IF you are aged 15 to 35 and are interested in drama, then the “Let’s Play: Youth Drama Course” that will be held by Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) will be suitable for you to join and learn the ropes.
PYDC, in collaboration with Triple I Production House as project manager and supported by MyPenang Creative and Pusat Khidmat Rakyat Parlimen Balik Pulau, is organising the course as part of its “Youth With Rhythm” initiative under its new “Youth In Drama” sub-initiative.
Penang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, who oversees PYDC under his portfolio, was present at Penang Youth Space in Jelutong to launch the ceremony today.
He said the idea of drama for youth was first mooted by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
“I believe that this course will be highly beneficial for the youth in our community, not only by providing them with a platform to showcase their talents, but also by enhancing their self-confidence and social skills.
“Drama and theatre can help young people build resilience and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in today’s rapidly changing world.
“The Penang government is committed to empowering our youth and providing them with opportunities to explore their potential.
“The “Let’s Play: Youth Drama Course” is an excellent platform for our young people to develop their creativity and express themselves through the performing arts,” Soon said in his speech.
He added that the course, for a start, would be held at two places – Bagan Jermal Youth Centre and Balik Pulau Youth Centre – and would be introduced to other districts depending on response.
PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling said PYDC is committed to continuing to develop the youth in a very holistic way through many different fields.
She said PYDC’s new initiative, “Youth In Drama,” is essential, especially in today’s challenging times, where our theatre performance scene has been significantly impacted by the pandemic.
“Our goal is to provide opportunities for young people in Penang to explore their creativity and develop their talents through drama and theatre.
“The course comprises different modules and sessions, starting with a basic course followed by an advanced course, and finally a showcase performance where participants get to showcase their skills and present their drama performances after learning a lot throughout the courses.
“We hope to inspire more young people to pursue their passion in performing arts and realise their full potential,” Dr Gwee said.
She said the drama course is open for registration from this month and is limited to 25 participants.
It will be divided into three phases.
The first phase is “Let’s Play: Basic Youth Drama Course” which will be held from May 2023 to July 2023 and will comprise Module 1 and Module 2, totalling 12 sessions.
The basic course syllabus contains: 1. Acting classes (Basic) x3, 2. Body movement class (Basic), 3. Stage management system class, and 4. Vocal training class.
The second phase is “Let’s Play: Advanced Youth Drama Course” which will be held from August 2023 to November 2023 and will comprise Module 3 and Module 4, totalling another 12 sessions.
The advanced course syllabus contains: 1. Advanced classes (Advanced) x2, 2. Body movement class (Advanced), 3. Technical Class, 4. Scriptwriting Class, 5. Makeup & Costume Class.
The third phase is Showcase Performance which is scheduled for November 2023 to allow participants to show what they have learned and the skills they have acquired.
The course will be conducted in three languages which are in Mandarin and also a dual language class in Malay and English. PYDC, Soon said, will consider including the Tamil language in future.
Each language will have two separate classes at two different locations which are Bagan Jermal Youth Centre and Balik Pulau Youth Centre, totalling four different classes.
The registration fee for the course is RM30 and it is fully refundable upon 75% attendance or more.
For furthermore information about the programme, please contact Wazir Bakri, programme executive for PYDC, via the number 012-5579281 or email at [email protected].
Others present at the press conference were MBPP counsellor Edward Tan, who is also the Balik Pulau parliamentary temporary officer, PYDC assistant general manager Ng Hooi Ting, Triple 1 Production House creative director Jason Ong, and several coaches and trainers.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting