Why I Chose It

Enrolling in this programme has helped a lot in helping me decide what I really like and what to do in the future. Being exposed to theatre, film, musical theatre, writing, media etc, has really widened my options. Also, one of the biggest benefits I have gotten from the Diploma in Performing (DPA) programme would be self-confidence and self-esteem. Prior to DPA, I couldn’t talk to a crowd. And last but not least, DPA has taught me most of everything I know about the arts. Two-and-a-half years here taught me life, fun and survival!
Diandra Arjunaidi, 2008 intake

I have had no regrets having chosen this programme over a normal Pre-U course even though my SPM results (10A’s) invited scholarship offers. I choose this programme because I believe in doing what I love. The arts is a very broad field and all the experiences and things I have learned at the department and outside came to be of use in surprising ways. And the skills I have developed here, from writing to management, can be applied to any other fields. For example, I used my improvisation and acting skills to get a job with SIA.
Sally Ann Chan, 2008 intake

It’s fun, exciting, challenging. We learn a lot of things, from behind the camera to in front of the camera, on-stage and off.
Tania Prabha, 2009 intake

Besides performing, with its wide range of classes, it has also equipped me with skills to be a writer, producer and even filmmaker.
Amelia Chen, 2005 intake

DPA has changed me to be a better person. I used to be the quietest in the class and dared not voice out anything even though I spotted problems. But now I have opened up and am not afraid to voice out anymore.
Lynn Loo, 2008 intake

If you are interested in acting, stage-managing, directing, designing, theatre and film, it’s a good place to enrol yourself because the programme introduces you to many different various subjects. Then your job scope will be very wide.
Joyce Tay, 2007 intake

You should enter this programme if your dreams and passions are located in the theatre or film industry. It is a world where you discover your true self.
Yong Zhen Kheng, 2009 intake

I have always wanted to be an actor, but now, instead of acting only, I would also like to be a professional stage director and stage manager and work in different kinds of productions in different places with different people.
Olivia Kang, 2007 intake

I have been acting professionally since 2002 being involved in sitcoms, dramas, tele-movies, commercials and films. I loved what I was doing but then I started to think that acting just wasn’t enough. I wanted to learn more. What goes on behind the camera, how to produce, how is a screenplay written, what are the acting methods? I wanted to know it all.
Sharifah Sofia, 2005 intake

I have learnt how to communicate with people better and expand my contacts. I have also become more confident in being around people.
Joanne Ooi, 2008 intake

I chose to study here because of the quality of the lecturers, the subjects in the programme, and the reputation of the institution. Also because I can go for further studies after finishing my diploma here.
Barbara Tiu, 2009 intake

Because the programme covers a wide variety of studies in theatre and film, it has given me a better perspective of knowing what I want. I also chose it because I have always wanted to explore acting.
June Wong, 2007 intake

I personally think that this programme will help you build self-confidence, independent and creative thinking, presentation skills, discipline, time management and all these will be essential to any career you pursue.
Aaron Teoh, 2006 intake

The programme shattered my impression that the performing arts were a fun and easy-going occupation. It was fun, no doubt, but it also required a great deal of teamwork, discipline and passion.
Tengku Amalia Zahirah, 2005 intake

It takes perseverance and a lot of hard work to finish this programme as the lecturers, who are also industry practitioners, are passionate and take their job very seriously. Truth be told, it is a painful process BUT you’ll be glad with the end results.
Adrian Teh, 2006 intake

This diploma has set me on a path where I now know where I stand in the world and where I go from here. It has also made me more worldly and empathetic, with a more knowledgeable, understanding perspective of our universe. In other words, I have become more human.
Lee Zhi-Li, 2008 intake