- Imparts rigorous training and education in two inter-related fields: theatre and audio-visual production using professional video tools.
- Stretches students with our challenging team of lecturers who are established professionals and scholars.
- Gets our graduates geared up for work and further studies, locally and abroad.
- Has arranged one-year pathway to BA degrees for our graduates.
The Diploma in Performing Arts (DPA) at Sunway University offers a unique curriculum that covers both theatre and audio-visual production while maintaining a fine balance between hands-on and academic classes. As a result, our graduates end up with comprehensive and cross-disciplinary skills, knowledge and abilities – many doors are open to them where work and further studies are concerned.
A number of our DPA graduates have chosen to continue their education. They usually make use of the no-fuss, one-year transfer pathway to one of our affiliated universities in Tasmania, Melbourne and Wales, to study drama, performance, film and digital media. Many of those who opt to start working get involved in project-based freelance work. The spectrum of jobs available to them is broad, ranging from performing on stage, television and film to behind-the-camera and back-stage work. The latter includes production crew, production management, editing, writing, producing, office administration as well as teaching drama. A smaller number of our graduates work at full-time jobs with media production houses and theatre companies, while several enterprising individuals have started collaborative and commercial ventures in audio, music and theatre production.
This diverse after-diploma scene is reflective of the diversity of individuals who come into our two-in-one DPA programme. Many already have an interest in performance and/or film. They want to act, direct or write. Others who come in with music and dance backgrounds may want to sing, dance, choreograph, compose and perform their own songs, or perform in musical theatre. Yet others may be the shy and quiet types who want to be involved in the arts but behind-the-scenes. Whatever their entry points, all students get exposed to new ideas, skills and knowledge on the DPA programme. They acquire new abilities and interests while developing the ones they already have. Because the programme covers a wide variety of subjects in theatre and film, it helps them to form a clearer perspective of what they want to do eventually, especially after they have had a taste of the ‘real world’ through a 12-week internship stint.
While the DPA can open the door to a bright future, it is only the starting point to a long career. Creativity researchers have come up with what they call the “10-year rule” which indicates that no truly great creative contributions can come without at least 10 years of intense effort and preparation. Therefore, to give them a head-start, our students are taught by a dynamic team of lecturers, comprising established theatre and film practitioners and scholars. Besides sharing their well-seasoned skills and knowledge with students, they also provide invaluable networking and artistic and professional insights. |
| Year 1: Laying the foundation |
| Video Tools: |
A hands-on class on how to handle professional audio-visual equipment: cameras, lights and sound-recording equipment. |
Improvisation:
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This is a practical class that introduces students to acting and ways of creating short scenes using improvisation. |
| Professional Skills: |
This class covers basic professional skills and study that students will use in their other classes and future career, such as presentation skills, teamwork and report writing. |
| Theatre Practices: |
This theory subject introduces students to theatre as an artistic and cultural practice which has an enduring appeal across time and cultures. |
| Cinema Studies: |
This theory subject introduces film art and filmmaking by covering the fundamentals of film form and film style. |
| Introduction to Audio-VIsual Production: |
Students will learn the concept and process of filmmaking using professional audio-visual equipment. |
Script Writing:
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Students will learn the basic elements and process of script writing.
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| Voice & Movement: |
After being introduced to acting, students will learn the basic techniques which actors use to develop their voice and body. |
| Thought & Writing: |
This subject introduces basic skills for writing academic papers and doing library research. |
| Media & Culture: |
Students will acquire an understanding of media and culture from this theory subject. |
| Theatre Project: |
Students will learn how to put together a theatre production by creating and performing a show for the public. |
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Year 2: Deepening skills and knowledge |
| Acting & Text: |
A practical acting class that focuses on characterisation and working with performance text. |
| Audio-Visual Production: |
After students have learnt the basics of audio-visual production, they acquire more advanced hands-on skills and knowledge of the pre-production and production phases of audio-visual production. |
| Production Design Theory: |
Students are introduced to the fundamental elements and concepts of production design which are relevant to both audio-visual and stage production, such as set, costume and lighting design. |
| Production Management: |
This subject covers the management and marketing aspects of theatre and audio-visual production. |
| World Cinema: |
A theory subject that helps students to develop an understanding and appreciation of the relationships between regional and international film traditions. |
| Audio-Visual Post-Production: |
Students move on to acquire more advanced hands-on skills and knowledge of audio-visual post-production including editing techniques and the use of professional audio and visual editing equipment. |
| Directing for the Camera: |
This subject introduces students to the work of the film director, including how to work with actors and direct them for the camera. |
| Career Management: |
Students will learn a range of essential information and skills pertinent to a career in the theatre, media and related industries, such as resume writing, project organisation and industry networking. |
| Modern Theatre: |
This theory subject covers the development of modern theatre by studying the selected works of influential Western and Asian playwrights and directors. |
| Malaysian Arts & Culture: |
This subject covers the traditional and contemporary performing and media arts in Malaysia, with emphasis on performance and film/video. It helps students to deepen their understanding of their studies and eventual careers in the context of the arts and culture of their society. |
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Final Year: Stepping out
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Final-Year Theatre
and Audio-Visual Projects: |
Working collaboratively with their classmates and under the supervision of lecturers, students produce audio-visual and theatre works for showing to the public. They are responsible for all aspects of these projects, from conceptualisation and plannning to the completion of the projects which culminate in organising performances and screenings for a general public. |
| Internship:
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For three months, students are attached to companies and organisations in positions which are relevant to their training and education and which will allow them to apply, develop or extend their skills and knowledge |
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