ISTA / KL Drama Exchange

***Applications for KL DRAMA trip are now CLOSED. ISTA applications will be taken until Tuesday, Dec. 10. 

This year, there are not one but two opportunities for students to travel! Our goal is to make this accessible to more students by offering more opportunities and a more economical option. 

Please read the information carefully to determine which trip is best suited for you. Students may only attend one trip.

On the application form, you can indicate your preferred trip or request to be considered for both, but you must select a first choice. 

Trip #1:    ISKL DRAMA EXCHANGE

Why the exchange?

The ISKL (International School of Kuala Lumpur) and SAS (Singapore American School) middle school drama departments launched this exchange program to bridge the gap between cultural understanding and theatre education in the Southeast-Asian region. Recognizing that current theatre opportunities for middle school students are heavily influenced by Eurocentric and Western traditions, this exchange will introduce students to Southeast Asian theatre art forms, offering them the chance to collaborate with local practitioners and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region. At its core, this program serves as both a cultural and artistic exchange, expanding students' perspectives and broadening their creative horizons.

Trip Details?

• Students will leave SAS via bus on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 3:15 pm. 

• Students will take part in two days of Masterclasses and  Taster Workshops culminating in a showcase. 

• The return bus will depart ISKL at 10 am. on Sunday, Jan. 26, and will arrive at SAS at approximately 2 pm. 

• Students will miss one day of school. 

• SAS students will be hosted in pairs by an ISKL student of the same gender who is also part of the exchange. 

• Hosting is a mandatory part of the experience as it gives students a chance to have a different cultural experience. 

• Our exchange is taking place over a HS IASIS weekend, so there will be food trucks for the students to enjoy at lunch and they'll have an opportunity to support the HS athletes.

• Saturday students will have a showcase performance for the local community of ISKL.

• Saturday night host families will do something social with their guests.

• Itinerary and workshop descriptions: LINK

COST:   $300 SGD. 

This fee includes:

• bus

• travel insurance

• 3 chaperones

• hiring of artists and expenses 

*Not included: Lunch money & spending money, a host gift and Malaysian visa (if required). 

FULL PAYMENT will be due electronically:  Monday, Dec. 16th 

*Refunds will only be available if we can find a student to replace your child.

Time Commitment: Selected students should plan to meet 2-3 times in January before departure. This time will be used to build an ensemble, select workshops, write to your host families, and review the plans. 

Trip #2: Beijing, China ISTA Festival Trip

What is ISTA?

The International Schools Theatre Association (ISTA) 

• An organization of schools and theatre directors from around the world.

• Since 1983, ISTA has sponsored annual theatre festivals at various locations around the world.

• Every year there are 25-30 events that take place at different locations around the globe.

• At each festival, students from various international schools meet for 3 days.

• During the process, students from each school are mixed up and form a new ensemble with a director. 

• Based on the festival theme, students explore the host country's culture and use their experiences to create an ensemble performance. (These are not scripted plays, but devised by the students throughout the weekend)

• Students work in their ensemble, take part in specialized workshops, and end the weekend performing for the host school's community. 

Where and when is the festival this year?

• Hosted by Beijing City International School 77 Baiziwan South 2nd Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing, China 100022

• The festival dates are Friday, April. 25 to Sunday, April. 27th. 

• (Mandatory) Students will be expected to book their student-led conference for the morning of Thursday, April. 24th. 

• Students will depart for the airport from SAS campus at 1:45 pm on Thursday, April 24th. 

• Students will return to Singapore on Monday night at 11 pm. Parents will pick students up from the airport.

FESTIVAL THEME: Hutong Postcards

Beijing’s Hutongs are a maze of narrow alleyways that wind through the old part of the city, offering a glimpse into its rich history and traditional way of life. These narrow passageways, are remnants of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and present not just a journey through the physical space but also a journey through time, offering a unique and immersive cultural experience that engages the senses with sights and sounds, including sights of dragons at the entrances or roofs of some of its dwellings. Participants will also encounter The Story of The Dragon King to delve into the origins of some dragons they may find on their journey.

Cost: $1900 (Due prior to winter break to secure spot)

ISTA registration fee is non-refundable. 

Flights and hotel can be refunded until 6 weeks prior to the trip as long as we find a replacement student. 

This fee includes: 

• Flights (including 3 sponsors)

• Travel Insurance

• Ground Transportation

• 4 nights accommodations - twin rooms including breakfast (Mercure Hotel Beijing)

• ISTA registration fee and ISTA shirt. 

• Meals (except for food purchased at the airport)

• 1 evening excursion - walking tour (Sunday)

• 1 day trip to the Great Wall (Monday)

• This fee does NOT include airport snacks, spending money, and a Chinese visa (if applicable.) 

What is the time commitment?

Apart from the festival dates, we will have approximately 4 meetings. The purpose of the meetings are to build ensemble in the group, to work on drama skills, and take care of the paperwork. Once the ensemble is selected, we'll look for the most compatible time for the group. 

💫APPLICATION FORMS💥

ISTA Student Application:                                             CLOSED   (If you would like to be considered for BOTH festivals, fill in THIS FORM!)

KL Drama Exchange Student Application:       CLOSED

Parent Permission to Audition:            CLOSED

• There will be a maximum of 25 spots available in each slot. 

• Students will have an opportunity to sign up for a slot when filling out their form.

• In order to claim a time, both the parent permission form and the student form must be complete.                                  

• Once both forms have been completed, the student will receive an email confirming their time slot.

Where is the audition?      MS Drama Studio (S106)

What should I expect at the audition? 

1. Students do not need to prepare anything for the audition!!!

2. We will do various group and independent activities to see how you interact with your peers and cope with challenges outside of your comfort zone. 

3. While talent is important, enthusiasm for drama is what we really want to see. 

4. Students will be selected based on their enthusiasm for acting, their commitment to the SAS theater program, their ability to work with others, and their ability to act responsibly as a representative for SAS. 

5. A panel of 3 teachers will take part in the selection process. 

6. Your advisor and other teachers will be solicited for feedback on the student’s core values. (Students will be asked for teacher references on their form)

7. Confidence, focus, and communication skills are the key. 

8. The main thing is to have fun and remember there are a limited number of spots.

How will I know if I made it? 

• Before the audition, the panel will read over the information you and your parents have supplied and talk to your teacher references.

• Final results will be sent by email (Date shared at audition).

• Results are always sent by email so that you have an opportunity to digest this information and deal with disappointment with the help of your family. *While we wish we could take everyone, this just is not possible. Our goal is that you enjoy the process and learn from the experience.

Do you have any audition advice for students trying out for the first time?

• Find a way to stand out. Don’t be part of a mob – everyone running around doing the same thing.

• Don’t hang out with your friend!!! Work with someone new every chance you get!

• Make sure your face, body & voice are expressive and that you face the audience.

• Be a leader, but also listen to your group.

• Enthusiasm is great, but make sure you also have control and focus. Demonstrate that you can listen!