As part of Explore Singapore! 40 lucky folks got to hang with Hossan Leong and Paerin Chua at ACM last Thursday night. They were there to learn basic drama skills and were treated to an exclusive chance to roam the museum, after hours!

come check out the videos!

The participants ran the gamut:

Hossan and Paerin started by briefing the budding actors on what to expect during the workshop,

then got things rolling with an ice-breaking excercise where you introduced yourself and did an action that everyone had to follow:

Following which, teams were formed and team-leaders were chosen.

This group decided on the time-tested method of finding a leader – Oh Ah Peh Ah Som *grin*

Once in groups, they began hands-on drama exercises. Here’s Hossan teaching them to create tableaux in order to tell stories.

The next activity had them searching the South-East Asian gallery to look for answers to Hossan’s quiz. Some took their time, carefully reading the wall panels,

while others raced away:

youtube text link

and some decided to get a little help. *grin*

Armed with their answers, teams began to plan their skits. Other than incorporating the museum trivia that they had just uncovered, they were given full creative license. Each team took to this task in their own way, some sitting down and planning,

while others just went straight to action:

youtube text link

This team, which finished the trivia hunt first, snagged the prime spot for their rehearsal.

youtube text link

Ok, now that they’ve worked out the logic of their script, let’s try that again:

youtube text link

Haha! Here’s their finished product:

youtube text link

All the skits were entertaining and surprisingly well put together, given the time constraints. My personal favourite would be this team:

youtube text link

And thanks to them, I’ll always remember what a Makara is!