The Art & Craft of Facilitating Drama Activities

Drama activities can be used to establish relationships, develop group cohesion, develop skills, and as a springboard to activities.

This course is a practical dive into the act of facilitation of drama activities for non-performative intentions and objectives.

Participants will reflect on principles of improvisation in facilitation, enhance their facilitator’s presence and body language, and build a reflexive practice.

It is designed for those new to the field, as well as those who have some experience and want to become a better drama facilitator.

About The Course

Course Objectives:

• Expose participants to a variety of drama activities in an applied drama context
• Understand how drama activities can be used for developing executive functions, building community, and as part of group processes
• Understand principles of facilitation related to drama activities
• Recognise and understand individual needs in a group setting
• Incorporate reflexivity into the practice of facilitation

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will be able to: ​

• Identify, plan, and facilitate basic drama activities for outcomes such as group-building, focus, creativity, and imagination, among others;
  
• Improve their physical presence and body language as a facilitator;
• Build reflexivity in their practice.

Pre-requisites:

• 21-years-old​ and above
• Some experience in facilitating drama activities

Suitable For:

• People considering a career in drama facilitation in community contexts 

• Drama Practitioners 

• Programme Executives with Social Service Agencies 

Course Schedule:

*Includes 1-hour lunch break

The Facilitator:

Michael Cheng is an applied drama practitioner and educator. He works extensively with people with disabilities and youth, and has experience across a wide spectrum of communities, from seniors, married couples, people with HIV, to vulnerable populations and people-at-risk.

He has initiated, led or facilitated community theatre projects, with themes of heritage, integration, intergenerational communication, active ageing, social support, support for people in medical settings, and domestic abuse.

He was most recently resident artist (as part of SEED Collective) in a National Arts Council (NAC) Community Arts Residency (Silver Arts). The project investigated stories from senior residents in Ang Mo Kio, and included elements of community artmaking and online participatory theatre.

As an Accredited Playback Theatre Trainer (APTT), he has taught internationally at all levels of Playback, both in online and in-person settings. He is the immediate past-Chair of the Board of Directors at the Centre for Playback Theatre. He is Artistic Director of Tapestry Playback Theatre, and a Practitioner Member of the International Playback Theatre Network (IPTN). He is also a member of the Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA).

Michael is an adjunct lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic, imparting skills in applied drama to young and adult students. He is also an artist-educator who trains teachers and works with students in special schools. The schools he has worked with include Grace Orchard School, Fernvale Gardens School, Metta School, Rainbow Gardens, and AWWA School.

As a performer, most of his work has been with Tapestry Playback Theate, tackling social issues in community performances. He has also performed with companies like Paper Monkey Theatre, The Necessary Stage, Drama Box, and In Source Theatre.

Funding and Subsidies:

Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative (TSPDI)

In loving memory of the late Christina Sergeant, TSPDI is an SDEA initiative that provides subsidies to SDEA events, masterclasses and professional development programmes. 

Click here to find out more and here to apply for the initiative. Application for TSPDI will close on 27th August 2023, and all successful applicants will be notified by 3rd October 2023.

SkillsFuture Credit 

Singaporeans aged 25 and above who are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit can apply for a claim here. Apply by 10 October 2023.

Applicants who request for school e-billing will not be eligible for a SkillsFuture Credit claim. 

NAC-NICA Training Support [NEW!]

Self-employed arts educators can claim up to $500 in subsidies and training allowance.

Application process:

1. Apply online for a Letter of Eligibility (LOE) from NICA
2. Email the NICA-issued LOE to SDEA latest by 11 Oct 2023.

More details and application here.

NOTE 1: This funding is in the form of a reimbursement. Successful applicants will have to make full payment to SDEA first.

NOTE 2: Successful applicants will automatically be eligible for UTAP funding. No additional application is required for UTAP.

Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) [NEW!]

NTUC members enjoy up to 50% unfunded course fee support, capped at $250 or $500 (aged 40 years old and above).

UTAP application must be submitted within 6 months after course completion via the NTUC UPortal. T&Cs can be found here.

NOTE: This funding is in the form of a reimbursement. Registrants will have to make full payment to SDEA first.

Other External Fundings [NEW!]

Temasek Trust-CDC Lifelong Learning Enabling Fund - For Persons with Disability

Community Care Training Grant - For Community Care organisations' staff

Please ensure that you have registered for the course before applying for funding.

If you require any support, please contact projects@sdea.org.sg.