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Whether it’s Malaysia’s own Ola Bola the Musical…
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Or Broadway’s Hamilton…
… there’s something magical and inspiring about how theatre is performed and presented to the audience with its elaborate sets, costumes and music.
What if we told you it’s possible for you to study towards becoming a star performer or working behind the scenes for a spectacular theatre show?
Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of Performing Arts (Hons), also known as TUTAS, is the first Performing Arts Conservatory Degree in Malaysia established in collaboration with The Actors Studio.
A Performing Arts Conservatory Degree is different from a normal degree, as it is a very focused programme that gives specialised and rigorous training, and admission is based on auditions. This local programme gives students access to industry experts, and internships as well as opportunities in theatre productions locally or abroad. The programme also does continuous research on improving the performing arts industry in Malaysia.
The collaboration between Taylor’s University and The Actors Studio means that you’ll be under the guidance of leading icons in the theatre industry—two of which has been around the performance arts scene for a long time: Joe Hasham OAM and his wife, Dato’ Dr Faridah Merican, who are both Adjunct Professors and the Programme’s Artistic Directors.
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The Conservatory Degree’s 3-year programme has two paths you can choose from—Performance Track and Technical Theatre Track. Get a glimpse of what to expect:
Joe is the Artistic Director and co-founder of Malaysia’s The Actors Studio, which he set up with Faridah in 1989. Before moving to Malaysia, he was one of the most sought-after actors in Australia. He went on to become a multi-award-winning director, actor, writer and recording artist.
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Faridah’s early acting credits include plays such as Lela Mayang, Tok Perak and Uda dan Dara—works that defined Malaysian theatre in the 60s and 70s, while also determining the direction local theatre would take for the next few decades. She has been recognised for her contributions: she a BOH Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 and was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award under the Arts, Culture and Entertainment category of the Inaugural Malaysian Women of Excellence Awards in 2014, among others.
If you’re interested in applying for the Performance Track, be prepared for a 2-day audition process!
Don’t be too nervous—it’s a good way to find out what you’re getting yourself into. Here’s a sneak peek at what it’s going to be like:
In fact, our very own Ean from the HITZ Morning Crew got a taste of the audition process himself. Check out his experience:
If you’re thinking about going into the Technical Theatre Track, you’ll be sitting for an interview to discuss on production tasks, understanding the course, and your career aspirations.
Wondering what comes after your university studies?
As artistes, you have plenty of opportunities in theatre companies—but your career won’t be restricted to only theatre. You could be working as a TV broadcaster, film director, and even work in education, events management and community art centres.
So what are you waiting for? Dream big and start your future in the arts by clicking here.