Home⇛Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal⇛vol. 50 no. 7 (2025)

Perceptions of International Students on the Implementation of Professional Diploma in Intercultural Theatre (Acting) Institute of Singapore

Ismael Gallaza Pantao | Fortunato Bacus

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Intercultural theater acting is a distinctive opportunity to understand the creative process of an actor performing on stage. This study aimed to determine students' perceptions of the implementation of intercultural theater (acting) at the Intercultural Theatre Institute Singapore. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological tradition. It involved five (5) key informants and six (6) participants in focus group discussions, who were the respondents in the study. Key Informant Interview and Focus Group Discussion guide questions were used to generate qualitative data needed for this study. Interviews were conducted on an online platform via Zoom video conferencing for the period of May 1 -9, 2020. The data were analyzed using RQDA. Based on the narratives of the international students, the program implementation of the ITI was very good. The program's implementation focused on intercultural development and the promotion of the arts in a multicultural setting. Also, the study found that the faculty members of ITI, whose levels of expertise are diverse, employed differentiated instruction. In terms of the learning environment, the institute was to provide international students with excellent workshop facilities designed to support skills development in theater arts. In addition, the experiences of the international students deepened their understanding of the four traditional art forms, such as Kutiyattam, Beijing Opera, Noh Theater, and Wayang Wong. Nevertheless, the institute applies literary theory to theater arts, which consequently results in very high-quality performances by the actors. Hence, it is recommended that the Intercultural Theatre Institute of Singapore continue to strengthen program implementation in an intercultural setting by engaging the faculty in professional development activities, providing students with the necessary materials, and enhancing the facilities.



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