THEATRE+FILM CURRICULUM

Performing Arts

Roof Top Theatre Department of Performance & Media

Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

KPT/JPS (KR 10221) 04/14

Single Intake March 2012

Entry Pass SPM, O-Levels,Requirements UEC, or equivalent, with

3 credits, including a distinction in English

Duration 2½ years

Medium Englishof Instruction

Enquiries Call Information Centre at 03-7491 8622

Visit our www.sunway.edu.my/website dpm

A number of our Diploma in Performing Arts (DPA) graduates have chosen to continue their education. They usually make use of the no-fuss, one-year transfer pathway to one of our affiliated universities in Tasmania, Melbourne and Wales, to study drama, performance, film and digital media. Many of those who opt to start working get involved in project-based freelance work. The spectrum of jobs available to them is broad, ranging from performing on stage, television and film to behind-the-camera and backstage work. The latter includes production crew, production management, editing, writing, producing, office administration as well as teaching drama. A smaller number of our graduates work at full-time jobs with media production houses and theatre companies, while several enterprising individuals have started collaborative and commercial ventures in audio, music and theatre production.

This diverse after-diploma scene is reflective of the diversity of individuals who come into our two-in-one DPA 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, 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 arts but behind the scenes. Whatever their entry points, all students get exposed to new ideas, skills and knowledge on the DPA programme. They acquire new abilities and interests while developing the ones they already have. Because the programme covers a wide 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.

While the DPA can open the door to a bright future, it is only the starting point to a long 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. Therefore, to give them a head-start, our students are taught by a dynamic team of lecturers, comprising established theatre and film practitioners and scholars. Besides sharing their well-seasoned skills and knowledge with students, they also provide invaluable networking and artistic and professional insights.

The Diploma in Performing Arts (DPA) at Sunway University offers a unique curriculum that covers both theatre and audio-visual production while maintaining a fine balance between hands-on and academic classes. As a result, our graduates end up with comprehensive and cross-disciplinary skills, knowledge and abilities – many doors are open to them where work and further studies are concerned.

A DYNAMIC & INNOVATIVE PROGRAMME

• Imparts rigorous training and education in two inter-related fields: theatre and audio-visual production using professional video tools.

• Stretches students with our challenging team of lecturers who are established professionals and scholars.

• Gets our graduates geared up for work and further studies, locally and abroad.

• Has arranged one-year pathway to BA degrees for our graduates.

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

DIPLOMA IN PERFORMING ARTS

All stages of audio-visual production• Howtouseprofessionalequipment:camera,lightsandsound

• Pre-production,productionandpost-production:storydevelopment, concept, production planning, shooting, recording, directing, editing, mixing, test screening

Performance and theatre production• Performance:warm-ups,scriptanalysis,improvisation

and acting exercises, how to create characters, scene-work, rehearsal techniques

• Theatreproduction:conceptualisation,productionplanning, devising, rehearsals, stage and production management, performing for a public audience

History and theory classes• Malaysianartsandculture

• Theatrepracticesacrosstimesandcultures

• Functionofmediainsociety: film, TV, internet

• Filmanalysis,developmentofmoderncinema

Transferable skills and knowledge• Criticalthinkingandwriting

• Communicationandpresentationskills

• Careermanagement

COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM

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

Public showcase of senior students’ works• Shortcollaborativetheatreprojects

• Shortcollaborativevideoprojects

Internship, 12-week attachments in the industryTheatreArts ED (Arts Education Programs for Young People)Dama OrchestraDramaLabEnfiniti Vision MediaElectric Minds Project (EMP)Five Arts CentreGardner and WifeInstant Café Theatre Company (ICT)Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC)Musical On Stage ProductionsPJ Live Arts (PJLA)

Film & TelevisionAstro ShawDaHuangPicturesDiversified Design Media ConsultJuita EntertainmentKino-iRed CommunicationsSkop Productions

Audio/MusicMonsoon RecordsR RecordsRunningscriptShugar StudiosWake The Baby

Media & AdvertisingAIC ExhibitionsCosmo TalentsHomegrownProductionsKleo N TonyPopDigital

DanceDua Space Dance Theatre

OthersChangiGeneralHospitalKakiseni.comPenangOfficeforHumanDevelopmentPentas Seni Pusaka

One-year degree pathways• Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia:

Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama) Bachelor of Film and Digital Media

• UniversityofTasmania,Australia: Bachelor of Contemporary Arts

• UniversityofGlamorgan,Wales,UK: Bachelor of Performance & Media

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

Workincareer-entrypositionsTheatreActorAdministrator Drama teacherDirectorDirector’s assistantProducerProduction assistantProduction crewStage manager

Film & TelevisionActorAdministratorDirectorDirector’s assistantEditorProducerProduction assistantProduction crew

Media & Advertising ActorAdministratorEditorProduction assistantVoice-over talent

OthersEmceeEvents management coordinatorMarketing & publicity coordinatorReviewerSinger

GEARING UP FOR JOBS & DEGREES

The Diploma in Performing Arts teaching team comprises full-time and contract lecturers, all of whom are active and noted practitioners and scholars in their own fields – and sometimes across fields as well. Our faculty includes a pool of guest lecturers whose expertise is called upon as and when needed.

Highlycommittedasteachers,ourlecturersbringwiththemparticularskills,theoreticalandexperientialknowledge,andways of seeing and articulating viewpoints to share with their students. Their combined qualifications, experiences and accomplishments make them a truly outstanding team in the field of arts education in the country today.

AN OUTSTANDING TEAM OF LECTURERS

BRENDADANKER is a producer and director, passionate about telling human-interest stories arising from a keen interest in social issues affecting women, youthandthemarginalised.Herhonest yet biting portrayals of these issues in both film and television have won over many

critics and garnered her much recognition from the industry. Outstanding production credits include 3R (Best Magazine Award 2003, Best Social Awareness Program – Silver 2005, and Asian TV Awards). Recent projects include the feature film Gadoh (2009) and a documentary Selepas Tsunami (2010). Brenda has more than 10 years of professional experience in TV production for local and regional channels. A co-partner of Big Pictures Production, she holds a Masters with distinction in Screen Drama Direction from Goldsmiths College, University of London, under a UK Chevening scholarship, and a BA in Mass Communication from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

LEOWPUAYTINis a published playwright whose major plays Three Children, Ang Tau Mui and Family have been produced in Malaysia, Singapore, Tokyo, Berlin, Cairo, Adelaide, Melbourne, and New York. InspiredbyHokkienstreetoperaand Shakespeare, Puay Tin’s

writing has tended to be experimental in content, form and performance, incorporating naturalistic and non-realistic dialogues and monologues, as wellassongsandchants.Hernon-scriptedtheatreprojects have made use of or included pre-existent non-dramatic texts from diverse sources (such as magazines, the Constitution, memoirs, etc.), the creation of modular pieces of performance text, and the use of chance (tikam-tikam) to determine performance sequences. In recent years, she has moved away from writing to participation in collaborative performance projects with other arts practitioners and non-practitioners on projects such as Tikam-Tikam: Merdeka with a law professor, an economist and a historian (2008), Emily of Emerald HillwithfilmdirectorSawTeongHin(2010)andThe Baling Talks, curated by arts activist Mark Teh for the 2011 Singapore Arts Festival. A recipient of the UK Chevening and US East-West Center scholarships, Puay Tin holds an MFA in Theatre from the University ofHawaii,andcurrentlyheadstheDepartmentofPerformance & Media at Sunway University.

ZALFIAN FUZI is the associate director of The Instant Café Theatre Company (ICT) and has worked in theatre for the past 13 years as an actor, director, dramaturge,andteacher.Heholds an MA in Theatre Directing from Middlesex University, London under a UK Chevening

scholarship, and a BA in English & Drama from Temple University, Philadelphia. As Associate Director of ICT, he assists in planning the company’s strategy and implementstheoverallartisticvision.Heistaskedwith creating new content for new comedy revue shows, plays and corporate shows. As a facilitator, dramaturge, and director he jointly runs ICT’s FIRSTWoRKS programme with its founding member and artistic director, Jo Kukathas, to develop new writingfortheMalaysianstage.Heuseshisskillsindramaturgy and scriptwriting to conduct workshops for writers and mentors the programme’s writers through discussion and one-on-one sessions as they create their original scripts. Notable achievements of this include award-winning original scripts Air Con and Hero which he dramaturged. Zalfian’s most recent directing credits include Air Con and Hero (bothnominatedBestDirector,BOHCameronianArtsAwards), The Girly Show, and Sex Money Scandal.

MARION D’CRUZ is a founder member of Five Arts Centre (est.1984). She graduated with a BA in Performing Arts and an MA in Dance from Universiti Sains Malaysia and has studied classical, modern and contemporary dance in Malaysia, Indonesia, London and New

York. Marion’s focus as an artist has been to create a contemporary Malaysian identity in dance and to make works that speak of what she is passionate about. A pioneering dance-maker in Malaysia, Marion now teaches, produces, choreographs and performs. Atthe2006BOHCameronianArtsAwards,Marionwas awarded the Cross-Cultural Champion of the Arts Award.

DR. NILOUFER HARBEN holds aPhDfromRoyalHollowayCollege, University of London, and was a recipient of the American Council of Learned Societies/Fulbright Fellowship andHarvard/YenchingFellowship. Specialising in English drama history and

literary criticism, she is the published author of Twentieth Century English History Plays: From Shaw to Bond.

ANNE JAMES was trained in theatre at Universiti Sains Malaysia (Penang) and Northwestern University (Illinois, USA). A much-respected and award-winning actor who has performed locally and internationally, she has had the privilege of working with a

number of famous directors and theatre companies including Krishen Jit (Five Arts Centre, KL), Richard Schechner (New York), Ong Keng Sen (TheatreWorks, Singapore),JoeHasham(TheActorsStudio,KL),William Gluth (Playbox Theatre Company, Australia), HiroshiKoike(PappaTarahumara,Japan),IvanHeng(WildRice, Singapore), Zahim Albakri (DramaLab, KL), Edwin Sumun (Sumunda, KL), Jo Kukathas (Instant CaféTheatreCompany,KL)andNatalieHennedige(Cake Theatre, Singapore).

ZAHIMALBAKRI directed the multiple awarding-winning musicals Puteri Gunung Ledang: The Musical and P. Ramlee: The Musical.Hehas produced a string of outstanding works as a stage director and actor whose talent is sought after and celebrated in

both Malaysia and Singapore. A founding member and artistic director and executive producer of the theatre company DramaLab, he trained as an actor at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London, and holds an MA in Theatre Directing from Middlesex University.

IMRI NASUTION is a versatile filmmaker.Hisskillsincludecinematography, sound recording, editing and 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 since1999.Heisalsoaco-founderofKino-i,aproduction company that has been playing a key role in nurturing talents by conducting certified trainings and workshops on new film techniques for young people. Together with his team in Kino-i, Imri believes in productive growth through effective knowledge-sharing.

AZMYLYUSOF a.k.a. AZMYLYUNOR holds a MA (Communication) from RMIT University, Australia. As a singer-songwriter and touring musician, he has been recording and producing his own albums on his own independent record label since 1997. Unusual

for an underground/independent musician, he has shared the stage with acts as diverse as punk pioneers Carburator Dung and mainstream icon M. Nasir. An artist with a multi-disciplinary streak and strong aversion to being pigeon-holed, he regularly collaborates with filmmakers and theatre practitioners as a music composer and performer. Heextendshisarttonon-governmentalagenciestosupport worthy causes and awareness campaigns. As an academic, his published works include research into the stereotyping of music subcultures in simulated media moral panics and the use of ‘pop scoring’ in contemporary cinema. A co-artistic director of Troubadours Enterprise and co-founder of the Experimental Musicians and Artists Co-operative Malaysia (EMACM), Azmyl is a noted presence in the local arts scene for showcasing and promoting local original music and fringe music genres.

YEEI-LANN graduated in visual arts at the University of South Australia, Adelaide, and later studied painting at Central St Martins School of Arts in London. Incorporating various media including photography, installation and video, her practice seeks

connections between landscape, perception

and cultural identity. She has exhibited widely, having taken part in the Third Asia-Pacific Triennial at the Queensland Art Gallery, Contemporary Commonwealth exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia, Independence Project and Out of the Mould at Galeri Petronas, Kuala Lumpur, Thermocline of Art: New Asian Waves at ZKM Museum of Contemporary Art, Germany, and New Nature at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Zealand.Herworkasafilmproductiondesignercanbeseeninthefollowingfeaturefilms:Karaoke directed by Chris Chong, Senandong Malam directed by Dain Said and Al-Jafree Yusop, and Rain DogsdirectedbyHoYuhang.

MARKTEH is one of the busiest and most versatile talents in contemporary Malaysiantheatre.Hisprojectsare particularly concerned with the issues of Malaysian history, education and participation. Starting out in college as a member of the ARTicle 19

and Akshen youth theatre collectives, he has since been engaged in a range of collaborative projects which include facilitating community arts workshops, directing documentary performances, researchingandteaching.Hewastheinauguralrecipient of the Most Promising Artist Award at the2002BOHCameronianArtsAwardsandisamember of Five Arts Centre. Mark is the creative producer for new media projects such as the PopIN, an information network for Malaysian youth, The Fairly Current Show, That Effing Show and MP3.HeiscurrentlypursuinghisMAinArtand Politics at Goldsmiths College in London, under a UK Chevening scholarship.

DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATORSharmila Subramaniam BA in Mass Communication, UKM

TECHNICAL ADMINISTRATORRajesh Subramaniam a.k.a. Raje 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 television and radio.Hehasrecordedandservedasamixingengineerfor local artistes such as Siti Nurhaliza, Mawi, Zainal Abidin and Ning Baizura. In 2008, Rajesh received the Green Award from AdAsia for Best Musical Director for a Green Product, in recognition of his work on a public service announcement video. Most recently he won the Astro Vellithirai Best Short Tamil Movie 2010 contest with his production team Indian Kung Fu. Rajesh is also the founder of video and multimedia production house, ZigZag Productions.

JAMES LEE Award-winning film director, noted for works The Beautiful Washing Machine, Waiting for Love, Call If You Need Me, and Tolong! Awek Aku Pontianak. Also a theatre director, photographer, performer and trained graphic designer.

MELISSA TEOH Highlyregardedandsought-afterasa production and stage manager and designer in Malaysia and Singapore. HoldsaBAinTheatre(DirectingandProduction Design) from Pepperdine University, USA.

GREYYEOHA trained multimedia designer who collaborates in socially-engaged arts projects. Creative producer for online information portal for Malaysian youth, PopIN and online satire show That Effing Show.Holdsafull-timejobas the Arts Manager with the British Council Malaysia.

NIKICHEONGDigital media advocate, one of Malaysia’s top bloggers and Twitterers, former deputy editor of The Star’s youth platform R.AGE and columnist of The Bangsar Boy. Now pursuing his masters at King’s College in London, under a UK Chevening scholarship.

EDDINKHOOWriter, journalist, translator and director of the Centre for the Study and Documentation of Traditional Performance, and also a UK Chevening scholar.

LEE JIA PINGJia Ping has over 10 years of stage and production managing experience, which she gained from working with the best theatre companies in KL and the UK.

DR SUSAN PHILIPAcademician specialising in teaching drama, and active researcher of Malaysian and Singaporean theatres; holds a PhD from Australian National University.

DRGHULAM-SARWARYOUSOFHighlydistinguishedscholarandspecialist in traditional Southeast Asian theatre, author of numerous books, articles, papers and monographs. A founder-director of the Asian CulturalHeritageCentre,andaUSEast-West Center scholar with a PhD fromtheUniversityofHawaii.

AUSOWYEEAn experimental film/video artist whose works and film performances have been shown in Malaysia, Taiwan, Italy and USA. An MFA holder from the San Francisco Art Institute and recipient of the inaugural Krishen Jit Astro Fund award in 2006.

ISAZALYMOHAMEDISA a.k.a ZALEECertified Apple Pro trainer, award-winning filmmaker and editor, and digital technology advocate, is involved in film and television production in Malaysia and Singapore. A former child actor who practically grew up on production sets in Singapore, Zalee also heads the research and development department at production house Kino-i in Kuala Lumpur.

GUEST LECTURERS

Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

Grace LeeIinternedwithDaHuangPicturesatKampung Tungku SS1 in Petaling Jaya as a production assistant dealing with paperwork, accounts, on-set shooting and video-editing.

Next, I will be looking for work at production houses. I will also be working on my own event management company.

Negar Daghighi MasoulehI interned with Musical On Stage Productions company from March 2010 till June 2010. I was a production assistant for the musical ‘Kita’. It was fun and I learned a lot about production management and a stage manager’s work. I am glad to have the opportunity to work with a very big production in Istana Budaya.

I am applying to Deakin University in Melbourne to study drama. In the meantime, I will be looking for work to get more experience in the industry.

Lynn LooIdidmyinternshipatDaHuangPicturesas a production assistant. I helped out whenever there was a shoot. I also did data entry and assisted with the preparation of materials needed for submitting short films to film festivals.

After this, I will be going around looking for jobs especially in places like Kino-i, Da HuangPictures,andsoon.

Siti Nur Aishah (Shasha)My internship was different from the others’. I interned at Changi General HospitalinSingaporeundertheCorporateCommunication Department. I was a coordinator/facilitator. My work was to coordinate corporate photo shoots and video shoots. I never expected that the skills that I have acquired throughout my years here at Sunway would allow me to end up in a different industry. This internship has proved that not only can we make a

difference in the arts industry; the arts can be used in any other industry. Performing Arts does not bind you, it gives room to grow and explore.

I plan to pursue a degree in producing at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). My interest lies in producing.

Diandra ArjunaidiI interned under Monsoon Records, a new up-and-coming boutique recording company underthesupervisionofHardeshSingh,Mario Wehle and Petrina Roach Reddy. My main tasks included handling marketing and publicity online, scouting for talents, helping to organise monthly shows, and recording audio and video footages of the events.

Havingjustcompletedmydiplomaprogramme, I will be spending the next year focusing on my music career before hopefully going to the UK to pursue a degree in film. In the past six months,

I have managed to make a name in the local singer-songwriter scene. So, I plan to pursue that even more now that I have the time. I also hope to dabble in some film acting.Hopefullypost-degree,Iwillbeanestablished musician and filmmaker.

Sally Ann ChanI got to meet a lot of people in the arts through helping to organise events at InstantCafé’sHouseofArtandIdeas(CHAI),and learned to make tea from Jo Kukathas while interning as a production assistant with theatre company Instant Café Theatre Company in Petaling Jaya.

I wanted to apply for a BFA (in acting) after college.However,itisverypricey.So,Igota job with Singapore Airlines as a flight attendant, to create funds for the future. I will be leaving a week after finishing my studies.

StudentsofMarch2008,fromlefttoright: Grace Lee, Negar Daghighi Masouleh, Lynn Loo, Siti Nur Aishah (Shasha), DiandraArjunaidi,SallyAnnChan,MelindaWong,LeeZhi-Li,JoanneOoi&NagisaNair.

MelindaWong IinternedwithmusicproducerHardeshSingh and was mainly based in R Records. But I helped out in Monsoon Records as well. I helped with video and sound editing, recording and music composing. I also got to help to produce my first single.

I will be working part-time in R Records and also pursuing music as a career.

Lee Zhi-LiI interned in the Instant Café Theatre Company (ICT) for three months, under the supervision of its associate director Zalfian Fuzi.

I plan to have a personal syllabus that I tailor-make for myself. I want to delve deeper into expanding my skill set for knowledge. After that, the pursuit of happiness.

Joanne OoiI interned with a company called Musical On Stage Productions, and worked on the production of the musical ‘Kita’ at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur. My role was as assistant stage manager. I was also a backstage crew.

I am happy to get into the film and theatre industry. I am not planning to further my studies at the moment. I am planning to work for experience.

Nagisa NairI did my internship at Kakiseni (which was then winding down) as a general assistant. I helped my bosses with that process and learned a lot about permits and the technical side of the business.

I hope to further my studies as a theatre practitioner. My target at the moment is to study drama at Deakin University, Melbourne.

I interned at Changi General Hospital…Thisinternshiphas proved that not only can we make a difference in the arts industry; the arts can be used in any other industry. Performing Arts does not bind you, it gives room to grow and explore.

ZHILIANDTHEGIRLS Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

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

It’s fun, exciting, challenging. We learn a lot of things, from behind the camera to in front of the camera, on-stage and off.

Tania Prabha, 2009 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

DPA has changed me to be a better person. I used to be the quietest in the class and dared not voice out anything even though I spotted problems. But now I have opened up and am not afraid to voice out anymore.

Lynn Loo, 2008 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 various subjects. Then, your job scope will be very wide.

Joyce Tay, 2007 intake

You should enter this programme if your dreams and passions are located in the theatre or film industry. It is a world where you discover your true self.

YongZhenKheng,2009intake

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.

OliviaKang,2007intake

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

I have learned how to communicate with people better and expand my contacts. I have also become more confident in being around people.

Joanne Ooi, 2008 intake

I chose to study here because of the quality of the lecturers, the subjects in the programme, and the reputation of the college. Also because I can go for further studies after finishing my studies here.

Barbara Tiu, 2009 intake

Because the programme covers a wide variety of studies in theatre and film. It has given me a better perspective of knowing what I want. I also chose it because I have always wanted to explore acting.

JuneWong,2007intake

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

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

The programme shattered my impression that the performing arts were a fun and easy-going occupation. It was fun, no doubt, but it also required a great deal of teamwork, discipline and passion.

Tengku Amalia Zahirah, 2005 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

WHYICHOSEIT Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

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-motivating, focused and have self-discipline.

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 and 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? They 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 post-graduate studies for arts practitioners). The post-graduate 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 on our programme. One of our star students is Joanna Soh, who scored 10 A’s in her SPM. She graduated with a Diploma in Performing Arts with distinction. She then joined a degree programme in the UK using the one-year transfer pathway to enter the University of Glamorgan and graduated with a BA in Performance & Media with first-class honours.

STUDENT SCHOOLENTRANCE

SCHOLARSHIPA’sACADEMIC LEVEL

As a matter of fact, many of our students have come in with excellent results and were given entrance scholarships by the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation (see list below, 2011-2007 scholarship recipients).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

Aubrey Cassandra Tasha Carlos

Chew Tze Yi

Khor Yong Kuan

Lakshana A/P Subramaniam

Liew Zi Xiong

Woon Siew Yin

Ameer Nazrin Moore

Chong Chan Win

Chang Wing Thai

KeillyLimMayHarn

Irena Georgia De Filippou

Thong Kar Mun

Jewel Yip

Sally Ann Chan

Joanna Soh

SM Sri Acmar, Klang, Selangor

SMK Kepong, Kuala Lumpur

SMJKKwangHua,Klang,Selangor

SMK Desa Perdana, Kuala Lumpur

SMK Seksyen 4, Bandar Kinrara, Puchong

SMK Pusat Bandar Puchong 1, Selangor

SM Dato’ Abdul Razak, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

SMChongHwaPersendirian,KualaLumpur

SMChongHwaPersendirian,KualaLumpur

SMK Assunta, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, Negeri Sembilan

SMK Seri Bintang Selatan, Kuala Lumpur

SMJK Katholik, Petaling Jaya

SMK Taman Connaught, Kuala Lumpur

SMK Sultan Sulaiman, Kuala Terengganu

SPM

SPM

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10

9

3

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4

9

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6

5

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6

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10

RM 3,000

RM 16,100 (equivalent to Year 1 tuition fees)

RM 16,100 (equivalent to Year 1 tuition fees)

RM 3,000

RM 4,000

RM 5,000

RM 2,000

RM 8,000

RM 4,000

RM 4,000

RM 3,000

RM 4,000

RM 4,000

RM 3,000

RM 8,000

“I am currently producing a weekly talk show which airs on UK national TV on SKY 201 and Freesat 403 every Friday. It’s called The Moore Show. You can check it out at www.themooreshow.co.uk. It looks like I’ll be staying here now and my plan is to turn this show into a business by working closely with the University to get their students on board.”

Joanna SohGraduated with first-class honours from Glamorgan

University in Wales, UK, 2011, with a BA in Performance & Media, via the one-year degree transfer pathway.

“I am a full-time talent, doing everything from acting, modelling, emcee-ing, voice-overs, costume designing, publicity... basically anything and everything one can and would do to help myself and my friends put a production together, be it in theatre, television or independent film.

After graduating with my DPA, I dived straight into acting gigs in theatre, television and independent film. My first role was in James Lee’s independent feature, Waiting for Love, an opportunity afforded to me by my meeting him through Sunway’s DPA programme. I’ve also co-founded atheatreimprovisationtroupe,AI:IA,ArtificiallyIntelligent:ImprovholicsAnonymous,withfellowtheatre practitioner, Abdul Qahar Aqillah. “

Amelia Chen

A freelance production and stage manager who has worked in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore with a variety of companies including the Five Arts Centre, Musical On Stage, Dama Orchestra, Cake Theatrical Productions, Enfiniti Vision Media, Pentas Project, the Singapore Fringe Festival and RhythminBronze.Hehopestotraveltoothercountries and be a part of many more world-class productions.

Adrian Teh

“I have been working as a video editor for Mediacorp in Singapore on shows such as Channel News Asia, News5 and Current Affair. After finishing my DPA at Sunway University, I went on to do my studies in Film and Digital Media at Deakin University in Melbourne for a year. I started working at Mediacorp right after graduating from Deakin. In the next 3-5 years, I plan to do my masters (hopefully at New York University) in film & business, or, if that doesn’t come through, to run my own production house in Melbourne & Singapore.”

Howard Law

“I will be graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in New Media, with distinction, in October 2011. I have learned a lot from the New Media programme. In July 2011, I successfully completedaninternshipwithHoneyPixel,a graphic design company based in Calgary, Canada, where I have had a major hand in some of the work for their big clients. An example wouldbethemenusIcreatedfortheHyattHotel.

HereatLethbridge,Ihavebeengrantedtheopportunity to learn motion capture technology. Using this technology, and the performing arts and directorial skills I learned from my Diploma in Performing Arts at Sunway, I made a motion capture animation that I then submitted to the 5th Alberta Film Festival. It was shown at the festival but sadly did not win any awards.

In the next 3-5 years I hope to start my own game studio. I am fascinated with the combination of narrative, animation and interactivity. To that end, I have created several minor games to better understand game engines and the flow of a game.

I have also been involved in quest design. Quest design is the making of usable game design plots and scenarios to be used as plot advances in games. I have managed to sell a couple of these adventures to the avid Dungeons and Dragons role-playing gaming community here in Canada.”

Valerie ChaiTransferred to Lethbridge University in Canada after

completing her DPA, with one-year credit waivers for her four-year BFA in New Media programme.

Production Manager at the Five Arts Centre and video editor of online satire show That Effing Show produced by the acclaimed web-media company PopTeeVee.

FaiqSyazwanKuhiri

Already working as an actress in the film and television industry before she joined the DPA, Sofia graduated in 2007 and immediately resumed her acting career. Since becoming a mother in 2011, Sofia has taken a break from acting and is working from home, writing scripts and proposals.

Sharifah Sofia

Hewentintocommercialmusicproductionafter completing his DPA in 2009, and has since launched several albums. In 2011, Ballu enrolled for a business degree programme at a local university, and is studying full-time while running his music business.

BalramTikaramKami,a.k.a.Ballu

“After my studies, I started working as a freelance production assistant. Since November 2010, I have been working as a full-time assistant producer with Dreamteam Studio Sdn Bhd. My aim is to be a producer in the future.”

Jojo Lyons

A bank officer based in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. She made a career switch in 2010 following full-time employment as production assistant in a film production company. Soni cited people skills, something she learned and honed on the DPA programme, as the main factor in getting her a job in the banking sector.

SarvinderKaur,a.k.a.SoniDeol

HonoursstudentatTasmaniaUniversityinAustralia. Made use of the Sunway-Tasmania University transfer pathway to enter third year of the Bachelor of Contemporary Arts programme. Interested in directing and the use of accents for the stage, Reuben plans to pursue both areas up to the masters’ level over the next five years.

Reuben Cheow

DPA students who have made use of the Sunway-Deakin University transfer pathway to enter the third year of the Bachelor of Film and Digital Media and Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama) programmes.

RogerLiew,JuneWong,KhooEePing,Syamsul Azhar Mohamad Azmi, Gabriella

RobinsonandKhazmenShamia

Joyce joined the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) in Melbourne, enrolling in the same three-year degree programme as her DPA senior Sunitha Nayar, to study stage management.

Joyce Tay and Sunitha Nayar

‘7’, comprising four collaborative theatre projects and four collaborative video projects on the theme of the seven deadly sins, by March 2009 intake students; October 2011.

Ini Tak Boleh Ini and Bird Flu, two collaborative theatre projects by March 2008 intake students; October 2010.

Da Bao: Takeaway, a collaborative video project by March2008 intake students; October 2010.

Crumbling Cookie and The Props of Life, two collaborative video projects by March 2007 intake students; July 2009.

Jiwa Hari-hari, a collaborative video project by August 2006 intake students; December 2008.

All in the Timing, a collaborative theatre project by March 2006 intake students; July 2008.

Propping Up Daisies, a collaborative theatre project by September 2005 intake students; December 2007.

On Peak Hill, a collaborative video project by September 2005 intake students; December 2007.

Trojan Women, a collaborative theatre project by January 2005 intake students; April 2007.

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GOING PLACES

Before graduating, DPA students are required to work in teams to produce short theatre and video projects. These are the last and possibly toughest challenges the young people will face on the programme, by working with limited resources, tight deadlines and minimal supervision from lecturers to come up with original works for showing to a public audience.

A sampling of what students do after completing their Diploma in Performing Arts (DPA) programme.

Public showcase of senior students’ works, 2011 - 2007

Diploma in Performing Arts: Theatre+Film Curriculum

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SUNWAY Integrated Resort City

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Sunway CollegeSunway International School

SUNWAY Medical CentreAN ACCREDITED PRIVATE HOSPITAL DEDICATED TO SPECIALISED HEALTHCARE SERVICES SITUATED NEAR THE ON-CAMPUS CONDOMINIUM.

Our students will be given the best of medical attention. The medical centre alsoserves as a training ground for our nursingstudents with opportunities to work withsome of the best healthcare professionalsin the country.

SUNWAY Pyramid Shopping MallALL THE CONVENIENCES OF URBAN LIVING UNDER ONE ROOF: PLACES TO SHOP, HANG OUT AND EAT, COMPLETE WITH BANKS AND POST OFFICE.

Less than 5 minutes walk between campus and mall via the shaded Canopy Walk, Sunway Pyramid is also a contemporary cultural centre with plenty of exhibition space and activity areas where our students can appreciate an open art gallery and showroom ambience.

SUNWAYResort Hotel & Spa andSUNWAY Pyramid Tower HotelCONNECTED TO SUNWAY PYRAMID, THESE TRENDY HOTELS ARE CONVENIENT PLACES FOR VISITING FAMILIES AND FRIENDS TO STAY.

The renowned hotels are also the ideal places for students to experience their industrial training in all areas - from the hospitality to the kitchen division, from technical support to the business and human resources divisions.

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SUNWAY LagoonAPART FROM BEING AN AWARD-WINNING THEME PARK, SUNWAY LAGOON REGULARLY PLAYS HOST TO INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCES MAKING IT A VIBRANT ARTISTIC HUB WHERE STUDENTS CAN INDULGE IN HIGH qUALITY WEST END PRODUCTIONS LIKE MAGICAL MUSICALS AND PETER PAN.

Students of various fields also get to experience enriching internship opportunities within the theme park.

ENERGISED BY OUR LOCATION IN THE HEART OF BANDAR SUNWAY, STUDENTS AT SUNWAY UNIVERSITY AND SUNWAY COLLEGE ENJOY BOTH THE RESOURCES ON CAMPUS AND THE EASY ACCESS TO EVERYDAY CONVENIENCES, STIMULATING CULTURAL EXPERIENCES AND ENRICHING INTERNSHIP POSSIBILITIES.

Our Sunway Integrated Resort City (SIRC) spans an impressive 7-million square feet and home to world-class retail, hospitality,

leisure and healthcare amenities, and residential properties. It offers the advantages of a safe university town lifestyle with high-

technology surveillance cameras and hundreds of auxiliary police and security guards. Everything is within walking distance

connected by pedestrian-friendly tracks, allowing students to fully immerse in an all-encompassing campus township lifestyle.

Developed by Sunway Berhad, SIRC is a thriving fully-integrated township in proximity to the bustling Subang Jaya town and

is connected to Kuala Lumpur city by an efficient network of public transportation.

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

No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. +6 (03) 7491 8622

+6 (03) 5635 8630

info@sunway.edu.my

This brochure is valid for our 2012 intakes. All information is correct at the time of printing (Oct 2011).

sunway.edu.my/university

SUNWAY UNIVERSITY

Programmes offered DIPLOMA & DEGREE PROGRAMMES• DiplomainBusinessAdministration• DiplomainCulinaryArts• DiplomainEventsManagement• DiplomainFineArt• DiplomainGraphic&MultimediaDesign• DiplomainHotelManagement• DiplomainInformationTechnology• DiplomainInteriorDesign• DiplomainNursing• DiplomainPerformingArts• DiplomainTourismManagement• BSc(Hons)Accounting&Finance• BSc(Hons)BusinessManagement• BSc(Hons)BusinessStudies• BA(Hons)inCommunication• BSc(Hons)inComputerScience• BSc(Hons)InformationSystems• BSc(Hons)InformationTechnology• BSc(Hons)inInternationalHospitalityManagement• BSc(Hons)Psychology

AMERICAN DEGREE TRANSFER PROGRAM (ARTS)AMERICAN DEGREE TRANSFER PROGRAM (SCIENCE/ENGINEERING)(Majors in Actuarial Science, Architecture, Aviation, Biomedical Science, Business, Communication, Computer Science, Engineering, Forensic Science, Psychology)

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES• DoctorofPhilosophy(Computing)• MScinComputerScience(byresearch)• MScinPsychology(Organisational)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMMES• IntensiveEnglishProgramme(IEP)• InternationalEnglishLanguageTestingSystems(IELTS)• VacationEnglishSchool(VES)

SUNWAY COLLEgE

Programmes offered PRE-UNIVERSITYSTUDIES• AustralianMatriculation• CambridgeGCEALevel• CanadianInternationalMatriculationProgramme• MonashUniversityFoundationYear• SunwayFoundationinArts

AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS PROGRAMMES(Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia)• BachelorofBusiness(TwinningProgramme/3+0) (Accounting, Banking & Finance, Financial Risk Management, International Trade and Marketing)• MasterofBusinessAdministration(MBA)

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING PROGRAMMES•AssociationofCharteredCertifiedAccountants(ACCA)• CertifiedAccountingTechnician(CAT)• CertificateinFinance,Accounting&Business(CFAB)• TheInstituteofCharteredAccountantsinEngland&Wales(ICAEW)

• Diploma in Performing Arts