the beginning of an initiative that SDEA hopes to grow and develop, bringing benefit and value to our members and the larger community that we are part of.
From workshops focused on directing young performers, to career consultations, there are many opportunities for drama/theatre educators to ‘Level Up’ and ‘boost’ themselves as professionals. We will also be highlighting professional development opportunities organised by other companies and organisations including the new Arts Resource Hub by the National Arts Council and Access Path Productions.
All these events and workshops will be aggregated into a single calendar, highlighting the multiple professional development opportunities available. As professionals, there is no maximum level. There is always something we can do to Level Up!
Level up in 4 different ways
There are 4 different ways to level up. You can level up your skills, profile, career, and yourself.
Level Up! Your Skills
Every drama educator needs the right skills to tackle any situation they are thrown into.
The craft of writing and directing may seem easy, but how are they different when you need to direct young performers? Level up your skills and “power-up” your drama/theatre career toolkit to make sure you’re equipped to face any challenge ahead!
Level Up! Your Profile
A drama educator deserves to put their best foot forward.
Whether you are seeking work with brand new colleagues or heading into a production with familiar faces, making a good first impression counts. That’s where you will need to arm yourself with a ravishing new headshot. Give your ‘avatar’ a makeover and level up your profile.
Level Up! Your Career
Are you looking to take your career to the next step and not sure how? Are you interested in exploring a different aspect of your practice?
Whether you have just started out your career or have been doing this for several years, join in our career consultation sessions! Level up your career by speaking to industry professionals and map your drama/theatre journey into the future.
Level Up! Your Self
It’s game over once your ‘Health Bar’ hits zero.
As drama/theatre educators, we often give so much that we may forget to care for ourselves. Rushing from one rehearsal venue to another while juggling your finances and making sure you are well fed might be a challenge. That’s when you need to take the time off and level up your self, so that you are in tip-top shape to be the best drama educator you can be. Join us as we explore the different ways that we can heal!
Level Up! Fest Calendar
Click on the Calendar zoom in and check out what’s available!
Level Up! Fest Events
As part of Level Up! Fest, SDEA has organised a series of workshops and events across four different paths (career, self, profile, and skills) that will help you level up and boost yourself as a professional!
From workshops focused on directing young performers, to career consultation sessions, to getting a new headshot taken – check out these opportunities at Level Up! Fest!
Click SEE MORE for more information.
Level Up! Fest Aggregated Events
We have also aggregated workshops and events by other organisations and practitioners happening this November, aligned with our focus on personal development. From emotional support groups to music workshops, there’s a whole world out there waiting for you to explore!
*Have an event that will help others level up? Drop us an email at office@sdea.org.sg!
Click SEE MORE to check them out.
Upcoming Events
Career Chats with Jeffrey Tan
In these sessions, participants will meet with our Career Mentors who will get to know you, the work you do, your aims and ambitions, and help you to develop strategies to help you achieve your goals. This could extend to possible career paths, professional development courses, and companies and individuals to connect and work or volunteer with.
Students, graduates, or anyone looking to expand your area of work or to start on a new journey altogether. These sessions are open to all. Our Career Mentors will offer you fresh perspectives. Kickstart your journey today!
Each Session is a group consultation (of up to 5pax) with the Career Mentor.
13th November – Jeffrey Tan
20th November – Noorlinah Mohamed and Thong Pei Qin
27th November – Sophia Begum
Price: $12 (SDEA members), $15 (non-members)
Dates: 13th, 20th, 27th November 2019
Time: 8-9.30pm
Venue: Lowercase at LASALLE
About Jeffrey Tan, Theatre Director, Drama Educator and Creative Producer.
He graduated with a BA (Drama) from the Queensland University of Technology and an MA (Drama and Theatre Education) from the University of Warwick. He has worked full time as Resident Director with The Theatre Practice (1997), Drama Lecturer with LASALLE SIA (1999), Associate Artistic Director with TheatreWorks (S) Ltd (2002), Assistant Director (Festivals) with the National Arts Council (2007) and Assistant Director, Community Arts and Culture Division, People’s Association (2012).
Since 2016, Jeffrey became an independent arts producer/director. Jeffrey was also selected as an Arts Fellow for the Singapore International Foundation’s ‘Arts For Good Fellowship 2018/2019’. Jeffrey was also selected for the inaugural ‘Singapore Producers Platform’, a one-year mentorship with Performing Lines Australia, 2018/2019. Jeffrey just returned from Brisbane from a three weekends season of ‘Open Homes’ in 15 homes in Brisbane, Australia
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SDEA advances the profession of the drama educator by supporting the professional development of drama educators through its Continuing Education and Training programme. The programme features masterclasses, workshops and the SDEA Drama Pedagogy certification course which helps raise the bar on drama education practices in schools and communities.
About the Masterclasses
The masterclass provides quality professional development classes for drama educators, instructors and theatre practitioners. Masterclasses are facilitated by masters in dramatic art forms and drama pedagogy who have been working in their respective fields for many years.
About the SDEA Drama Pedagogy Course
The SDEA Drama Pedagogy certification course is designed and facilitated by leading drama educators and academics in the industry. The first 40-hour course, Essential Teaching and Learning Approaches offers the essential principles needed to carry out drama sessions with groups.
Upcoming Masterclasses, Workshops & Talks Upcoming SDEA Drama Pedagogy Courses Featured Facilitators
Past Masterclasses, Workshops & Talks Past SDEA Drama Pedagogy Courses
Dramatise is SDEA’s professional journal. It brings together a wealth of drama education material such as interviews with local and international drama educators, feature articles on diverse pedagogical methodologies, lesson plans, book reviews, etc. It aims to be a handy teaching resource for drama educators and both an archival document as well as a celebration of the good work being done in the field of drama education around the world, especially in Singapore.
If you would like to access past issues of Dramatise, drop an email to resource@sdea.org.sg or visit us at our office.
In loving memory of Christina Sergeant – a dearly missed actor, director, drama educator and dear friend, SDEA introduces the Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative.
Two (2) successful applicants will be awarded a complimentary pass worth up to S$500 to SDEA’s Drama Pedagogy Course, Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches in year 2020. The training programmes will be offered each year to encourage regular professional development amongst theatre practitioners and drama educators.
The Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative is open to theatre practitioners and drama educators who are Singaporean citizens, permanent residents or foreigners.
Application dates is subject to change without prior notice. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email.
Application Guidelines
Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative for Theatre Practitioners and Drama Educators
This initiative is named after Christina Sergeant, one of the founding members of SDEA who made it her practice to constantly learn and give back to the community she belonged to. Each year, complimentary passes worth up to SGD$500 each to SDEA events, masterclasses or training programmes will be offered to local and foreign theatre practitioners and drama educators. The initiative does not cover other related costs such as extra learning resources, transportation, or meals.
The purpose of this initiative is to encourage theatre practitioners and drama educators to start make professional development a regular part of their practice.
Applicants must be:
- current theatre practitioners or drama educators with at least 3 years of practice or teaching experience
- Singaporean citizens, permanent residents, or foreigners
- at least 23 years of age
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be subject to a review by the SDEA Committee, followed by a scheduled interview that will take place before the programme.
Applicants must show:
- proof or an interest in regular professional development
- how event/masterclass/workshop informs their practice
- how skills and knowledge learnt will benefit a larger community
Successful applicants must:
- share with SDEA how they have applied skills and knowledge learnt in their work
Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed. Successful applicants can only reapply three years after the receiving one complimentary pass.
Apply Now
Press Release: SDEA launches the Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative for theatre practitioners and drama educators
The Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA) announced today that each year, five complimentary passes worth up to SGD$500 each to SDEA events, masterclasses or training programmes will be offered to local and foreign theatre practitioners and drama educators.
“The arts is one of the most exciting industries as disciplines often intersect, provoking new discoveries that will enhance practice. Like the meaning of the word initiative, we want this to be a start for freelance practitioners and educators to make professional development a regular part of their lives. Freelancers who are often paid on an hourly basis, think twice or thrice before they commit to any form of professional development as they not only fork out their own money, but forgo income to attend classes. We hope this initiative not only alleviates financial strain, but remind practitioners and educators that they have to plan ahead to regularly hone their skills.” said Harris Jahim ex-SDEA Committee member who heads this project.
The initiative is named after Christina Sergeant, one of the founding members of SDEA who passed away in 2013, leaving the theatre and arts industry in shock. Tina, as she was affectionately known, was an actor, director and drama educator who had a firm place in the theatre and education community. Many of her students have gone on to do well locally and abroad.
Tina volunteered much time with SDEA and sat on the committee to advocate for the association’s mission to use drama in various sectors of community and to promote professional development amongst practitioners. She also stepped in to conduct workshops for SDEA, generously sharing her knowledge so that others could progress in their work. Tina also regularly attended talks, workshops and masterclasses to enhance her own skills and knowledge.
“Tina sat on the SDEA committee since the association started and passed away while she was still in office. We named the initiative after her because we wanted to remember a dear friend and colleague, and her practice of constantly learning and giving back to the community she belonged to.” added Peggy Ferroa, ex-Vice-President of SDEA.
The Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative is opened to theatre practitioners and drama educators who are Singaporean citizens, permanent residents or foreigners.
For more information about the Initiative or SDEA, please call 63456997 or email to projects@sdea.org.sg.
Members’ Engagement activities provides for members a form of Professional Development through skills exchange, and encourage members to share drama practices and techniques, have discussions and provide support and networking opportunities. Events are restricted to members only. Click here to find out more about how to be a member of SDEA.
Upcoming Members’ Engagement events Past Members’ Engagement events