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Friday 15 Dec 2023
Exploring the Enchanting World of Cirque du Soleil NKCS×Cirque du Soleil

DRAMA

"We're taking pieces of life and representing it.

That's also your ability to step out of your own mind and put on somebody else's shoes, to understand from a different perspective. It is going to be hugely useful no matter what industry you work in.”

At NKCS, we offer two exceptional academic drama curriculums to our students. In grades 9 and 10, we follow the IGCSE Drama curriculum, while in grades 11 and 12, we offer the IB DP Theatre program. These curriculums provide extraordinary opportunities for the development of confidence, collaborative skills, and confident communication. We also organize excursions and expert-led workshops to foster artistic and creative growth.

  

  

Recently, our students experienced the awe-inspiring Cirque du Soleil Workshop, facilitated by renowned director-choreographer team Annie and Jones Talmadge. Their presence added a layer of excellence to the workshop, ensuring our students received the highest level of instruction and mentorship.

Annie and Jones Talmadge have collaborated for many years, creating numerous award-winning stage productions and films. Their expertise extends beyond coaching and performing, as they have worked with esteemed companies such as Diavolo Architecture in Motion, Cirque du Soleil, and even made appearances on America's Got Talent. Their contributions to the world of theatrical performance and circus production have been exceptional.

  

The Cirque du Soleil Workshop aligned seamlessly with our curriculum and provided our students with a captivating experience to delve into the world of theatrical and circus production. They learned from industry experts, witnessed the magic of artistic expression firsthand, and gained insights into the history and philosophy of Cirque du Soleil.

Devised Theatre

For our grade 10 students in the IGCSE 0411 curriculum, the workshop focused on devised theatre, where they collaboratively created original performances using a wide range of dramatic techniques. Under the guidance of industry experts, our students honed their devised theatre skills and gained insights into the professional world of theatrical and circus production.

In the IBDP Theatre program for grades 11 and 12, the workshop aligned with the collaborative project component of their curriculum. Students from different grade levels worked together as an ensemble, exchanging knowledge and inspiration. This facilitated learning and fostered relationships, creating a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.

  

Physical Theatre

Beyond the specific curriculum alignment, the workshop delved into the intricacies of physical theatre and encompassed various elements that enriched our students' artistic growth and development, challenging students to push their physical boundaries and emphasizing the collaborative nature of theatrical production. It instilled invaluable life skills such as enhanced communication, confidence building, creative problem-solving, and effective teamwork.

Self Expression

'When it comes to a WHOLE, magic will happen...'

— G11 Jo Z.

The cross-grade collaboration that the workshop facilitated was truly remarkable as students from different grade levels had the opportunity to work side by side, exchanging ideas, supporting one another, and learning from each other's experiences. This intermingling of grade groups created a vibrant and inclusive environment, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community within our drama department.

  

'It reminds me that performers should be strongly connected to the performance first in order to let the audience believe what they're doing'

— G12 Fox L.

Throughout the workshop, our students embraced the opportunity with unwavering enthusiasm, making remarkable contributions to the creative process. Beyond mastering non-verbal communication, they discovered newfound confidence and the power of self-expression. By harnessing their creativity and stepping out of their comfort zones, they conveyed profound stories and exemplified the essence of ensemble performance.

We are immensely proud of our students' achievements and their continued growth as artists. The Cirque du Soleil Workshop will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their artistic journeys and inspire them to reach new heights in their theatrical pursuits.

As a school committed to providing exceptional opportunities for our students' growth, the Cirque du Soleil workshop stands as a shining example of our dedication. It exemplified our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students to engage with industry professionals and develop their skills in alignment with our IGCSE and IBDP Theatre curriculums.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Annie and Jones Talmadge, we were truly in awe of their ability to elevate our students' capabilities and foster an environment where creativity thrived and to our school community for their unwavering support in making this event a resounding success.