Upcoming Events

    • 6 May 2025
    • 27 Aug 2025
    Register

    The Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative (TSPDI) is a funding initiative by the Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA) to support freelance practitioners and drama educators to make professional development a regular part of their lives.

    This initiative is named after Christina Sergeant, a drama educator and founding member of SDEA who believed strongly in the importance of continually learning and growing, and giving back to the community.

    Selected applicants will be awarded up to $500 to participate in SDEA's Playback Theatre Core Training course.


    Application Deadline: Sunday, 2
    7 July 2025, 11:59pm

    Shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview latest by 8 August 2025.

    Successful recipients will be notified by: Monday, 11 August 2025.

    Application Process:

    1. When the application window is open, applicants may fill in and submit the application form
    2. TSPDI applications will be reviewed by a pre-determined Selection Panel based on the application form and/or an interview
    3. The shortlisted applicant may then be interviewed by the assessment panel


    Eligibility:

    1. Applicants must be:
      • Associate or Ordinary members of SDEA,
      • Practicing, returning, theatre practitioners or drama educators with active practice and/or teaching experience, and
      • Contributing to the Singapore drama education landscape.
    2. Successful applicants are eligible to receive a grant of up to $500 for each selected professional development programme.
    3. Grant quantum for an individual is capped to $500 over a period of 2 calendar years prior to the current application. e.g., If an applicant has received an amount of $200 in 2022 or 2023, the quantum awarded for the current application can only be a maximum of up to $300 ($500 - $200).
    4. The above will not apply to successful applications made before 1st October 2021
    5. Applications must be submitted prior to the commencement of the selected professional development programme to be considered. The deadline for submission will be made known alongside the selected professional development programme.


    Advocacy:

    Applicants may be requested and empowered to advocate through SDEA, for the advancement of their profession after the professional development programme is complete. The applicant may suggest how they wish to carry out this advocacy work. Alternatively, the Selection Panel may determine this to be done in one of the following formats:

    1. Sharing at an SDEA networking or professional development event
    2. Verbal or written reflections that are suitable for sharing with a wider community
    3. Video interview on the impact of the programme
    4. Other appropriate means to highlight the value of the selected professional development programme or to advance the mission and vision of SDEA
    • 31 Jul 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Singapore
    • 23
    Register


    For SDEA Members

    The mainstream classroom has evolved over the years, and we have been made more aware of the neuroatypical learners found within it. With a neurodiverse classroom, how do we keep learners engagement strong, making learning more accessible to various accessibility needs? Let us create a safe learning environment for ourselves and our learners. Let’s disrupt our usual practice and try to see things from different perspectives. Let us come together to share our experiences in making a more accessible classroom.

    The concept is simple. Meet fellow drama educators and exchange a game or drama activity with one another. You will walk away with a whole host of activities, ideas, and pedagogical approaches to bring back to your classroom. You may even find that perfect game to add to your toolbag that you and your students have been looking for all this time!

    This session is currently exclusive to SDEA members, so register soon to participate in the exchange!

    Want to join the Swop Shop but not yet a SDEA member?

    Register for SDEA membership with a one-time administration fee of S$40.

    SDEA Members enjoy exclusive discounts, benefits and access to membership-only resources and events.

    • 23 Aug 2025
    • 31 Aug 2025
    • 4 sessions
    • Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Road, Singapore 439053
    Register


    Playback Theatre is a form of community theatre where personal stories from the audience are improvised spontaneously on stage. This applied theatre method seeks to create community connections and dialogue through surfacing untold stories from lesser heard voices.

    This core training provides a dynamic introduction to the essential skills of Playback Theatre, including deep listening, embodied storytelling, and ensemble play. Participants will explore the fundamental roles—Teller, Conductor, Musician, and Actor—learning how to honour and transform stories with authenticity and artistry.

    Through engaging exercises, improvisational techniques, and reflective practice, this course builds confidence in spontaneous performance and fosters a sense of connection and empathy. Whether you are new to Playback Theatre or seeking to strengthen your foundation, this training offers a supportive space to develop skills and deepen your understanding of this powerful form.

    This workshop is designed for social workers, community workers, educators, drama practitioners, facilitators, and anyone interested in Playback Theatre or in using applied theatre as a tool for their work.

    Core Training is a level one course that is a prerequisite for entry into higher levels of learning in the Playback Theatre Curriculum Pathway.

    About The Course

    Course Objectives*:

    • Introduce basic skills and performance forms used in Playback Theatre
    • Introduce principles, applications, history, and ethics of Playback Theatre

    *Course content offered is in line with the curriculum set by the Centre for Playback Theatre

    What You’ll Learn:

    By the end of the course, participants will: 

    • Know how to perform the basic Playback Theatre forms
    • Practice basic skills required in the different roles in Playback Theatre.
    • Gain insights into the Playback Theatre process
    • Have a basic understanding of the impact and applications of Playback Theatre

    Who Should Attend? 

    This course is highly recommended for: 

    • Social service professionals & Community workers – Social workers, caseworkers, therapists, community outreach staff, and facilitators
    • Drama practitioners – Professionals using drama for community engagement
    • Educators & Facilitators – For those leading group-based learning
    • Anyone interested in Playback Theatre or in using applied theatre as a tool for their work

    Pre-requisites:

    Participants must be at least 18 years old.

    No prior theatre experience required.


    Course Schedule

    Date  

    Time  

    Module(s)  

    Venue  

    23 Aug 2025 (Sat) 

    9.30am - 6pm  

    • Basic Playback Theatre Forms I – Fluid Sculptures, Transformation, Pairs
    • Group Process  
    • Basic PT Acting I 

    Goodman Arts Centre  

    24 Aug 2025 (Sun) 
     

    9.30am - 6pm  

    • Basic Playback Theatre Forms II – 3-Part Story, Scenes  
    • Music in Playback Theatre 

    Goodman Arts Centre  

    30 Aug 2025 (Sat) 

    9.30am - 6pm  

    • Group Practice in forms   
    • Arc of Playback Theatre performance  
    • Playback Theatre theory – Narrative Reticulation 

    Goodman Arts Centre  

    31 Aug 2025 (Sun) 

    9.30am - 6pm  

    • Playback Theatre mini-performance  
    • Ethics in Playback Theatre  
    • Introduction to applications of Playback Theatre 

    Goodman Arts Centre  

    *Includes 1.5-hour lunch break


    About The Facilitator

    Michael Cheng is an applied drama practitioner and educator from Singapore. Over the years, he has initiated and facilitated socially engaged applied arts projects with a wide range of communities, including children and youth with disabilities, seniors, and at-risk groups. In addition, Michael teaches applied drama methods as both a freelance trainer and adjunct lecturer. As an accredited Playback Theatre trainer (APTT), he has taught internationally across all levels and is currently a faculty member of the Centre for Playback Theatre’s Leadership course. He is also an accredited trainer and guide of The Listening Hour. Michael holds a Master’s in Arts Pedagogy and Practice from Goldsmiths, University of London, supported by the National Arts Council (Singapore)’s Arts Scholarship.


    Discounts, Funding & Subsidies

    Early Bird Discount 

    Non-SDEA Members enjoy a 5% early bird discount on the standard course fee till 29 June 2025.

    SDEA Members enjoy a 25% early bird discount on the standard course fee till 29 June 2025.


    SDEA Membership Discount

    All SDEA Members enjoy 25% early bird discount (till 29 June 2025) or 20% off standard price (30 June 2025 onwards).

    SDEA Membership is a 2-year renewable membership. A one-time fee of S$40.00 is required upon application. Membership renewal is based on engagement in SDEA activities (ie. participate in at least 1 SDEA event within the 2 year period.)*

    *Membership renewal condition(s) are subjected to changes. Please contact SDEA for the lastest information.

    Click to apply for SDEA Membership


    Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative (TSPDI) [Open to SDEA Members only | Application closes 27 July 2025]

    The Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative (TSPDI) is a funding initiative by the Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA) to support freelance practitioners and drama educators to make professional development a regular part of their lives. 

    Successful applicants will be awarded up to S$500 subsidies for this course.

    Click here to find out more about the initiative.

    Applicants must be: Associate or Ordinary members of SDEA

    Application: Click to apply for TSPDI

    Application Deadline: Sunday, 27 July 2025, 11:59pm
    Shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview latest by 8 August 2025.
    Successful recipients will be notified by: Monday, 11 August 2025.


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

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

    • 10 Oct 2025
    • 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
    • Singapore
    • 24
    Register


    For SDEA Members

    Values in Action, or VIA, is a key student development experience in all MOE schools. How can we help our students design or develop their own performances/presentations that would help them contribute meaningfully to the community? How can we help develop their reflective practice on their experience? How do we help our students navigate sensitive topics for presentation? Have you done this with your drama clubs? Would you share your experience with fellow drama educators? 

    The concept is simple. Meet fellow drama educators and exchange a game or drama activity with one another. You will walk away with a whole host of activities, ideas, and pedagogical approaches to bring back to your classroom. You may even find that perfect game to add to your toolbag that you and your students have been looking for all this time!

    This session is currently exclusive to SDEA members, so register soon to participate in the exchange!

    Want to join the Swop Shop but not yet a SDEA member?

    Register for SDEA membership with a one-time administration fee of S$40.

    SDEA Members enjoy exclusive discounts, benefits and access to membership-only resources and events.

Past Events

22 May 2025 The Art of Facilitating Drama Activities
7 Apr 2025 National Silver Academy Subsidy Application - The Art of Facilitating Drama Activities
25 Mar 2025 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - Theatre Arts Conference 2025
21 Mar 2025 SDEA Plays for Youth Book Launch
3 Mar 2025 [MEMBERS EXCLUSIVE] Scarce City - SDEA Youth Members Social
20 Feb 2025 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - The Art of Facilitating Drama Activities
4 Jan 2025 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches (10th Intake)
30 Nov 2024 Get a Headshot by Boban James
23 Nov 2024 Caring Curiosities: Enhancing Rapport and Connection with Beneficiaries (Nov 2024 Workshop)
16 Nov 2024 Reflective Practice for Arts Educators (Sampler Workshop for ETLA course)
12 Nov 2024 Level Up! Fest 2024: Acting into the Voice
12 Nov 2024 Level Up! Fest 2024: Our Modern World Through Shakespeare's Eyes
30 Sep 2024 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - ETLA10
21 Sep 2024 Annual General Meeting 2024
10 Sep 2024 Holistic Development of Children through Drama & Classic Literature by William Yip (HK/China)
31 Aug 2024 Caring Curiosities: Enhancing Rapport and Connection with Beneficiaries (Aug 2024 Workshop)
24 Aug 2024 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches for Arts Educators - Early Childhood (3rd Intake)
23 Aug 2024 SDEA Swop Shop #3 2024 - Pre-School Edition
3 Jun 2024 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - ETLA-EC03
24 May 2024 [CANCELLED] Drama for Learning in the Malay Language Classroom (Primary School) / Penggunaan Drama Dalam Pengajaran Bahasa Melayu
17 May 2024 SDEA Swop Shop #2 2024 - Lower Secondary Edition
16 May 2024 The Art of Facilitating Drama Activities
15 May 2024 [CANCELLED] Drama for Learning in the Tamil Language Classroom (Primary School) / நாடக உத்திகளின் மூலம் தமிழ்மொழி கற்பித்தல்
14 May 2024 [CANCELLED] Drama for Learning in the Chinese Language Classroom (Primary School)/ 应用戏剧,促进华文教学
27 Mar 2024 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches - Community of Practice 5
27 Mar 2024 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches-Early Childhood - Community of Practice 2
25 Mar 2024 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - The Art of Facilitating Drama Activities
16 Mar 2024 [Connections 2024] Trajectories: Exploring The Skills Framework For Arts Educators
16 Feb 2024 SDEA Swop Shop #1 2024 - Lower Primary Edition
16 Dec 2023 Characters In Transition - A Workshop By Ramesh Meyyappan
17 Nov 2023 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - ETLA10
15 Nov 2023 Level Up! Fest 2023: Make Shakespeare Come Alive
15 Nov 2023 Level Up! Fest 2023: Learning through Pretending - Drama as a Pedagogical Tool to Build Multiple Literacies in the NT English Classroom
15 Nov 2023 Level Up! Fest 2023: The Anatomy of a Speech and Drama Class
14 Nov 2023 Level Up! Fest 2023: Collaborative Creations: Unlocking Devised Theatre’s Potential
14 Nov 2023 Level Up! Fest 2023: Engaging Learners through Drama in the Primary School Classroom
14 Nov 2023 Level Up! Fest 2023: Finding Your Authentic Voice
14 Nov 2023 Level Up! Fest 2023 Day Passes
12 Oct 2023 The Art & Craft of Facilitating Drama Activities
3 Oct 2023 First Aid Training Programme for Drama Educators
20 Sep 2023 Annual General Meeting 2023
26 Jul 2023 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - The Art & Craft of Facilitating Drama Activities
10 Jul 2023 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches for Arts Educators - Early Childhood (2nd Intake)
2 Jul 2023 [Theatre Arts Conference 2023 Masterclass] Interculturality and Theatre Work
1 Jul 2023 [Theatre Arts Conference 2023 Masterclass] Activating and Moving Your Communities by Making Community Theatre with Them
1 Jul 2023 [Theatre Arts Conference 2023 Masterclass] Games as Social Metaphors
30 Jun 2023 [Theatre Arts Conference 2023 Masterclass] Deep Listening, Sharing Places, and Creating Spaces
30 Jun 2023 [Theatre Arts Conference 2023 Masterclass] Dramaturgy of a Participatory Performance
30 Jun 2023 Theatre Arts Conference 2023 - Rooting Deep, Branching Wide: Strengthening Practices and Expanding Possibilities
25 May 2023 [CANCELLED] Drama for Learning in the Malay Language Classroom (Primary School) / Penggunaan Drama Dalam Pengajaran Bahasa Melayu
24 May 2023 [CANCELLED] Drama for Learning in the Tamil Language Classroom (Primary School) / நாடக உத்திகளின் மூலம் தமிழ்மொழி கற்பித்தல்
22 May 2023 Drama for Learning in the Chinese Language Classroom (Primary School)/ 应用戏剧,促进华文教学
4 May 2023 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - Theatre Arts Conference 2023
3 May 2023 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches - Community of Practice 4
3 May 2023 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - ETLA-EC02
3 May 2023 Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) Funding - ETLA-EC02
4 Mar 2023 Connections 2023:Our Many Colours: Cultural Inclusivity in the Drama Classroom
25 Feb 2023 Launch of The Arts Freelancer's Playbook: SDEA’s Guide to Understanding Contracts
7 Feb 2023 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches - Early Childhood Community of Practice
5 Jan 2023 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches (9th Intake)
13 Dec 2022 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches - Community of Practice 3
28 Nov 2022 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - ETLA09
25 Nov 2022 Drama for Learning in the Malay Language Classroom (Primary School) / Penggunaan Drama Dalam Pengajaran Bahasa Melayu
23 Nov 2022 The Nuts and Bolts of Technical Theatre
23 Nov 2022 Warm-up Activities for Young Performers - Safeguarding Vocal Health of Young Performers
23 Nov 2022 Planting the Seeds of Change Through Drama - A Cognitive and Affective Process Steeped in Being and Becoming
23 Nov 2022 Dramaturgical Strategies for Devised Performance
23 Nov 2022 Developing Students’ Physicality through Le Jeu
22 Nov 2022 Game Design for Interactive Performance
22 Nov 2022 [CANCELLED] Let’s use Fables!/让我们用寓言!
22 Nov 2022 [Event changed] Facilitating Critical Thinking Through Participatory Drama
22 Nov 2022 The Actors Process
22 Nov 2022 Exploring the work of Jacques Lecoq
22 Nov 2022 The Expressive Voice
21 Nov 2022 First Aid Training Programme for Drama Educators
14 Nov 2022 Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) Funding - Level Up! Fest 2022
17 Oct 2022 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - Level Up! Fest 2022
7 Sep 2022 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches - Community of Practice 2
29 Aug 2022 20th Annual General Meeting
30 Jul 2022 Developing a Visual Theatrical Language – A Lecture-Discussion + Workshop by Ramesh Meyyappan
6 Jun 2022 Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) Funding - ETLA-EC
6 Jun 2022 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - ETLA-EC
1 Jun 2022 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches - Community of Practice
30 May 2022 Sketch Comedy Writers Interest Group with Mitchell Fang
18 May 2022 Drama for Learning in the Tamil Language Classroom (Primary School) / நாடக உத்திகளின் மூலம் தமிழ்மொழி கற்பித்தல்
22 Apr 2022 Membership Focus Groups on SDEA
1 Apr 2022 Extraordinary General Meeting - 1 April 2022
19 Mar 2022 Connections 2022: Safeguarding of Children in the Arts
11 Mar 2022 Let's Connect: Making Space
5 Feb 2022 SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches (8th Intake)
3 Jan 2022 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - ETLA'08
13 Dec 2021 The Sketch Comedy Writers Interest Group
3 Dec 2021 Let's Connect: Take Five
30 Nov 2021 A Discussion - Skills Framework for Drama Educators
29 Nov 2021 Outdoor Voices – A Conversation About Arts for Young Audiences in Singapore
27 Nov 2021 Nutrition - for Arts Practitioners
27 Nov 2021 Contract Negotiation Strategies Workshop
25 Nov 2021 Drama for Learning in the Malay Language Classroom / Penggunaan Drama dalam Pengajaran Bahasa Melayu
25 Nov 2021 Drama for Learning in the Tamil Language Classroom / நாடக உத்திகளின் மூலம் தமிழ்மொழி கற்பித்தல்
24 Nov 2021 Child First Aid Blended Course by Singapore First Aid Training Centre (SFATC)
23 Nov 2021 Drama for Learning in the Chinese Language Classroom / 应用戏剧,促进华文教学
22 Nov 2021 Standard First Aid Blended Course by Singapore First Aid Training Centre (SFATC)
19 Nov 2021 Headshots
15 Nov 2021 Members Portal Clinic
13 Nov 2021 Broken Pieces, Bigger Picture: Identifying Trauma in the Classroom
13 Nov 2021 Opening To The Floor: Facilitating Post-Show Dialogues and Panel Discussions
12 Nov 2021 Supporting Mental Health in Schools and Communities Using Drama
10 Nov 2021 Caterpillar and Chrysalis: Storytelling Workshop
8 Nov 2021 Career Chat: Teaching Drama as a Co-Curricular Activity
2 Nov 2021 Mindfulness for Arts Practitioners
1 Nov 2021 Throwing A Light on Theatre-Making: Finding Spaces to Listen
21 Sep 2021 Retro Music Writing Club
18 Sep 2021 Dungeons & Dragons with Matt Lyon
4 Aug 2021 SDEA Annual General Meeting
10 Jul 2021 SDEA Panel Session: The Realities of Grant Writing
19 Jun 2021 Focus Group for Terms & Conditions 5
18 Jun 2021 Registration of Interest for Support Group Session in Memory of Paul Ko
4 Jun 2021 Let's Connect: BYO
22 May 2021 SDEA Theatre Arts Conference
8 May 2021 Focus Group for Terms & Conditions 4
6 May 2021 Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative (TAC)
26 Apr 2021 SDEA ChitChat: Spotlight on Applied Theatre
17 Apr 2021 Focus Group on Terms & Conditions 3
27 Mar 2021 Focus Group 2 for Contract: Standard Terms & Conditions
17 Mar 2021 Let's Connect: Roadmaps
13 Mar 2021 Connections x March On! Workshop for Teaching Artists
10 Mar 2021 Connections Teachers Dialogue In Person
10 Mar 2021 Connections Teachers Dialogue - On-Line
10 Mar 2021 Connections x March On! Workshop for Teachers
27 Feb 2021 Focus Group 1 for Contract: Standard Terms & Conditions
1 Feb 2021 SDEA Drama Pedagogy: Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches (7th Intake)
17 Dec 2020 Let's Connect: Holiday Quiz

SDEA is a Registered Charity from 20 February 2020 and is a recipient of the National Arts Council’s Major Company Scheme
for the period from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2025
.

Singapore Drama Educators Association is a registered charity (UEN: T02SS0123G) 
90 Goodman Road, Blk B #04-02 Goodman Arts Centre, Singapore 439053
Phone: +65 6345 6997

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