THEATRE+FILM CURRICULUMPerforming Arts

Roof Top Theatre Department of Performance & Media

Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

JPT/BPP(U)(R/212/4/0020/ A 4657) 4/19

A diverse range of students come into the Diploma in Performing Arts programme. Many already have an interest in performance and/or film. They want to act, direct or write. Others, who come in with music and dance backgrounds, may want to sing, dance, choreograph, or compose and perform their own songs, or perform in musical theatre. Yet others may be the shy and quiet types who want to be involved in the performing arts but behind the scenes. Whatever their entry points, all students get exposed to new ideas, skills and knowledge on the DPA programme.

From the Diploma in Performing Arts programme, students acquire new abilities and interests while developing the ones they already have. Because the curriculum covers a comprehensive variety of subjects in theatre and film, it helps them to form a clearer perspective of what they want to do eventually, especially after they have had a taste of the ‘real world’ through a 12-week internship stint.

The Diploma in Performing Arts opens the door to a bright future and it is a starting point to a long creative career. Creativity researchers have come up with what they call the “10-year rule” which indicates that no truly great creative contributions can come without at least 10 years of intense effort and preparation. To give them a head-start, our students are taught by a dynamic team of lecturers, comprising established theatre and film practitioners and scholars, as well as a host of guest speakers and lecturers from the industry. Besides sharing their well-seasoned skills and knowledge with students, they also provide invaluable networks and artistic and professional insights.

Upon completion of their studies, most of our Diploma in Performing Arts students usually start taking on project-based freelance work. Others take on full-time jobs with media production houses and theatre companies, while enterprising individuals may choose to start their own collaborative and commercial ventures. The spectrum of work is broad, ranging from performing on stage, television and film to technical, management and administrative work.

A number of our Diploma in Performing Arts graduates have chosen to further their education. Many of them make use of the one-year degree transfer pathway to one of our affiliated universities in Tasmania, Melbourne or Wales to study drama, performance, film and digital media.

The Diploma in Performing Arts (DPA) at Sunway University offers a unique curriculum that covers both theatre and film production. Knowing the needs of creative people, the programme keeps a good balance between hands-on practical classes and theory, and includes public showcases of students’ works and internship to prepare them for employment in the real world.

• Training and education in two fields: theatre and film production

• Taught by a strong team of lecturers comprising industry professionals and academics

• Prepares young people to work in film, television, online media, live performance

• One-year degree pathway to affiliated universities in Australia and UK

On-stage, behind-the-scenes, in front of the camera, behind the camera.

Single Intake March 2016

Entry Requirements Pass SPM, O-Levels, UEC, or equivalent, with 3 credits, including English

Duration 2½ years

Medium of Instruction English

Enquiries Call Information Centre at 03-7491 8622

Visit our website www.sunway.edu.my/university/foa/performing-arts

A DYNAMIC & INNOVATIVE PROGRAMME

Film Production• Scriptwriting,shooting,soundrecording,editing,

production design, production planning, directing

• Historyandtheory

• Publicshowcaseoffinal-yearfilmprojects

Theatre Production• Actingtechniques,scriptanalysis,performance

analysis, theatre-making, stage management

• Historyandtheory

• Publicshowcasesoffinal-yeartheatreprojects

Career Preparations• Careermanagement

• Internship

Transferable soft skills • Communication

• Teamwork

• Leadership

• Professionalethics

• Researchandindependentlearning

• Problem-solving

• Entrepreneurship

Ministry of Education Compulsory General Studies subjects

Local students:• MalaysianStudies2

• CommunityService

• MoralEducation/IslamicStudies

• BahasaKebangsaanA(applicabletostudents who did not sit for SPM or did not obtain a Credit in SPM Bahasa Melayu)

International students:• MalayLanguageforCommunication1

• CommunityService

• MoralEducation/IslamicStudies

Delivery methods• Lectures,demonstrations,practicalsessions,

tutorials, field trips to watch performances and film screenings, and to participate in industry events, etc.

Assessment: 100% coursework• Filmprojects,theatreprojects,presentations,

essays, tests, quizzes, assignments, portfolios

DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS CURRICULUM

SOLIDFOUNDATIONFORWORK&FURTHERSTUDIES Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

EMPLOYMENT IN FILM, TELEVISION, MEDIA, THEATRE AND THE LARGER CREATIVE INDUSTRY

TheatreActorAdministratorDrama educatorDirectorProducerProduction crewStage manager

Film & TelevisionActorAdministratorCasting coordinatorDirectorDirector’s assistantEditorProducerLine producerProduction assistantProduction crew

Media & AdvertisingActorAdministratorBloggerDirectorEditorProducerProduction assistantProduction crewVoice-over talentYouTuber

Creative IndustriesDancerEmceeEvents management coordinatorEntrepreneurEducatorMarketing & publicity coordinatorReviewerSingerEditorProduction assistantVoice-over talent

DEGREE TRANSFER PATHWAYS: ENTER YEAR 3 OF DEGREE PROGRAMMES AT AFFILIATED UNIVERSITIES*Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama)• Bachelor of Film and Digital Media

University of Tasmania, Australia• Bachelor of Contemporary Arts

University of South Wales, UK• Bachelor of Performance & Media

*DPA graduates can apply to any other universities of their choice. Transcripts and referral letters are provided upon request for this purpose.

INTERNSHIP COMPANIES (12-week attachment in the industry)

TheatreDama OrchestraDramaLabEnfiniti Vision MediaFive Arts CentreGardner and WifeInstant Café Theatre CompanyKakiseniKualaLumpurPerformingArtsCentreMusical On Stage ProductionsMelissa TeohPJ Live Artstheatrethreesixty Arts

DanceDua Space Dance TheatreSuhaili Micheline

Film & TelevisionApparatAstro ShawDoghouse 73 PicturesD Moving PicturesDouble VisionJuita EntertainmentKino-iMIG PicturesOctopost StudioPlayground ProductionsPesona PicturesPrimeworks StudiosPRS ProductionsRed CommunicationsReservoir WorldReservoir ProductionSkop ProductionsTayangan Unggul

Audio/MusicMonsoon RecordsR RecordsRunningscriptShugar StudiosWake The Baby

Media & AdvertisingDolphin, The Social Media AgencyHomegrownProductionsMkini DotcomPopDigital

OthersArts ED (Arts Education Programs

for Young People)ChangiGeneralHospitalDrug Free Youth AssociationKakiseni.comPenangOfficeforHuman

DevelopmentPentas Seni Pusaka

The Diploma in Performing Arts programme produces graduates who are knowledgeable and skilled in theatre and film production and related arts. It also equips them with a range of vital soft skills that employers and collaborators look out for.

DR. ADIL JOHAN is a musician, songwriter, producer and ethnomusicologist.Heobtained his PhD in music atKing’sCollegeLondonin 2015, for which he wrote a thesis on the relationship of Malay film music from the 1950s and 1960s and its relationship

to cosmopolitan nation-making in the Malay Peninsula. The music and films of the late Malaysian musician-actor-director P. Ramlee are an important focal point of his research. As a saxophonist, singer and songwriter, Adil leads his own neo-soul-jazz group, The Adil Johan Quartet.Heisalsoamemberof the Malaysian-rock-fusion band Nadir and the folk-rock band Azmyl Yunor & Orkes Padu.

ANNE JAMES was trained in acting at Universiti Sains Malaysia and Northwestern University (USA). A member of Five Arts Centre, a leading Malaysian theatre company, she is a much respected actor and dancer who has performed locally and internationally. She has had the privilege of

workingwithnoteddirectorsincludingKrishenJit,OngKengSen,KeeThuanChye,RichardSchechner,JoeHasham,WillGluth,IvanHeng,ZahimAlbakri,JoKukathas,NatalieHennedigeandCheeSekThim.Herappearances in film include Amir Muhammad’s Big Durian, Bernard Chauly’s Gol dan Gincu, Nik Amir Mustapha’s award winning film KIL and Terbaik Dari Langit.Herawardsinfilmandtheatreinclude:BestSupporting Actress (Female) for KIL (Anugerah Majlis PengkritikFilemKualaLumpur2013)andBestSoloPerformer for Dinner for Two (Boh Cameronian Arts Award 2003). Anne loves acting and teaches voice and acting at local institutions.

AZMYL YUSOF a.k.a AZMYL YUNOR holds a MA (Communication) from RMIT University, Australia. Although trained as a journalist and filmmaker, he is popularly known as singer-songwriter and musician in the Malaysian independent music circuit with an extensive body

of work released on his own and with his various music collaborators since 1997. As an academic in the area of media and cultural studies, he has researched and written about media representations of music subcultures and Malaysian cultural politics. Hecontinuestorecordandperformoriginalmusic,collaborate with musicians and filmmakers, and write for the media.

BRENDA DANKER is a media producer whose wide range of work covers social issues specifically affecting women, youth, andthemarginalised.Herbiting portrayal of these issues in both film and television has garnered much critical acclaim. As an associate of a civil

society organisation promoting human rights, she mentors a new generation of social documentary filmmakers through Freedom Film Fest Malaysia. As a lecturer at Sunway University, Brenda is investigating the use and impact of technology in the teaching of the Performing Arts as well as researching the use of visuals and digital media in activist practices in Malaysia. She holds a Master’s degree with distinction in Screen Drama Direction from Goldsmiths College, University of London.

IMRI NASUTION is a versatilefilmmaker.Hisskillsinclude cinematography, sound recording, editing, and even acting, but it is directing that has always been his core strength. Graduated with a diploma in filmmaking, Imri has been directing documentaries, music

videos, business programmes and TV series since 1999, including the hit TV series Oh My English! Heisaco-founderofKino-i,aproductioncompanythathas been playing a key role in nurturing talents by conducting certified trainings and workshops on new film techniques for young people. Together with his teaminKino-i,Imribelievesinproductivegrowththrough effective knowledge-sharing.

ISAZALY MOHAMED ISA a.k.a ZALEE has been involved in numerous films & television productions, both in Malaysia and Singapore.Hisjourneyintofilmmaking started as a child actor on production sets in Singapore. After Foundation Studies in Product Design at the

LaSalle College of Arts in Singapore, he came to Malaysia to pursue filmmaking at the Film Academy Malaysia(AkademiFilemMalaysia)in1994.Zaleehas been certified as a Final Cut Pro Trainer by Apple Inc. since 2003 and has been conducting training for institutions, government bodies and individuals in using the editing software as a storyteller’s tool.

JAMES LEE is one of the pioneers of the Malaysian digital film movement. An award-winning film director, he is noted for his distinctive style in works such as Waiting for Love, Call If You Need Me and The Beautiful Washing Machine which won the Best ASEAN

Feature Award and FIPRESCI Prize at the Bangkok International Film Festival in 2005. Besides directing, James also produces the films of other established and upcoming Malaysian filmmakers under his production house, Doghouse73 Pictures.

LEE JIA PING is currently the Programme DirectorandHeadofCommunications of Think City Sdn Bhd, a community-based urban regeneration programme. With over 18 years’ experience in the brand, communications and arts industries, Jia Ping founded

The Listening Tree, a brand consultancy and has served as an independent consultant to well-known institutions and corporations. A trained production manager and arts facilitator; she has worked on over30productionsintheUKandMalaysiaandhasbeenapioneerfortheArtsforHealthmovementinKualaLumpur.JiaPingcanbeheardregularlyonBFM89.9 as a branding coach on Up the Ante. She is a member of the CEO organisation called Vistage and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Melbourne, Australia, majoring in Political Science (International Relations).

LEOW PUAY TIN creates text for performance using her own writing as well as found texts from diverse sources such as transcripts, articles, short stories, memoirs, songs, scripts, improvised oral texts, etc. She is interested to examine the lives of ordinary people lived under

complex and uncertain conditions, and does this by experimenting with modular writing, non-theatrical text, mundane subjects, non-linearity and chance. HoldingaMastersofFineArts(Theatre)degreefromtheUniversityofHawaiiandaBachelorofArtsinEnglish Literature from the University of Malaya, Puay Tin heads the Department of Performance & Media, Sunway University.

MARK TEH is an educator, researcher and performance director whose diverse, interdisciplinary projects are particularly engaged with the issues of history, memory and theurbancontext.Hispractice is situated primarily in performance

and education, but also operates via exhibitions, interventions, new media and writing. Recent projects in Malaysia and abroad include directing the 1955 Baling Talks at the Singapore Arts Festival (2011), Something I Wrote (2013) and Gostan Forward (touring 2009-present), and co-curating the Emergency Festival (2008) and Save Our Placards! (HydeParkandMuseumofLondon,UK,2011).Markis a member of Five Arts Centre, and graduated with an MA in Art and Politics from Goldsmiths College, University of London.

QAHAR AQILAH trained as an actor at the MichaelHowardStudiosin New York. Aside from performing, Qahar also conducts classes and workshops for people who want to learn the craft of acting, including improvisation and how to approach text as an actor.

A former member and co-founder of Shakespeare Demystified, he has performed in and co-directed their shows, as well as trained current and new membersoftheensemble.Heisalsoafoundingmember of The AIIA Improv troupe. Qahar was awarded Best Actor (Male) in the SHORT + SWEET Theatre Malaysia Festival in 2008.

The Diploma in Performing Arts is taught by a strong academic team of lecturers who are established practitioners. Beyond teaching in their areas of expertise, the lecturers also serve as models of professional practice for their students. They act as mentors, generously sharing their tried-and-tested knowledge and experience, insights and industry networks. Their combined qualifications, experiences and accomplishments make them a truly outstanding team in the field of arts education in the country today.

In addition, students are exposed to a wide range of guest lecturers and speakers who have been specially invited to share their work and wisdom. Past guests have included award-winning film directors Dain Said, Liew Seng Tat, Dick Chua and Datuk Shuhaimi Baba, Japanese theatre director ShirotamaHisujiya,Dr.SteveFisherfromtheUniversityofSouthWales,TearlachDuncansonofLiveTheatre,UK,make-upartistFabienWong,specialvisualeffectsartistSteveChongandnotedfilmandstage actor Patrick Teoh.

AN OUTSTANDING TEAM OF LECTURERS Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATORRajesh Kumar Subramaniam Rajesh is a qualified sound engineer with extensive experience as front-of-house engineer for local and international concerts, as well as a professional touring drummer who has performed with local and international artists at international festivals and events. In the field of media production, he has engineered, mixed, and produced commercials for televisionandradio.Hehasrecordedandservedas a mixing engineer for local artistes such as Siti Nurhaliza,Mawi,ZainalAbidinandNingBaizura.Rajesh is also the founder of video and multimedia productionhouse,ZigZagProductions.

INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD & EXTERNAL EXAMINERThe quality and relevance of the Diploma in Performing Arts programme is maintained through regular consultations with experts from the industry and academic world.

Industry Advisors

• Dato’FaridahMerican,ExecutiveProducerofKualaLumpur Performing Arts Centre and Actors Studio

• MsLinaTan,FounderandManagingDirectorofRed Communications and Red Films

• MrGreyYeoh,HeadofArts&CreativeIndustries,British Council Malaysia

External Examiner:

• ProfessorMohdAnisMdNor,CulturalCentre,University of Malaya

DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATORSharmila Subramaniam Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, UniversitiKebangsaanMalaysia

Enrolling in this programme has helped a lot in helping me decide what I really like and what to do in the future. Being exposed to theatre, film, musical theatre, writing, media etc, has really widened my options. Also, one of the biggest benefits I have gotten from DPA (Diploma in Performing Arts) would be self-confidence and self-esteem. Prior to DPA, I couldn’t talk to a crowd. And last but not least, DPA has taught me most of everything I know about the arts. Two-and-a-half years here taught me life, fun and survival!

Diandra Arjunaidi, 2008 intake

I have had no regrets having chosen this programme over a normal Pre-U course even though my SPM results (10A’s) invited scholarship offers. I chose this programme because I believe in doing what I love. The arts is a very broad field and all the experiences and things I have learned at the department and outside came to be of use in surprising ways. And the skills I have developed here, from writing to management, can be applied to any other fields. For example, I used my improvisation and acting skills to get a job with SIA.

Sally Ann Chan, 2008 intake

Besides performing, with its wide range of classes, it has also equipped me with skills to be a writer, producer and even filmmaker.

Amelia Chen, 2005 intake

I chose the DPA programme because it covers both filmmaking and theatre. It gives students a chance to truly explore both fields. We are taught by professional practitioners in the industry, which allows us to not only learn theory but also from our lecturers’ real-life experiences. The toughest thing about the programme for me is the long hours we are required to spend on assignments and projects, but doing this work forces us to be creative in ways that are outside our comfort zone.

Inez Caryan Eng, 2011 Intake

If you are interested in acting, stage-managing, directing, designing, theatre and film, it’s a good place to enrol yourself because the programme introduces you to many different subjects. Then, your job scope will be very wide.

Joyce Tay, 2007 intake

I have always wanted to be an actor, but now, instead of acting only, I would also like to be a professional stage director and stage manager and work in different kinds of productions in different places with different people.

Olivia Kang, 2007 intake

I have been acting professionally since 2002 being involved in sitcoms, dramas, tele-movies, commercials and films. I loved what I was doing but then I started to think that acting just wasn’t enough. I wanted to learn more. What goes on behind the camera, how to produce, how is a screenplay written, what are the acting methods? I wanted to know it all.

Sharifah Sofia, 2005 intake

This diploma has set me on a path where I now know where I stand in the world and where I go from here. It has also made me more worldly and empathetic, with a more knowledgeable, understanding perspective of our universe. In other words, I have become more human.

Lee Zhi-Li, 2008 intake

It takes perseverance and a lot of hard work to finish this programme as the lecturers, who are also industry practitioners, are passionate and take their job very seriously. Truth be told, it is a painful process BUT you’ll be glad with the end results.

Adrian Teh, 2006 intake

We so-called artists tend to want to create things which are very personal to ourselves rather than for the public. Fortunately one of the things we learn on the DPA programme is to balance art with entrepreneurship. We learn transferable skills which can be applied in almost every field.

Robin Khor, 2011 Intake

I love movies and I hope to pursue my career in this line, and in music as well. The DPA curriculum is very interesting, and the lecturers are down-to-earth people and the learning environment is motivating.

Jeremy Gavin, 2012 Intake

I wanted to learn acting and film theory, and the course has helped me break my fear of performing in front of people. My ambition is to be a wildlife cinematographer. When I finish my studies, I will continue to work in the local film industry to gain more experience in camerawork.

Vibeishwaran Parameswaran, 2010 Intake

It teaches me awareness towards the world. I now know more and better understand psychology, politics and art. Also, I have learned to love and appreciate things that revolve in my life. I want to be a producer after I finish my studies and go into advertising. God willing, I would like to further my studies in business and film.

Ali Alasri, 2011 Intake

What I like best about the DPA programme are the people. The lecturers are professionals who truly have experience in their respective fields; the students are among the most open-minded people I’ve ever met. The toughest thing for me are the assignments. The heavy workload really tests my patience, pushing me to my limits. Those with no patience should reconsider if they want to join the DPA programme.

Jackelyn Foo, 2012 Intake

I personally think that this programme will help you build self-confidence, independent and creative thinking, presentation skills, discipline, time management and all these will be essential to any career you pursue.

Aaron Teoh, 2006 intake

WHYICHOSEIT Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

TAN CE DINGDirector of short films, television & web commercials

After my graduation (2011), I started working as a Production Assistant and then as Assistant Director in local movie productions for about a year. Then I moved on to being an Assistant Director for TV commercials. Over a period of three years, I have been involved in more than 50 TV and web commercials for brands like Petronas, Toyota,Honda,Samsung,Lexus,SharpandPerodua.Lastyear, I seized the opportunity and started to direct some TV commercials on my own.

LEYSHA AL-YAHYAWriter and actor

The most interesting thing about Sunway University’s Performing Arts programme is how much the department actually cares about the students and the local industry. For them, it is not another way to make money. They honestly care about the individual talents and the hard work put in by each student.

Myadvicetopeoplewhowanttostudyfilmandtheatreisthis:doitbecauseyou love it. Do it honestly and with an open mind. Do it because you can’t imagine doing anything else. Remember that this is a tough industry, so enter wholeheartedly or don’t enter at all.

LYNN LOOProject Manager for Kakiseni

Sunway University is the only place I know in Malaysia where you get to learn both film and theatre at the same time. The Diploma in Performing Arts programme is really cool. You have professionals from the industry giving lectures and running classes. Until today, I still get questions like how come I know so many people from the industry etc. Well, it’s thanks to DPA!

WOON SIEW YINStage Manager for theatre productions

I got to know and learned from many theatre practitioners during my time at the Department of Performance & Media. Because they worked in different kinds of production, it helped me a lot when I graduated and began to work. I keep in touch with them and go to them for help and advice whenever I need their support.

HATTA YANGManaging Director of AOXM

(Art Of Extreme Movement) gym & dance studio

Malaysia has a very strong base for film and theatre. I would

definitely say that Sunway University’s Performing Arts

programme is a great choice to pursue your studies and turning

it into a career. You will definitely be able to think more and see

further after going through this programme. For example, I use

what I have learned about film directing to lead my company now.

KAREN HIIPerformer with Hands Percussion

The Diploma in Performing Arts programme strikes a great balance between practical and theory classes. And it always made the learning exciting as I built up the skills I needed to have to be the performer I am today.

DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS GRADUATES

SHAHRIZUAN SHAHARUDDINDrama Educator and Actor

The Performing Arts programme has made me become a ‘jack of all trades’. I find myself able

to do almost all kinds of work in the industry, be it acting, teaching, event organizing, stage managing, directing, editing videos and a lot more.

KELLY WONGAssistant Director and Production Coordinator for film & television

If you are unsure whether to work in the field of film or theatre, it is okay to make up your mind later. Eventually the experience helps you to grow as a creative person. Take the path of curiosity, be brave and explore and even the simplest event could lead to a great creation.

ERICA THAMGroup Academic Director, Sri Emas International School

The Diploma in Performing Arts programme has helped me in so many things! It taught me to handle chaos which is useful to my being an entrepreneur and it honed my ability to observe people which is helpful to my work as a teacher and leader of an organisation and business.

I think the most interesting and terrifying thing for me about the programme was the fact that we hadtolearnEVERYTHING.Thismeant being really pushed outside and beyond your comfort zone. And it was definitely worth every minute spent at the programme.

SEAN LEEActor, Emcee and YouTube Star

It’s the principles and soft skills which I’ve learned from my Performing Arts programme that have helped me the most in my career – people skills, how to handle people, how to handle situations. Attitude is king. Always have the right attitude towards everything.

FAIQ SYAZWAN KUHIRIProducer for PopTeeVee (internet web channel)

My study experience at the Department of Performance & Media at Sunway University worked as a compass guiding my younger self over the terrains of self-doubt and apprehension that people go through when they are forced to start thinking about what they want to do for the rest of their life.

ALVIN ONGCasting Coordinator and Assistant Producer for film & television, and

Photographer

Studying at the Department of Performance & Media has given me a very solid foundation

to work in the film and TV industry. It gave me a great starting point, by allowing

me to showcase my talent and passion. The experiences and knowledge I have gained from studying the Performing Arts

programme, where I learned the entire process of film and theatre production, have

helped me a lot to develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Since completing my DPA, I have been involved in all kinds of performances and production work from choir performances,

flashmobs and stage plays to photography, videography and production coordination.

I was also lucky enough to get work as a casting coordinator for Netflix’s Marco

Polo series, which was shot in Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia, and to work as an assistant producer on the Asia’s Got Talent

production team.

DANNY LEELeader of Rejuvenate Dance Crew, and Creative Director of Peanut Butter Studio

During my time as a Performing Arts student, I was also doing performances and going for dance competitions all around Malaysia. My team Rejuvenate Dance Crew won the Second Runner-up place in the 8TV Showdown All Stars category in 2013, and competing as a soloist, I was the Champion in the Astro Battleground 2013. At the same time, I was making plans to start my own dance studio. It’s now officially opened – the Peanut Butter Studio inKlangParade.

What is this programme about? It’s a unique diploma programme that coverstwofields:theatreandaudio-visual production. It gives professional training as well as an academic education in performance and all aspects of theatre and film production.

What kind of classes do students attend?Students take practical classes in acting, directing, scripting, shooting, sound recording, editing, production planning and management. They also take history and theory classes in theatre, cinema and media studies, which involve critical thinking and writing. In a nutshell, they learn all the fundamental skills and knowledge related to performance, theatre and audio-visual production, and also industry-related skills through internship and career management classes.

As they learn, students are required to apply their skills and knowledge by participating in projects which include the production of short videos and performances. This means they have to work outside of class for project planning, rehearsals, shooting, editing, etc.

How are students assessed?Twotypesofassessmentarepractised:on-going coursework and final essays or projects. On-going coursework assessments include tests, quizzes, in-class assignments, presentations, participation or contributions to discussions, journals and written reports. Project-based assessments include video projects and performances.

Is it an easy programme?It’s hard work plus fun. The programme can be quite a shock to those who think that the creative arts is easy, just get up and act or just shoot with the camera. But actually one needs to be mentally and physically prepared for the challenge. Rehearsals, shoots and editing can be exhausting, taking long hours. Students who do well are self-motivated, focused and have self-discipline.

What about internship? And further studies?Please turn to ‘Solid Foundation for Work and Further Studies’ pages for the information.

What are the entry criteria?Because the level of difficulty of the programme is high, we encourage those with good results in SPM or O-Levels to apply although the minimum qualification is a pass in SPM or O-Levels with three credits. Potential candidates should have a distinction in English or at least a strong credit. It doesn’t matter if their subjects were from the Arts or Science stream.

Besides SPM and O-Levels, what about other qualifications?We also accept students with qualifications such as UEC, CIMP, STPM, diploma and degree. Mature students are accepted, so long as they meet the entry criteria.

Must potential students have experience in the performing arts?Experience is good but what is most important is their interest, and their desire to learn new things. Very often a student comes in with an expressed interest in only one area of performance, such as acting. But because the programme requires them to take classes in all aspects of performance and audio-visual production, they may discover, for example, a new talent and interest in directing for the camera or theatre-stage management along the way. They find their options for work and further education gradually expanding.

For this reason, we have students who have prior training or interest in other related fields such as music, dance and writing also joining this programme precisely because it helps to open up the horizon for their future. Their existing skills stand them in good stead on the programme because they can make use of them in their projects.

What about scholarships? Scholarships are available. Please visit the University’s website www.sunway.edu.my for updated information.

What about study loans?Fees can be paid using PTPTN loans and EPF funds.

What about jobs?The Diploma in Performing Arts makes a great starting point to where one wants to go in the future.

Students who want to pursue an academic career can progress from the Diploma to a Bachelor’s Degree, then Masters, and finally to a PhD or its equivalent MFA (Masters of Fine Art, the highest level in postgraduate studies for arts practitioners). The postgraduate qualifications would enable them to teach at tertiary institutions of learning.Those who want to work can also do so. Usually when students finish their studies, they are about 19 or 20 years old. They are young but they can start work in supporting positions such as production assistants, production crew, director’s assistants, junior administrators, assistant editors, drama teachers and so on. Where one goes from here is really up to individual effort and talent.

The performance and creative industries are open fields with a lot of possibilities, a lot of scope to do good and worthwhile things. They may not be the most lucrative in terms of income, but they yield a kind of satisfaction and an understanding about life that can’t be found in other professions.

Can I work and study part-time?No, this is a full-time course. Besides attending classes, students are required to spend time outside of class, including evenings and weekends when necessary, on rehearsals, editing, research, group projects and discussions.

I have good results for my SPM. My family and friends think it would be a waste if I joined this programme. The more A’s the better – your scholastic skills will be put to good use in our programme. One of our star students is Joanna Soh (2007 intake), who scored 10 A’s in her SPM. She graduated with a Diploma in Performing Arts with distinction. She then joined a degreeprogrammeintheUKusingthe one-year degree transfer pathway to enter the University of Glamorgan (now University of South Wales) and graduated with a BA in Performance & Media with first-class honours.

STUDENT SCHOOL ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP

Many of our students have come in with excellent results and were given entrance scholarships by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation. Below is a list of 2015 to 2010 scholarship recipients.

FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

Wong Fong Ping

Annie Chong Wen Qin

Brittany-Jane Lavinia Fernandez

Ng Ruo Wei

So Li Xian

CheokKarSeng

Julien Chen Lip Syn

KhooYiTorng

EmilyS’ngHueiSer

DanialArifHussinBinNarawi

Ann Lai Yan-Yan

Nikhil A/L Theva Raj

TanGheeKin

EstherHuangEnHughes

Yap Xhian Way

Soh Li Jin

SharifahAryanaBintiSyedZainalRashid

Shaswin Raj A/L Nagaraj

Wong Wei Yan

HugerajA/LMParambalam

Chen Wen Xuen

Beh Jing Qiang

Liew Wai Yip

AbiramavalliKarunakaran

KamHoeKei

Sean Lee Jia Ern

Aubrey Cassandra Tasha Carlos

Chew Tze Yi

KhorYongKuan

Lakshana A/P Subramaniam

LiewZiXiong

Woon Siew Yin

Ameer Nazrin Moore

Chong Chan Win

Chang Wing Thai

KeillyLimMayHarn

SMJKKatholik,PetalingJaya,Selangor

SMKRiam,Miri,Sarawak

SMKInfantJesusConvent,JohorBahru,Johor

SMKAlorAkar,Kuantan,Pahang

SMKUSJ8,SubangJaya,Selangor

SMKSTPaul,Seremban,NegeriSembilan

SMKTamanConnaught,Cheras,KualaLumpur

SMKBatu8Puchong,Puchong,Selangor

SMKSubangUtama,SubangJaya,Selangor

SMKGreenRoad,Kuching,Sarawak

SMKTamanSea,PetalingJaya,Selangor

SMKKingGeorgeV,Seremban,NegeriSembilan

ChongHwaIndependentHighSchool,KualaLumpur

SMKUSJ12,SubangJaya,Selangor

SMKSTMary,KualaLumpur

SMKLaSalle,PetalingJaya,Selangor

Asia Pacific Smart School, Subang Jaya, Selangor

SMKSriPertama,PetalingJaya,Selangor

SMKKepongBaru,KualaLumpur

SMKJalanTasek,Ipoh,Perak

Pusat Tuisyen Sirius, Subang Jaya, Selangor

SMJKJitSinPulauPinang

SekolahSeriSuria,HuluLangat,KualaLumpur

SMKSeriGaring,Rawang

SMKTamanDesa,KualaLumpur

Sapura Smart School, Subang Jaya, Selangor

SMSriAcmar,Klang,Selangor

SMKKepong,KualaLumpur

SMJKKwangHua,Klang,Selangor

SMKDesaPerdana,KualaLumpur

SMKSeksyen4,BandarKinrara,Puchong

SMKPusatBandarPuchong1,Selangor

SM Dato’ Abdul Razak, Negeri Sembilan

SMChongHwaPersendirian,KualaLumpur

SMChongHwaPersendirian,KualaLumpur

SMKAssunta,PetalingJaya,Selangor

A’s

8

5

9

9

8

8

8

3

7

4

4

10

10

3

5

6

4

4

4

9

4

8

4

5

6

6

3

10

9

3

4

5

4

9

6

6

RM 8,000

RM 5,000

RM 19,200

RM 17,500

RM 8,000

RM 8,000

RM 8,000

RM 3,000

RM 7,000

RM 4,000

RM 4,000

RM 17,500

RM 17,500

RM 3,000

RM 5,000

RM 6,000

RM 4,000

RM 4,000

RM 4,000

RM 17,500

RM 2,000

RM 8,000

RM 4,000

RM 5,000

RM 6,000

RM 6,000

RM 3,000

RM 16,100

RM 16,100

RM 3,000

RM 4,000

RM 5,000

RM 2,000

RM 8,000

RM 4,000

RM 4,000

PROJECT: DeClassified Devised multimedia performance by March 2009 intake

SUNWAY UNIVERSITY (KPT/JPT/DFT/US/B15)Owned and governed by Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (800946-T)

No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia. +6 (03) 7491 8622

+6 (03) 5635 8630

info@sunway.edu.my

facebook.com/SunwayUniversity

twitter.com/SunwayU

This brochure is valid for our 2016 intakes. All information is correct at the time of printing (June 2015).

sunway.edu.my/university