Let learning take centre stage
THERE is never a day that the auditorium at Taylor’s International School (TIS) Puchong is not alive with script and symphony. Every student who passes through the auditorium doors harbours a dream or passion of being on stage.
A combination of drama and music, performing arts is part of a value-added experience for students at TIS Puchong. Principal David Flint believes that performing arts is a critical part of the curriculum.
“It enables students to develop a host of skills as well as discover knowledge and experiences that are not readily available in other subjects,” says Flint.
Besides encouraging creativity, Flint recognises that performing arts has the power to improve students’ holistic learning.
From presentation and teamwork to storytelling and imagination, these skills can help students build a toolkit to tackle other aspects of school, career and learning.
TIS Puchong’s performing arts director Ian Schoeman agrees, saying, “In this modern world, skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity are actively taught and exercised by those engaged in the arts. Performing arts teaches many skills that are required for both further studies and the workplace.”
According to him, in reality, careers in performing arts do come with a fair share of misconceptions. TIS Puchong’s performing arts department is determined to prove that career options are not limited to just acting and singing.
“Designers, engineers, financiers, location scouts, managers, scientists and legal professionals are all necessary when it comes to producing shows, movies and television shows,” reveals Schoeman.
“The skills learnt on and off the stage are vital for all spheres of life. Performing arts as a whole supports every pillar of the community and everyone may benefit from lessons taught and experiences gained,” he shares.
To battle misconceptions, Schoeman wants to showcase how the school can affect the community.
“We encourage those interested in the performing arts to visit the school, watch a show and interact with the cast, crew and producers. Experience is a great teacher and all myth and misconception can be dispelled if people are given a chance to just delve into the theatre and performances for themselves,” says Schoeman.
This month, you can experience it yourself with TIS Puchong’s upcoming musical production – Hairspray.
An adaptation of the original musical, Hairspray follows the journey of a dance enthusiast named Tracy Turnblad who wins a coveted spot on the fictional The Corny Collins Show .Whenthe teenager’s newfound fame turns her into an overnight sensation, she has to go toe-to-toe with the show’s reigning dance queen.
As energetic and enthusiastic as the original musical, the school’s Hairspray production will be amplified with hilarious, quickwitted one-liners.
Foot-tapping numbers such as You Can’t Stop the Beat and Welcome to the 60s will make appearances as well.
Schoeman anticipates that the audience will find themselves singing some of these tunes for weeks afterwards.
“The audience can expect a great performance from our students be it through acting, dancing or singing, as well as a feast of colours for the eyes. I am sure that the whole show will be a memorable experience and we look forward to hearing the audience sing along,” he says.
Catch TIS Puchong’s musical production of Hairspray from March 22 to 24 at the school auditorium. Tickets are now available. To purchase tickets, call 03-5879 5000 or visit www.ticketor.com/tispc