The Arts Thrive at XCL World Academy! Students Share Their Unforgettable Experiences in XWA’s Performing Arts Programme

Want your kids to explore and hone their artistic side? XCL World Academy’s Performing Arts Programme allows students to thrive in Visual Art, Theatre and Music

Do you remember the first time you put up a school play? What about when you held a role and had a hand in putting the show together with your classmates? That’s what XCL World Academy (XWA)’s Performing Arts Programme is all about – giving students a chance to take charge and unlock their full potential in the arts, all while learning skills that are transferable to other subjects and life beyond school. The programme is designed to prepare students for overall success at the IB Diploma level through using concepts and contexts, developing creativity, subject-specific skills and Approaches to Teaching and Learning (ATL) skills.

Guided by a talented and creative faculty of experienced teachers, students at XWA are taught foundational skills in Visual Art, Theatre and Music while also being challenged to explore and express their own artistic vision. The programme stimulates young imaginations and provides students with a wealth of skills that can be applied to other aspects of their lives.

Theatre is one of the subjects in the XWA Performing Arts Programme, and has the unique ability to help students develop confidence and good public speaking skills. XWA’s Theatre programme hones your child’s basic performing arts and creative dramatics skills. Students learn how to refine their communication and performance skills, gain a deeper understanding of theatre’s history and practice, and investigate how Theatre can be used as a catalyst for social change and reflection.

The school’s inspiring arts facilities include a grand 750-seat auditorium, a fully equipped drama room, spectacular visual art rooms and a comprehensive suite of music and practice rooms, allowing students to create, compose and record their work.

Annual Student-led Theatrical Production at XWA

For the first time in two years, XWA was able to forge ahead without any restrictions on casting or audience capacity – the cast and crew amounted to some 80 students from Grade 6 through to Grade 12 and an audience of over 1,200 guests over two performance nights! The school presented OLIVER! The Musical, by Lionel Bart.

Every year, XWA stages a full-scale theatrical production that emphasises the importance of working both individually and collaboratively as part of an ensemble. It gives students the opportunity as creators, designers, directors and performers to engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists who gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community and the world.

Directed by the XWA’s Head of the Arts Department and IB MYP & DP Theatre Teacher Mandi Manson, the production saw more opportunities for student agency on the design, leadership and production side of things with Grade 12 Theatre students stepping into roles of responsibility such as Cast Manager, Stage Manager, Creative Crew Manager and Dance Captains amongst others. XWA also encourages students to be mindful of taking a more sustainable approach with the set, props and costume design, by reusing and repurposing existing stock from past productions.

Here’s what some of the XWA Grade 12 Cast and Production Team students had to say:

“This year’s production was by far the most rewarding experience. Unlike previous productions, this year I had the honour to play a character while simultaneously balancing the responsibilities of Cast Manager. I had the opportunity to bond with an extremely hard-working, dedicated and resilient cast of artists, all of which added to a shared atmosphere of respect and love. It was truly a wonderful experience, and I am utterly grateful.”
– Marilena Kolokotsa, ‘Nancy’ and Cast Manager

“Our school’s productions were always a facet of growth for me, as an introvert. I started as a shy performer, and productions have always let me grow out of my shell. As Bumble, one of the major characters in the musical, I grew into a more bombastic person, comfortable with even the silliest lines on stage.”
– Adelin Grace Conanan, ‘Bumble’ and Stage Manager

“Being my last performance at school, the opportunity of having a featured role and also being a Dance Captain enabled me to form different relationships with performers from the ages of 10 to 18. It was a memorable experience to collaborate on set and become close to those who you would least expect a friendship from.”
– Hanna Semenjuk, ‘Mrs Bedwin’ and Dance Captain

XWA strives to identify the most talented students worldwide. Students in Grades 6 to 11 with exceptional potential are encouraged to apply for Scholarships in their area of excellence for the Academic Year 2023-2024. Scholarship offerings span Academics, Specialisation (Arts, Sports, Academic Achievements) and Community Service. Find out more about the Scholarships here!

Want your child to have unforgettable experiences like these? Book a personalised tour to find out more about the XWA’s Theatre Programme and how this school helps students become confident leaders of tomorrow!

XCL World Academy, 2 Yishun Street 42, Singapore 768039, Tel: (+65) 6230 4230