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• The Nuts and Bolts of Conducting in Playback Theatre

  • Start
    3 Oct 2026
  •  
  • End
    11 Oct 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Road, Singapore 439053
  • Spaces left
    3

  Registration is closed

  
  

  In Playback Theatre, the Conductor (or facilitator) holds the delicate yet powerful role of bridging teller, audience, and ensemble. As a space-holder and guide, the Conductor listens deeply, shapes the flow of interaction, and helps transform stories into theatre that honours both the individual and the collective.

  This workshop focuses on the essential skills needed for this role, offering participants opportunities to practice attentive listening, responsive questioning, and the creation of a safe, ritual frame. Through structured exercises and mini-performances, participants will explore the psychological and social dimensions of conducting, as well as the theatrical choices that bring depth and resonance to the work.

  Along the way, we will attend to our own stories and experiences, strengthening a sense of community and shared learning. This is an essential Level 2 workshop corresponding to the curriculum set by the Centre for Playback Theatre, designed for performers ready to step into conducting and for conductors who wish to deepen their artistry.

  The workshop is open to those who have completed Core Training (or its equivalent) or have at least 6 months of regular practice in a Playback company.

  Early bird price: till 30 June 2026
  Workshop registration deadline: 30 September 2026

  
  

  About The Course

  Course Objectives*:

  1. Introduce core theories and practices of conducting in Playback Theatre.
  2. Build essential skills such as holding space, active listening, managing transitions, and choosing forms.

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

  
  

  What You’ll Learn:

  By the end of this Level 2 training, participants will:

  1. Understand core theoretical concepts of conducting.
  2. Strengthen their capacity for active listening as the foundation of conducting.
  3. Practise making theatrical choices—such as selecting forms and identifying deeper themes—that honour both the teller’s story and the wider audience.
  4. Engage in experiential exercises that build presence, confidence, and sensitivity in the role of conductor.
  5. Develop an understanding of the conductor’s key roles and responsibilities in performance.

  
  

  Pre-requisites:

  • Has completed Playback Theatre Core Training (or equivalent) or
  • Has been in regular practice with an active Playback Theatre company for 6 months.

  
  

  

  Course Schedule

  Date	Time	Module(s)	Venue
  3 Oct 2026 (Sat)	10am - 6pm	Foundations of Conducting Ensemble warm-up and review of Playback forms. The role of the conductor: responsibilities and relationships. Active listening as the foundation of conducting. Exploring story, teller, audience, and ensemble dynamics. Reflection on the conductor as space-holder and guide.	Goodman Arts Centre
  4 Oct 2026 (Sun)	10am - 6pm	Building Presence and Connection Cultivating presence and trust with tellers and audiences. Holding the frame: opening, transitions, and closing. Exercises in creating safety and connection. Practising clarity and responsiveness in conductor–teller dialogue. Reflection on relational awareness and choice-making.	Goodman Arts Centre
  10 Oct 2026 (Sat)	10am - 6pm	Skills in Action Choosing forms and guiding enactments. Identifying deeper notes in a story and shaping the arc of performance. Conducting practice through structured mini-performances. Feedback and discussion on conductor choices. Reflection on sensitivity, timing, and ensemble collaboration.	Goodman Arts Centre
  11 Oct 2026 (Sun)	10am - 6pm	Integration and Growth Advanced practice: managing flow, transitions, and challenges. Working with complexity: strong emotions, unclear stories, and group dynamics. Ethics and care in conducting. Final conducting practice with ensemble support. Closing reflection on conducting as an ongoing practice of artistry and responsibility.	Goodman Arts Centre

  *Includes lunch break

  
  

  

  About The Facilitators

  Principal Trainer: Michael Cheng

  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.

  
  

  Assistant Trainer: Renee Chua

  Renee Chua  is a theatre maker, educator, and applied theatre practitioner committed to creating interdisciplinary work that engages contemporary issues through community collaboration. She founded Her Playback Theatre in 2018 to amplify women's stories and has been a core member of Tapestry Playback Theatre since 2006, using theatre to foster dialogue and social change. Her applied theatre practice spans migrant workers, youth, and seniors, addressing mental health, climate crisis, and social justice issues. Renee is an accredited trainer (APTT) and teaches Playback Theatre locally and internationally. She is also a drama educator at local institutions. Renee holds an MA (Distinction) from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama with support from National Arts Council (Postgraduate) Arts Scholarship and Diploma from the Centre for Playback Theatre.

  
  

  Discounts, Funding & Subsidies

  Early Bird Discount | Till 30 Jun 2026

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

  SDEA Members enjoy a 25% early bird discount on the standard course fee.

  
  

  SDEA Membership Discount

  All SDEA Members enjoy 25% early bird discount (till 30 Jun 2026) or 20% off standard price (1 Jul - 30 Sep 2026).

  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 period: 1 Jul - 31 Aug

  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.

  Applicants must be: Associate or Ordinary members of SDEA. 

  Click here to find out more about the initiative.

  Click to apply for TSPDI subsidy

  
  

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

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

  
  

  About SDEA CET – School of Playback Theatre 

  SDEA launched the SDEA CET – School of Playback Theatre, an affiliated school with the Centre for Playback Theatre (CPT) in July 2025, with applied drama practitioner and educator Michael Cheng as principal trainer. 

  This affiliation means SDEA’s Playback Theatre training programmes will be recognised as meeting the standards, values, and pedagogical approaches upheld by the global Playback Theatre community. This includes aligning with CPT’s mission to foster ethical, high-quality training in Playback Theatre and delivery of core curriculum elements consistent with CPT’s approved syllabi. 

  Students who train at SDEA CET – School of Playback Theatre will receive official recognition of completed courses and gain a formal stepping stone toward international certification in Playback Theatre. 

  
  

  Playback Theatre Level 2 Certification 

  To obtain a Playback Theatre Level 2 certification, trainees must complete 4 compulsory topic modules and 1 elective topic module. Each module is delivered as an individual workshop with a minimum of 18 training hours. 

  The 'The Nuts and Bolts of Conducting in Playback Theatre ' workshop fulfils the 1 compulsory module.

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• Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative - ETLA2027

  • Start
    5 Oct 2026
  •  
  • End
    15 Nov 2026
  •  

  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 Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches 2027 course.

  
  Application Deadline: Sunday, 15 November 2026, 11:59pm

  Shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview between 16 to 29 November 2026.

  Successful recipients will be notified by: Friday, 4 December 2026.

  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

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• SDEA Essentials of Teaching and Learning Approaches 2027

  • Start
    9 Jan 2027
  •  
  • End
    13 Mar 2027
  •  
  • Schedule
    8 sessions
  • Location
    Goodman Arts Centre

  Register

  SDEA's signature drama pedagogy certification course.

  This 40-hour certification course will provide you with fundamental pedagogical knowledge and skills to create meaningful and imaginative learning experiences for your students and participants with drama, and widen the possibilities and opportunities for work in Singapore.

  At the end of the course, participants will be awarded with a Certificate of Completion, which is recognised by the National Arts Council. This Certificate satisfies the pedagogical requirement for arts instructors to conduct NAC-AEP Arts Experience programmes in Primary and Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges, Centralised Institutes and ITE Regional Campuses.

  ETLA graduates will be invited to join a Community of Practice that meets quarterly to reflect on their practice and share best practices.

  
  

  

  About The Course

  Course Objectives:

  • Develop greater awareness of the role and impact of a drama educator in the Singapore context
  • Understand the creative potential of drama-based pedagogies that aim to foster students’ curiosity, empathy and criticality
  • Understand key components of lesson planning and acquire skills in planning developmentally appropriate drama lessons for target groups
  • Manage resources and the physical environment as part of classroom management
  • Understanding of physical, psychological and emotional safety and well-being in the classroom
  • Develop skills and strategies to guide students in unpacking arts and cultural experiences while encouraging critical thinking and dialogue

  Minimum Requirement:

  • Professional Qualification in Drama/Theatre or a related art form (minimum of a diploma and/or industry experience)
  • Some Teaching Experience

  Suitable For:

  • Fresh Graduates from Tertiary Drama Programmes
  • Drama/Theatre-based Artists
  • Drama Educators Without Pedagogy Training (e.g. Drama CCA Instructors, Drama Enrichment Instructors)

  
  

  

  Schedule

  Date	Time	Module
  09 Jan 2027	9:30 AM – 10:00 AM	Orientation
  09 Jan 2027	10:00 AM –1:00 PM	Development of Drama Education in Singapore
  09 Jan 2027	2:30 PM – 5.30 pm	Drama Pedagogies: Facilitated, Embodied, Critical and Active Learning (Part 1)
  16 Jan 2027	10:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Drama Pedagogies: Facilitated, Embodied, Critical and Active Learning (Part 2)
  16 Jan 2027	2:30 PM – 5:30 PM	The Reflective Practitioner
  23 Jan 2027	10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (TBC)	Performance Review and Dialogue*
  30 Jan 2027	10:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Lesson Planning (Part 1)
  30 Jan 2027	2:30 PM – 5:30 PM	Student Engagement and Classroom Management
  06 Feb 2027		CNY Holiday (no class)
  13 Feb 2027	10:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Lesson Planning (Part 2)
  13 Feb 2027	2:30 PM – 5:30 PM	Assessment and Evaluation
  20 Feb 2027	11:59 PM	Submission Deadline for Assessment A: Lesson Plan Design (no class)
  27 Feb 2027	9:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Consultations (for microteaching)
  06 Mar 2027	10:00 AM – 1:00 PM	From Principles to Practice - Microteaching Presentations (Part 1)
  06 Mar 2027	2:30 PM – 5:30 PM	From Principles to Practice - Microteaching Presentations (Part 2)
  13 Mar 2027	10:00 AM – 1:00 PM	Reflection: My Professional Learning Journey

  *This module consists of a 3-hour lesson and 1.5-hour theatre attendance, with travel time required between the classroom and performance venue. The exact lesson timing will be announced at the start of the course.

  
  

  Module Synopses

  
  

  Development of Drama Education in Singapore
  

  This module provides learners with an overview of the development of drama education in Singapore, examining its historical evolution, key perspectives, practices, and its place within the broader educational and arts landscape. The module invites learners to critically consider their professional positioning as drama educators and to develop an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations that shape their practice.

  Upon completion of the module, learners will have developed a greater awareness of their professional identity and responsibilities as drama educators, an appreciation of the development and significance of drama education in Singapore, and an understanding of how reflective practice can support their continued professional growth and contribution to the field.

  
  

  
  

  Drama Pedagogies: Facilitated, Embodied, Critical and Active Learning

  This module introduces learners to drama pedagogy as an active, embodied, and reflective approach to teaching and learning. Through experiential workshops and the exploration of teaching practices, learners will examine how drama can create meaningful spaces for participation, inquiry, collaborative learning, and engagement with different perspectives.

  Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to apply key principles of drama pedagogy and facilitate learning experiences that foster curiosity, empathy, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement.

  
  

  The Reflective Practitioner

  This module introduces learners to reflective practice as a process for examining and improving their teaching. Learners will explore approaches and tools for reflection that enable them to critically examine their experiences, pedagogical choices, and professional practice.

  Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to use reflective practice to identify learning from their experiences, critically examine their teaching, and make informed decisions for continued improvement.

  
  

  Lesson Planning
  

  This module introduces learners to the principles and rigours of effective lesson planning in drama education. Learners will explore how to design developmentally and culturally appropriate drama activities, consider effective and affective strategies for engaging students, and use evaluation to make informed decisions about teaching and learning.

  Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to plan purposeful and responsive drama lessons that address learners’ needs, encourage meaningful engagement, and support intended learning outcomes.

  
  

  Assessment and Evaluation
  

  This module introduces learners to key principles and approaches to assessment and evaluation in drama education. Learners will explore different forms of assessment, authentic evaluation strategies, and the use of rubrics to assess students’ learning and engagement.

  Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to select appropriate assessment methods, develop and apply rubrics, and evaluate learning in ways that are purposeful, accurate, and appropriate to the drama education context.

  
  

  Student Engagement and Classroom Management

  This module introduces the learners to the importance of a stimulating, engaging and well organised learning environment and how it affects student behaviour and learning. It examines how a variety of choices of materials and approaches stimulates students’ thinking and facilitates their learning.

  Upon completion of the module, learners will acquire basic skills and knowledge on how to create, organise and select appropriate resources and materials to facilitate learning in the drama classroom. Learners will also gain some strategies to manage the physical environment as part of classroom management.

  
  

  Performance Review and Dialogue
  

  This module equips learners with strategies to facilitate meaningful reflection and dialogue around arts and cultural experiences. Learners will explore approaches to unpacking performances with students, encouraging critical thinking, multiple perspectives, and thoughtful engagement.

  As part of the module, learners will attend a theatre performance and participate in facilitated learning sessions before and after the experience.

  
  

  Consultations (for microteaching)

  Each learner will be allocated an individual consultation session to receive guidance and feedback on their lesson plan in preparation for their microteaching presentation. The consultation provides an opportunity to clarify ideas, refine pedagogical approaches, and strengthen the alignment between learning objectives, activities, and teaching strategies and outcomes.

  
  

  From Principles to Practice - Microteaching Presentations

  Participants will present a 15-20-min presentation (microteaching) based on a section of the submitted lesson plan.

  Participants will have to demonstrate the following:

  • Content designed for relevant age and topic 
  • Implementation of clear and logical sequence 
  • Gradual development of skills plan 
  • Appropriate and effective use of materials and resources 
  • Application of effective engagement strategies 
  • Application of classroom management strategies

  
  

  Reflection: My Professional Learning Journey

  This module brings together learners’ experiences and learning across the course. Learners will reflect on how their understanding of drama education, teaching practice, and professional role has developed through their ETLA journey.

  Upon completion of the module, learners will be able to articulate their professional learning and growth, identify shifts in their thinking and practice, and consider how they will carry their learning forward as drama educators.

  
  

  

  Funding and Subsidies
  

  SDEA Membership Discount

  All SDEA Members enjoy early access and 25% early bird discount (till 29 Nov 2026) or 20% off standard price (30 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027).

  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

  
  

  Early Bird Discount [ends 29 Nov 2026]

  Non-SDEA Members enjoy a 5% early bird discount on the standard course fee from till 29 Nov 2026.

  SDEA Members enjoy a 25% early bird discount on the standard course fee till 29 Nov 2026.

  
  

  Tina Sergeant Professional Development Initiative (TSPDI) [Open to SDEA Members only | Application closes 15 Nov 2026]

  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, 15 November 2026, 11:59pm

  Shortlisted candidates will be notified for an interview between 16 to 29 November 2026. 

  Successful recipients will be notified by: Friday, 4 December 2026.

  
  

  [Coming soon] SkillsFuture Credit 

  Singaporeans aged 25 and above who are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit can apply for a claim.

  Please inform SDEA upon course registration your intent to utilise your SkillsFuture Credit in part or in full for the qualifying course fee to obtain the necessary supporting documents for the claim.

  Visit MySkillsFuture to check your credit balance* and for more information on the claims process.

  *Only the SkillsFuture Credit from the Opening Credit are claimable for this course. The Mid-Career Credit is not applicable. 

  Applicants sponsored by an organisation or request for school e-billing will not be eligible for a SkillsFuture Credit claim.

  
  

  Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) 

  NTUC Union 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.

  
  

  

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

  
  

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