Starlit Voice Drama Program Raises Bar
27-2-15
By: Meaghan McGurgan
A lot of mommy readers in Hong Kong come to me with questions about what drama classes, I recommend. I was a teacher in Hong Kong for four years and over that time, learned a lot about Hong Kong's art education system and the plethora of options that parents have when it comes to arts education.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Vincent Warren of Starlit Voice on my podcast. A well known teacher on the scene, Mr. Warren is always a pleasure to speak to. He's helped create a new drama education program that is not performance based but rather skills based. (Something that until this time has been sorely lacking in the market.)
Working with LAMDA, (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), they hope to create a program that focuses on creating well rounded theatre artisans and teaching students about the art of acting, rather than the art of performing. "All our team members are specialists in Drama and Performing Arts education. They bring with them a wealth of experience and an unquestionable passion for what they do. This is what continues to inspire our students and help them to achieve their goals. Also students benefit from our structured programmes... which truly encourages the best results and adds international validation and recognition to what we do."
Founded in 1861, The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is one of the oldest drama schools in the United Kingdom. LAMDA has provided theatre and the world of film and television with generation upon generation of first class actors. It has a reputation for excellence and it’s examinations are accredited as an awarding body by Ofqual, the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations regulator in England.
But not everyone can join in the fun... Starlit Voice's drama program is by audition only. If you want to get involved with the program, contact them now! Students will need to prepare a one minute monologue, a song and then participate in a choreographed dance routine, just like at a real audition. So, even if your future star doesn't make the program they get the experience of doing a professional audition. Auditions are February 28th from 3:30-5:30. You can find out more information about the auditions at their website.
It's exciting to see a new type of drama training coming to Hong Kong. Something more like what drama students are exposed to overseas in the US and UK. Often times, a main complaint from parents and students is that the Hong Kong classes are too singular in focus, too focused on performing productions rather than learning skills and students aren't properly prepared to be multi-talented performers. Starlit's program seems to very different than that as students learn about acting, directing, theatrical design, and even arts critcism over the twelve week course.
Here's hoping Starlit will be the trendsetter and make drama education about loving and learning the art form over looking cute in a costume on stage for pictures.
You can also listen to Vincent's interview on this week's podcast.
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