Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama)

Modules

The following programme modules are applicable to students enrolled in August 2025 and after. NAFA students enrolled in AY2024/2025 and earlier are to refer to the Diploma Programme and Module Information Booklet on the Student Portal for the programme modules in your respective years of enrolment.

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts The Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts module introduces facets of the artistic traditions of mainland and maritime Southeast Asia from the kingdom to the present. The module approaches Southeast Asia's rich heritage thematically, encouraging interdisciplinary understanding between intersecting geographies and narratives. It offers insights departing from different perspectives and vantages - the evolving role in defining aesthetics, cultural belonging, polities, and intercultural exchanges in the ongoing multiplicities of the region.	10
School Core	Acting, Voice and Movement 1: The Foundations of Practice In this module, students are introduced to the foundational principles of voice, movement, and the art of acting. Through hands on exploratory activities and experiential learning, students are given opportunities to discover the practical tools as well as knowledge that will give them a firm grasp of the basics of the actor's craft. The module integrates three core areas to facilitate a holistic approach to the acquisition of skills and knowledge. This forms the basis for all performance projects in the theatre diploma. You will learn: The principles and practical application of the Stanislavsky System for actors The principles and practical application of vocal anatomy and its application in the performance of spoken text The principles and practical application of physical awareness and the understanding of the neutral body in preparation for performance	30
School Core	Theatre Contextual Studies 1: Theatre, Culture and Society In this module, students are introduced to the significance of theatre as part of world culture. Through discussions, group projects, seminars and presentations, students will explore what theatre means in both regional and global contexts. The module extends students’ understanding of theatre as a meaningful part of our contemporary society not simply as entertainment but as a space and place for artists and audiences to engage with issues, values, and important conversations about life and the world around them. The module works in relation to the students’ ongoing practical work in acting, voice and movement and enables them to better articulate the relevance and importance of theatre in a complex world. Through this module, students will engage with the significance of theatre and its place in contemporary society, the cultural value of theatre as an art form in everyday life and why theatre is relevant in today’s world.	10

Type	Title	Credits
School Core	Stagecraft Stage and Production Management In this module, students are introduced to the fundamentals of theatre vocabulary and terminology, understanding theatre plans and equipment, venue specifications, technical riders, and staging procedures. You will acquire essential stage management skills, including spiking the stage, cue calling, and prompt script preparation. Furthermore, the module focuses on equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate effective communication with technical and design personnel.	10
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 1 In this module, students are introduced to the foundational skills and knowledge essential for a successful career in the performing arts, encompassing dance, theatre, and music. You will learn about the multifaceted nature of the performing arts industry, including historical development, career paths, and the integration of multidisciplinary collaboration. The module aims to equip you with the tools necessary for crafting a realistic and personalized career plan, enhancing your professional skills such as communication, CV writing, and interview techniques, as well as fostering an understanding of personal branding and digital literacy in the modern arts landscape.	10
School Core	Acting, Voice and Movement 2: The Actor and the Text In this module, students begin to extend their foundational knowledge and explore this within a more established framework of a written dramatic text. As in Acting, Voice, and Movement 1, there is an integration of Acting, Voice, and Movement. The key focus in this module is the shift from playing oneself and building stage confidence to that of inhabiting the world of text as envisioned by an author. You will learn an in-depth and systematic process for rehearsing a short play or scene as well as the individual skills that go into this. You will also learn how to further develop skills in creative imagination, improvisation, and stage awareness. You will build on skills in Voice through exploration of different texts and character and your physical range will be extended using character based physical work such as mask and animal studies.	30
School Core	Theatre Contextual Studies 2: Playwrights, Directors, and Artists. In this module, students take their explorations of theatre further into the realm of the writer, the director, and the influential figures in theatre from a range of associated practices related to the creation and realisation of theatre. Extending conversations from Theatre Contextual Studies 1 in contextualising theatre as an important art form in society, this module takes a more specific look at how important thinkers, writers, and practitioners have shaped theatre through various historical periods and in global cultural contexts.	10
School Core	Stagecraft: Lighting and Sound In this module, students are introduced to the fundamental aspects of handling sound equipment for theatre production. You are also introduced to the fundamental knowledge of the process of designing lighting for all forms of stage production and the description of the equipment used. You will learn how to operate sound equipment in a studio theatre to facilitate the staging of a straightforward theatrical performance. You will explore the creative, production, management, and technical aspects involved in sound design for performances and rehearsals. Throughout the module, you will acquire the ability to program and manage a basic Qlab show file, as well as the skills needed to plan, execute, and operate a basic audio system for performances. You will learn how to handle lighting equipment and to be able to operate the equipment in a studio theatre to stage a simple theatrical production. You will acquire basic skills in rigging and focusing lights as well as plotting lighting cues.	10

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice (also available in Year 2 Semester 2) The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.	10
School Core	Acting, Voice and Movement 3: Acting and Style Building on all previous work, students are given opportunities to explore the three core areas of their practice by working on a range of conventions from the broad spectrum of theatre styles. This includes going back to the origins of Western theatre and the Greek concepts of theatre and performance and then proceeding to examine how all theatre is a matter of style. Students are challenged with inhabiting characters and dramatic contexts that often-run contradictory to realism and naturalism but nevertheless still require a sense of truth and an understanding of how to adapt to styles and often radical ways of performing. Shakespeare is studied in this module. As is the work of Brecht and that of specific historical time periods such as Commedia dell Arte and Restoration drama. In the voice component, students learn to appreciate how their foundational skills will be extended through this challenge of application of vocal skills within the framework of various stylistic conventions which develop the students’ expressive capabilities. Working with Shakespearean text for example is one of the greatest challenges a student actor faces in the vocal realm. Using methods to enhance speaking of verse, students appreciate the requirements and are further challenged to hone their vocal apparatus. In the movement component, students are again provided with the technical vocabularies of movement that empower them to respond the demands of text or dramatic situation. In the varying styles explored, movement takes on a different meaning as it is needed to convey through character and intention as well as the overall style of the theatre form.	30
School Core	Theatre Contextual Studies 3: The Practice, Form, and Style of Singaporean theatre As with the previous contextual studies module, this is an opportunity for students to explore the rich and diverse cultural and social ideas that impact theatre and to allow them to see how theatre as an art form contributes to the way we shape meaning through art. Specifically at this point in their learning, students are introduced to the complex, diverse and challenging history of theatre in Singapore. Beginning with an overview of the current state of affairs, the module asks questions as to how this came to be, how has Singaporean theatre developed, and at what stages of Singapore history has theatre been an active participant. Through discussions and group projects, students engage with pivotal moments in Singapore theatre history and examine what it meant then, and what it means now. Students will also be given opportunities to think and articulate where local theatre might be heading in terms of the future development. Students can link their thinking back to previous contextual studies and place the local theatre scene alongside that of the often more prominent players of the global theatre industry.	10
School Core	Stagecraft: Set and Costume In this module, students are immersed in the realm of theatrical creativity, focusing on the design of sets and costumes for theatre productions. The goal is to nurture and expand their creative capacities while providing foundational skills in conceptualizing and bringing design concepts to life. You will learn to harness your creativity and translate it into tangible set and costume designs for theatrical performances. The module equips you with the skills needed to navigate the entire design process, from analysing texts and conducting research to expressing your ideas through drawings and 3D modelling. Practical aspects, including the appropriate terminologies and construction considerations, will be a central focus. By the end of the module, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to conceptualize, develop, and realise impactful set and costume designs that enhance the overall theatrical experience.	10

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice (also available in Year 2 Semester 1) The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.	10
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 2 In this module, you are introduced to a comprehensive range of professional skills and digital tools essential for a successful career in the performing arts (Dance, Music, and Theatre). You will learn how to effectively showcase your talents through the creation of ePortfolios, develop compelling curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letters, and enhance your interview skills. The module is designed to expand your career opportunities beyond traditional performing roles, highlighting the transferability of your artistic skills to a variety of professional contexts. By the end of this module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to present yourself effectively to potential employers and collaborators, opening doors to diverse career paths within and outside the performing arts sector.	10
School Core	Acting, Voice and Movement 4: Contemporary Practices In this module, students are given opportunities to employ previous skills and then to extend them into the contemporary realm. The focus in this module is on the shift to creative exploration through a framework of devised theatre making. Students are introduced to the established devising methodologies that are current, and which are common practice globally in training contexts and the professional world. Furthermore, students are given the space to explore the differences and similarities between the concept of theatre and that of performance and how these two contradict and complement each other. This exploration furthers students’ knowledge of the art form of theatre and places them more centrally as makers.	30

Type

Title

Credits

Academy Core

Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice

(also available in Year 2 Semester 1)

The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.

Faculty Core

Professional Development Plan 2

In this module, you are introduced to a comprehensive range of professional skills and digital tools essential for a successful career in the performing arts (Dance, Music, and Theatre).

You will learn how to effectively showcase your talents through the creation of ePortfolios, develop compelling curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letters, and enhance your interview skills. The module is designed to expand your career opportunities beyond traditional performing roles, highlighting the transferability of your artistic skills to a variety of professional contexts. By the end of this module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to present yourself effectively to potential employers and collaborators, opening doors to diverse career paths within and outside the performing arts sector.

School Core

Acting, Voice and Movement 4: Contemporary Practices

In this module, students are given opportunities to employ previous skills and then to extend them into the contemporary realm. The focus in this module is on the shift to creative exploration through a framework of devised theatre making. Students are introduced to the established devising methodologies that are current, and which are common practice globally in training contexts and the professional world. Furthermore, students are given the space to explore the differences and similarities between the concept of theatre and that of performance and how these two contradict and complement each other. This exploration furthers students’ knowledge of the art form of theatre and places them more centrally as makers.

Type	Title	Credits
School Core	Playwriting and directing In this module, students are introduced to the art and craft of playwriting and directing, aimed at equipping them with fundamental skills essential to orchestrate compelling performances. Throughout the module, students will delve into the intricacies of interpreting texts, seeking inspiration, developing conceptual frameworks, and effectively communicating with actors through rehearsals and written plays. You will acquire expertise in the fundamentals of playwriting, delving into key theories such as Aristotelian Unities, narrative structure, and the art of crafting effective dialogue. Engaging in practical exercises, you will learn to imbue subtext, infuse action, and create nuanced characters. The module explores devising processes, challenges traditional stereotypes in character creation, and delves into contemporary writing practices, ultimately culminating in each student composing a one-act play to showcase their acquired skills. Similarly, in the fundamentals of directing, you will adopt a holistic approach covering text, space, actors, and design in production. Participating in hands-on workshops, you will explore blocking techniques and scene orchestration. The module concludes with each student directing a specified scene, providing an opportunity to apply the acquired skills in a practical setting.	30
School Core	Creative Project: Applied Theatre and Independent training In this module, students are introduced to ways to engage in devising and improvisation for a range of applied theatre purposes. The concept of social theatre will be emphasised, and a range of methodologies drawn from major international practitioners will be taught. You will acquire a comprehensive understanding of applied theatre, delving into its definition, historical evolution, functions, diverse applications, associated challenges, and illustrative examples. The module emphasizes foundational skills necessary for effective facilitation, improvisation, devising, and presentation within developmental contexts. Additionally, you will develop the ability to critically reflect upon and evaluate applied theatre projects, fostering a discerning perspective on the field. Culminating in a performance project, this module empowers you to conceive and implement an applied theatre initiative addressing contemporary challenges faced by young people.	30

Type	Title	Credits
School Core	Essentials of Teaching and Learning In this module, students are introduced to basic pedagogical methodology and tools to teach and facilitate a range of drama workshops. You will learn the ten principles that shape drama praxis and gain insights into the roles and benefits of integrating drama into school education. You will acquire essential skills for designing and facilitating impactful drama workshops, exploring varied approaches to engaging with text in an educational context. You will also develop proficiency in assessing and evaluating both drama activities and student performances. By the end of the module, you will summarize and conclude with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of drama education.	20
School Core	Industry Project In this module, students will undertake a range of different projects with external industry partners. This module aims to provide students with “real world” experience of being cast rehearsing and presenting a performance to a public audience. You will learn to embody professional conduct aligned with industry standards and respond adeptly to the specific demands set by industry partners. The module emphasizes the synthesis and application of knowledge and skills acquired in previous performance-based and stagecraft modules, underscoring their crucial role in achieving success in the assigned tasks.	30

entry requirements

NAFA hopes to attract applicants with the potential to become excellent arts practitioners. Applicants are selected by merit, based on the following criteria:

Audition/Interview Requirements
Educational Qualification
English Language Proficiency
Special Factor

Selection is competitive and is subject to the availability of places. However, the Academy may give consideration to talented applicants who excel in Artistic Talent and Creativity, but have not fully met the education qualification stated.

Find out about the specific entry requirements that apply to you.

Audition/Interview Requirements

Audition Instructions
You are required to attend an audition. The audition consists of three sections — Workshop, Audition Monologue and Interview.

You will be given three audition monologues at least one week prior to the audition and you will need to choose one. You are expected to memorise or be very prepared with your chosen piece

You are required to report to the audition venue 30 minutes earlier to register

The audition may take up to three hours

Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement

Audition Date
4 October 2024
18 October 2024
24 January 2025
21 February 2025
21 March 2025
25 April 2025
23 May 2025

Applicants will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.

Note: You will be notified of the outcome of your application 4 to 6 weeks after your portfolio interview or audition. Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

Workshop
You are expected to participate enthusiastically in the improvisation exercises and theatre games during the workshop. Through your participation in the workshop, you will be evaluated based on your:

Openness to improvisation and willingness to work with others

Vocal response in an improvisation – projection, range, tone and clarity

Physical response in an improvisation – expressiveness, spontaneity and range

Audition Monologue
During the audition, you will be asked to perform one of the three pieces of dramatic texts. You are expected to arrive with your chosen monologue memorised. Through your performance of the monologue, assessors will evaluate your:

Ability to perform a dramatic text – comprehension, characterisation and creativity
Physical skills – presence on stage, spatial awareness, physical range, movement vocabulary and physical portrayal of character
Vocal skills – projection, clarity, range and tone

Interview
You are expected to discuss why you want to study theatre during the interview. You will be reviewed based on your:

Existing knowledge of and experience in theatre and/or performance

Personality traits

Innovation and creativity

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required

Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level: Aggregate score of 25 points or better in 4 GCE ‘O’ Level subjects, excluding English.
Applicants who are active in their Secondary Schools’ Co-curricular Activities (CCA) may gain up to 2 CCA points. The CCA points can be used to improve their EQ aggregate score for admission consideration.
Types of bonus points No. of bonus points awarded
Grades of A1–A2 2 points
Grades of B3–C6 1 point
Singapore Integrated Programme: Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
School of The Arts (SOTA): Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
Institute of Technical Education (ITE):
- Full-time Higher Nitec or Nitec
- Part-time ITE certificate, with a minimum GPA of ≥ 2.0 for Higher NITEC holders or ≥ 3.5 for NITEC holders

Types of bonus points	No. of bonus points awarded
Grades of A1–A2	2 points
Grades of B3–C6	1 point

Educational Qualifications - International

Successful completion of at least 10 years of education.

Eligible international students will be able to use their mid-year examination results to apply for diploma programmes at NAFA. Applicants will be given conditional offer if they are successful in their portfolio interview/audition selection. Applicants are still required to submit their year-end examination results and meet the admission requirements of the respective programmes. Any applicant who does not meet the admission requirements will have his/her conditional offer revoked.

English Language Proficiency

The minimum English Language proficiency requirement:

Grade C6 at GCE ‘O’ Levels
TOEFL iBT 50
IELTS Academic Band 5
SAT score of 480 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component)
Duolingo score of 80
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 42
Qualifications equivalent to any of the above

Applicants with Higher NITEC or NITEC qualifications are deemed to have met the English Language proficiency requirement.

In addition to the minimum English Language proficiency requirement, the minimum Chinese Language proficiency requirement for Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama) is Grade C6 at GCE ‘O’ Level in Chinese Language or Higher Chinese or Literature in Chinese. The subject(s) will form part of the 4 ‘O’ Level subject requirements.

Special Factor

Recognition is accorded for prior achievements in areas relevant to intended studies.

Early Admissions Exercise

NAFA has the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) that allows graduating O-Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education and graduating Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 students to apply and receive conditional admission prior to receiving their final grades.

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) August 2026 intake

The Diploma EAE application window for the August 2026 intake is from 16 June to 30 June 2025. Please check your application eligibility and apply online here for free.

The EAE is open to graduating GCE O-Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education and graduating Integrated Programme (IP)/International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 students.

Applicants applying via Diploma EAE will go through the following process and timeline:

Process	Period
Application	16 June to 30 June 2025
Portfolio Submission (for School of 3D Design, Design & Media, Fashion Studies, Fine Art)	By 14 July 2025
Personal Statement Submission. Submission of a Testimonial is optional (for School of Arts Management)	By 14 July 2025
Audition (for School of Music, Dance, Theatre)	14 to 18 July 2025
Offer & Acceptance	31 July to 14 August 2025

Applicants to:

Apply online here from 16 June to 30 June 2025 for free. Submit the required documents for verification within 5 working days from the application date or by 7 July 2025, whichever is earlier.

Submit Portfolio for programmes under the Faculty of Art & Design by 14 July 2025 online here (3D Design/Design & Media/ Fashion Studies/Fine Art). There is no Admission Test for EAE.

Submit Personal Statement for Diploma in Arts Management by 14 July 2025 online here. Submission of a Testimonial is optional.

Attend Audition for programmes under the Faculty of Performing Arts (Dance/Music/Theatre). Audition dates are from 14 to 18 July 2025. More information on the audition will be sent to you via email a week before the audition date.

Offer and Acceptance

Applicants will receive notification of the application outcome via email from 31 July to 14 August 2025. Successful applicants should confirm acceptance of their offers by the deadline stipulated
Applicants who accept their offers at this stage will be guaranteed a place, as long as they meet the criteria stated under Entry Requirement for each programme

Withdrawal

Should applicants wish to withdraw their acceptance, they must submit their withdrawal notice to [email protected]
Applicants who had accepted their EAE offer but fail to make the required payment by the stipulated deadline will have their offers withdrawn
Applicants who fail to meet the admission criteria will have their offers withdrawn

Entry Requirements for EAE

For O-Level Students
Students who have registered to sit for the GCE O-Level examinations in the year of Early Admission Exercise (EAE).

For ITE Students
ITE students who are in their final year of study of their Nitec or Higher Nitec courses. For the August 2026 intake, ITE students who complete their Nitec course in June or December 2025 and Higher Nitec course in September 2025 or March 2026 will be eligible to apply for admission.

For Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccalaureate (IB) Year 4 Students
IP and IB Year 4 students may use their mid-year examination results to apply for EAE.

Confirmation of Conditional Offers for Diploma Admission
Successful applicants for the EAE will be given conditional offers and are still required to submit the following document, as applicable:

GCE O-Level results with an aggregate of not more than 25 points for 4 subjects excluding English
Certificate and Academic Transcript for Nitec or Higher Nitec
Completion of IP Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)
Completion of IB Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)

Applicant who fails to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements by the deadline stipulated by NAFA will have his/her conditional offer withdrawn.

Module Exemption

Applicants may receive module exemptions if they have taken and passed the same or similar modules in another institution. The granting of exemption and advanced standing may be subject to applicants passing a Portfolio Interview, Audition or Admission Test.

Applicants with the following qualifications are eligible to apply for module exemption:

Full-time NITEC or Higher NITEC
School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) Year 4 or 5 or 6
GCE A-Level
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma/IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC)
NAFA School of Young Talents (SYT)

Please refer to the module exemption here for details.

How to Apply

Get started on your quest to become a theatre professional today!

Apply online

Apply online here along with your application fees. Applications are open from October each year for the following year’s August intake.

For all programmes except Diploma in Arts Management ^, select either Portfolio Submission or Admission Test in the application portal.

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview in person or online.

Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit the required documents

Send documents listed in the checklist to [email protected] for verification within five working days from the application date.

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students.

Attend the audition at NAFA

Attend the audition at NAFA with the required materials as indicated in the test advisory.

Application outcome

Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.

Apply Now

Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama)

Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama)

Empowering the Next Generation of Actors and Theatre Innovators

Students' Work

Modules

entry requirements

Audition/Interview Requirements

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Educational Qualifications - International

English Language Proficiency

Special Factor

Early Admissions Exercise

Module Exemption

How to Apply

Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama)

Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama)

Empowering the Next Generation of Actors and Theatre Innovators

Students' Work

Modules

Year 1 Semester 1

Year 1 Semester 2

Year 2 Semester 1

Year 2 Semester 2

Year 3 Semester 1

Year 3 Semester 2

entry requirements

Audition/Interview Requirements

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Educational Qualifications - International

English Language Proficiency

Special Factor

Early Admissions Exercise

Module Exemption

How to Apply