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Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply
Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply
Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Full-time

Through first-in-Asia three-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Contemporary Chinese Theatres, you will excel as a performer and creator, demonstrating cultural and artistic awareness with a deeper understanding of the history, cultures, and languages of Chinese theatres in practice today.

You will engage with comprehensive training in performance and theatre-making skills. Working collaboratively and independently, you will create compelling original works that respond empathically and professionally to current industry demands in Chinese theatre.

Through a unique combination of rich and rigorous scholarship with high standards of practical training, you will delve into research methodologies and cultural insights, and leverage cutting-edge digital technology to shape the future of contemporary Chinese theatre.

At the end of this programme, students should be able to:
  • Demonstrate an artistic identity and an embodied knowledge of Chinese theatre performance forms with technical proficiency and confidence.
  • Demonstrate reflexive, critical, and creative engagement with ideas and issues relevant to contemporary Chinese theatres.
  • Devise performances and creations through the application of appropriate inclusive performance vocabularies, techniques, digital technologies, dramaturgies, contexts, and methods.
  • Retrieve, synthesize, document, describe, analyse, evaluate, articulate, and communicate information and ideas about contemporary Chinese theatres.
  • Participate with enterprise, resourcefulness and resilience in the creation and realisation of contemporary and collaborative performance productions.
  • Apply interdisciplinary approaches to realise contemporary Chinese theatres and performance.

Immerse In Cultural Diversity

Explore various Chinese theatrical practices, including classical traditions and contemporary renditions of Chineseness, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the diverse artistic influences shaping the modern Sinosphere.

Emerge as a Versatile Theatre Expert

Engage in an excellent balance of theoretical and practical training, and a solid foundation in academic and critical research skills, and theoretical enquiry. These will equip you for diverse professional roles in Singapore and the Southeast Asian region’s performing arts industry, within creative, technical, research, administrative or policy-related capabilities.

Develop a Nuanced Appreciation for Cultural Sensitivity

You will gain academic and practice-led training through interdisciplinary and intercultural approaches. Through our focus on multiculturalism and multilingualism in the Singapore and Southeast Asian contexts, you will develop the cultural sensitivity required to succeed in the industry and produce work attuned to the complexities of Chinese cultures.



Read The Straits Times feature on our transformative programme.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction


More Information
UAS Common Curriculum & Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate from the bachelor’s degree programmes and be eligible for the award of a BA (Hons) degree, you must fulfil the following conditions:
  • Attain a total of 360 credits1, including exempted credits and credits for non-graded modules but excluding credits associated with repeat attempts.
  • Attempt and attain a minimum Grade D for all modules.
  • Fulfil the non-credit-bearing graduating requirements comprising the UAS Common Curriculum: IN-depth Programme (36 hours), Career Skills (10 hours), and Internship (10 weeks / 400 hours).
  • Obtain a minimum CGPA of 2.00 at the end of the programme2.
  • Complete the programme of study within the stipulated maximum candidature period3.
1If you have been admitted via direct entry into your second year, 120 credits will be exempted for your first year and you are required to attain the remaining 240 credits – 120 credits for your second year and 120 credits for your third year.

2You will be graded on a 5–point Grade Point Average (GPA) system. You will receive letter grades for each module taken and each grade corresponds to a grade point as shown below:

Letter Grade Grade Point
A+ 5.0
A 5.0
A- 4.5
B+ 4.0
B 3.5
B- 3.0
C+ 2.5
C 2.0
D+ 1.5
D 1.0
F 0.0

The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) represents the grade point average of all graded modules (including failed modules) attempted by a student. The computation of CGPA is as follows:

CGPA =
sum (module grade point x module credits assigned to module)
sum (module credits assigned to all modules used in calculating the numerator)

The BA (Hons) classification and corresponding CGPA requirement are as follows:

CGPA Range Classification of Award
4.50 – 5.00 Honours (Highest Distinction)
4.00 – 4.49 Honours (Distinction)
3.50 – 3.99 Honours (Merit)
3.00 – 3.49 Honours (Commendation)
2.00 – 2.99 Honours
0.00 – 1.99 Will not graduate

3The period of candidature for a BA (Hons) programme is as follows:

Entry Period of Candidature
Normal Maximum
For entry to Year 1 3 years 6 years
For direct entry to Year 2 2 years 4 years


Mode of Instruction

Various learning and teaching methods include workshops, rehearsals, productions, practical classes, laboratory/studio-based practice, screenings, lectures, seminars, tutorials, and web-based interactions. Student-led, self-directed, and collaborative learning are facilitated by lecturers and professional practitioners.

Assessment Methods

Students demonstrate their level of achievement in a diverse range of performance-making assessments. A variety of formative and summative assessment modes are used. Formative assessment includes relevant feedback strategies to enable students to meet the programme learning outcomes. For coursework, assessment submission formats include practical activities, oral presentations, performance, production and/or technical outputs, digital platforms and formats, essays, critical evaluation, journals/portfolios, project reports, dissertations, research projects, performance texts/scores/plays. For examination, assessment submission formats include practical, written, oral, peer assessment, degree show and creative journals.

Career Pathways

Upon the completion of this programme, dynamic careers in the following areas await:

  • Acting
  • Administration and Management
  • Directing
  • Performance
  • Playwriting or Dramaturgy
  • Theatre Making or Performance Making
  • Somatic Practices
  • Stage or Production Management

 

Students' Work

Modules

The BA (Hons) Contemporary Chinese Theatres programme aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills required for emerging professional theatre artists, providing development opportunities for them to become highly skilled and knowledgeable theatre makers, performers, policy makers, and artists. Chinese Theatres encompass theatre with Mandarin as the medium, Chinese dialects, ethnic Chinese, theatre created by ethnic Chinese, theatre exploring Chinese culture, and theatre exContemporary Theatre Creation 2ploring Chinese cultural identities in multicultural contexts. The programme will enable you and theatremakers of diverse nationalities and creative backgrounds to come together to scrutinise shared identities, intersecting histories, and potentially intertwined futures.

Singapore has always been a hub where cross-cultural exchanges happen, making it a strategic position to provide you with the opportunity to explore theatre from a unique perspective. The programme will put Singapore on the world map as we lead the thinking and making of Chinese theatre with a contemporary approach.

Code Title Semester Credits
NBCT1101

Theatre Studies 1

This module offers an introduction to the forms and practices of Chinese and Western theatres and examines how their development intersected in the last century. You will critically reflect on the ways in which each influenced the other and consider the questions: 'What is Chinese theatre?' and 'What is the future of Chinese theatre?'. As part of this theatre studies module, you will learn basic lighting and sound design.
1 20
NBCT1102

Theatre Practice Lab 1: Understanding Performance Practice

This module will introduce you to traditional performance techniques and performances that embody them. Doing so, it will help you to enhance your understanding of your cultural body in performance and creation practices. You will be guided to draw from the philosophy and practice of Tai Chi to explore the notion of the 'Chinese Body' in performing and creating performances. You will also be introduced to Stanislavski's methodology to create characters, and begin to train your voice and work with texts.
1 40
NBCT1201

Theatre Studies 2

This module offers a survey of the development of forms and practices in Singapore theatre. You will begin by exploring the development of theatre in Singapore in the 20th century and examine how it has drawn from Western, Chinese and Southeast Asian traditions. Through the study of Singapore theatre, you will be introduced to the concepts of multiculturalism and interculturalism. These concepts will further your critical consideration of the questions: 'What is Chinese theatre?' and 'What is the future of Chinese theatre?'. As part of this theatre studies module, you will also learn basic stage and costume design.
2 20
NBCT1202

Theatre Practice Lab 2: Exploring Performance Practice

This module introduces advanced performance techniques to support and enhance your understanding of your cultural body in performance and creation practices. You will continue to draw from the philosophy and practice of Tai Chi to explore the notion of the 'Chinese Body' in performing and creating performances. You will also explore Western theories and methods of movement. Ultimately, this module will guide you to engage these techniques to support your physical and vocal performance.
2 40
NBCT2103

Performance Research 1: Critical Theory 1

In this module, you will be equipped with a range of skills and strategies to conduct your own independent performance research. You will be introduced to critical theory and the most common approaches to performance analysis and criticism today. These approaches include actor-audience relationships, textuality and intertextuality, psychoanalysis, deconstruction, and theories of narrative, gender, sexuality, race and class.
1 10
NBCT2102

Theatre Practice Lab 3: Expanding Performance Practice

In this module, you will expand your performance skills through the exploration of Asian traditional forms. You will be exposed to Xiqu (戏曲) (Chinese Opera) and learn the four essential skills of Chang, Nian, Zuo, Da (唱念做打). You will also learn one form of Southeast Asian performance such as Malay Silat or Thai Khon before investigating how traditional forms can inform contemporary theatre performance.
1 30
NBCT2104

Contemporary Theatre Creation 1: Playwriting and Directing with Dramaturgical Frameworks

This module will develop your creation skills and practice. You will be taught fundamental and advanced techniques in playwriting and directing, with a focus on engaging with contemporary dramaturgical frameworks.
1 20
NBCT2203

Performance Research 2: Critical Theory 2

In this module, you will extend your understanding of multiculturalism and interculturalism to examine various questions relating to the notion of ‘Chineseness'. Does the term 'Chinese' refer specifically to an ethnicity, a nationality, a culture and a geographical region? What constitutes Chinese culture? Are Chinese Southeast Asians, Australians, Americans, Europeans and Africans still Chinese? What is contemporary Chinese theatre? Is there one contemporary Chinese theatre or many contemporary Chinese theatres? What about the concept of ‘transnational Chinese theatres’? Furthermore, how useful is the concept of the Sinophone in thinking about contemporary Chinese theatres? You will examine these questions through case studies and facilitated discussion and attempt to locate and dislocate Chineseness in contemporary theatre practice and discourse.
2 10
NBCT2202

Theatre Practice Lab 4: Mastering Performance Practice

In this module, you will continue to build your performance skills towards mastery through the exploration of Asian traditional forms. You will continue your training in Xiqu (Chinese Opera) and the four essential skills of Chang, Nian, Zuo, Da (唱念做打). You will also continue your training in one Southeast Asian form such as Malay Silat or Thai Khon and further investigate how traditional forms can inform contemporary theatre performance.
2 30
NBCT2204

Contemporary Theatre Creation 2: Intercultural Approaches

This module aims to expose you to contemporary intercultural performance practices and networks beyond Singapore. Underpinned by Kuo Pao Kun's concept of 'Open Culture', the module will provide you with a variety of source materials from different cultures to create theatre. You will learn about the intercultural working methods of major practitioners of Chinese theatres as well as acquire practical skills in devising theatre within an intercultural framework.
2 20
NBCT3104

Contemporary Theatre Creation 3: Industry Production

This module is a culmination of the knowledge and skills you have developed as a creator and performer in this course. You will be given the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively on a devised theatre project for live public audiences. A professional director will lead and guide you through a series of creation, rehearsal and production tasks. Your competency to complete these tasks at professional standards will be appraised by a panel of assessors.
1 40
NBCT3103

Performance Research 3: Practice Research

In this module, you will be introduced to practice research and equipped with relevant skills to conduct research in theatre and performance using this approach. You will learn how to identify a research topic, scope the research project, and develop an appropriate methodology. Additionally, you will be taught how to access secondary materials as well as adhere to academic conventions of citation and documentation.
1 20
NBCT3204

Contemporary Theatre Creation 4: Engaging New Technologies in Theatre

This module introduces the basic concepts and approaches to the use of new technology in theatre. It covers the use of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality, and the history and development of online theatre.
2 20
NBCT3203

Performance Research 4: Graduation Project

In this module, you will draw on the knowledge and skills in critical theory, performance practice and practice research which you have learned in this course to work on an independent research project. At the end of your research process, you will be required to submit a short thesis of 5,000 words (in English) or 10,000 characters (in Chinese). Your thesis should demonstrate intellectual enterprise, critical judgement and adequate familiarity with secondary material. It should also be documented according to the recognized conventions of scholarly presentation. Your thesis submission is to be accompanied by a presentation of a practice component such as a short performance or workshop.
2 40
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entry requirements

Find out about the entry requirements that apply to you.

  1. Monologue
    You are expected to perform a Mandarin monologue that you have learnt by heart, taken from a published playtext (2-3 minutes). Through the presentation of a monologue, the assessors will evaluate your:
    • Technical/artistic acumen.
    • Ability to communicate ideas physically and/or verbally.
    • Ability to perform a dramatic text – comprehension, characterization, 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.
  2. Guidelines for Video Recording and Submission (Online submission for applicants residing overseas):
    • The recording should be a clear and accurate representation of your performance. Do not edit the audio/visual of your recording.
    • The camera should be stationary for the performance.
    • The recording should show you in full body.
    • The recording should be submitted at least 2 days before the online interview.

  3. Interview and Workshop Audition
    Guidelines for Interview and Workshop In-person Audition:
    • The audition may take up to 1.5 hours.
    • Wear comfortable clothing that will allow for ease of movement.
  4. Interview
    You are expected to discuss why you want to study ‘Contemporary Chinese Theatres’ during the interview and share any relevant experience. Through the interview, the assessors will evaluate your:
    • Passion for the Chinese theatre and Performing Arts
    • Motivation for community involvement and engagement
    • Aptitude for self-directed learning and critical evaluation of work

    Audition Date
    27 October 2023
    3 November 2023
    26 January 2024
    16 February 2024
    15 March 2024
    19 April 2024

    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 fully in the interactive workshop. Through the workshop, the assessors will evaluate your:
    • Ability to communicate ideas physically and/or verbally.
    • Aptitude for creative problem solving.
    • Openness and willingness to collaborate creatively and respectfully with others.
    • Ability to create, develop and respond to new ideas and to work with new creative forms.
    • Openness and responsiveness to different cultural perspectives.

 

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is either one of the following qualifications:

  • Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level: Minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
  • Local Polytechnic Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
  • ITE Work-Study Diploma (WSDip)
  • Equivalent of Year 12 qualification

Applicants with a relevant diploma from NAFA, LASALLE or a recognised institution may be considered for direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor programme subject to availability of places.

Conditional Offers for Degree Admission
You may use the latest results available to apply for the programme if you have not received your final examination results. You will be given conditional offers and are still required to submit the following results, as applicable:
  • GCE A-Level results with minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
  • Polytechnic Diploma certificate and transcript
  • IB Diploma certificate and transcript
  • Final result slip/Proof of completion of Year 12

If you fail to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements, your conditional offer will be withdrawn.

 

An English Language proficiency* of at least*:

Entry Into IELTS TOEFL - iBT PTE ACADEMIC DUOLINGO
BA (Honours) 5.5 71 42 95

*Not applicable to applicants who have completed their NAFA diploma or diplomas/degrees from other institutions where English is the medium of instruction.

^Waived for NAFA applicants who have successfully completed NAFA’s Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama).

 

You may be eligible for Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL), through the demonstration of prior certification, exempting you for 120 credits or one level of study. APL does not apply to modules. You must be first eligible to enter the programme before APL can be considered.


How to Apply

Get started on your quest to become an art & design professional today! 

Apply online
Apply online here from 2 October 2023. The application is extended to 15 May 2024.

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

Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit the required documents for verification within five working days from the application date at:

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Campus 1 (Admissions counter at level 1)
80 Bencoolen Street
Singapore 189655

Operating Hours
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

Alternatively, you can email a copy of the required documents to [email protected].

Required documents for verification:
  1. NRIC for Singapore Citizens (SC) or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR), passport and valid Student’s Pass card (if applicable) for international students
  2. English qualifications (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL iBT), if applicable
  3. Academic certificates and transcripts:
    • For NAFA Diploma students
      • If you are currently in your final semester, you are not required to submit any transcript.
      • If you have graduated, please submit your Diploma certificate and full academic transcripts.
    • For Local Polytechnic Diploma students
      • If you are currently in your final semester, please submit your academic transcripts of your first 5 semesters. Subsequently, please submit your Diploma certificate and full academic transcript (all semesters) within 5 working days after the official release date
    • For other international qualifications
      • Please submit your most recent school examination or preliminary examination results, which must be certified by your school if you have not received your final results. Subsequently, please submit your final results and certificate within 5 working days from the official release date

Make payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter in NAFA or online

Make a payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter in NAFA or online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students.

Receive an email with the audition details

You will receive an email from the Student Admissions Office with the details of your audition upon receipt of all required documents.

Application outcome

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