What has IB Theatre Arts done for me?

Over the years we’ve been very lucky at the St Andrews Drama Department to have taught wonderful IB Theatre Arts students. As a group, they are keen to stay in touch and regularly come to visit us to say hello and share what they’ve been up to. When asked how they benefited from taking IB Theatre Arts here are some responses:

Jeen 

‘My name is Jeen Prach Rojanasinwilai, I am currently working as a film director in Bangkok, I have worked on many projects ranging from Music videos, Fashion films and Short narrative films. I graduated from St Andrews in 2015, with an IB diploma. During my time in school, Theatre Arts was the subject that had the biggest influence on me and my current work. Learning this art helped me to bring a unique approach to filmmaking, by incorporating the style of theatre and performance into use, but this time, with a camera. I always believe that theatre is just like a movie, but it frames only in a Wide shot. So what I’ve learnt in balancing the performances in that one frame, really enhances my ability to block performances through a now varied point of view.

Tejale

‘I am currently studying Bachelor of Education in early childhood and primary education at Monash University in Melbourne. Theatre allowed me to view education in a much larger lens and in a holistic manner, giving me the opportunity to find learning in multiple interactions. It has also taught me to view education as a whole and acknowledge the different perspectives and ideas one may have towards it. For example, play is essential to a child’s development which links well to the idea of theatre and creativity, and that there is an opportunity of learning in everything we do.’

Kulinna

‘I have been taking a gap year from NYU during online studies (where I am an honours student, Steinhart’s Food and Nutrition) and used that time to conceptualize, build and grow Bangkok’s first Vegan Cafe x Fabric Studio. I am proud to be adding value to first-generation textile companies, contributing to nearby businesses, and running a successful cafe, but what fulfils me is the healthiness of the community around me. Theatre expanded my idea of what education was meant to be by introducing some of the most academically rigorous projects of my high school career in a group setting. The course forced me to communicate my creative/abstract ideas in succinct ways, which shaped how I present information to people today. It helped me to create balance and opportunities to connect with the wider BKK art community’

Ahsaas

‘I am currently studying for a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at University and planning on double majoring in Marketing and Management. I took a gap semester in the second half of 2021 due to online study. So in the interim, I gained work experience in the form of a paid internship in e-commerce and digital marketing. Simultaneously, I also worked towards getting my physical trainer certification. Ib Theatre Arts taught me the importance and intentions behind every little thing. The combination of all these aspects is what creates an impactful performance. I can relate this to things like marketing campaigns, but also just life in general. Take note of the small Stepping out of your comfort zone - Whether it was in special guest workshops or normal classes, I guarantee you, that almost every time we stepped out of our comfort zone, we would create something incredibly impactful and effective. I ended up growing more confident, not just in the work I was creating, but in myself as well. Commitment + hard work is an absolute must in this course you don't just complete tasks in Theatre! You take it above and beyond, and the result is something that you can be proud of. Not just in terms of the final piece, but also the perseverance and effort that you put in.’

Thank you to our former students for taking the time to reflect on the importance and impact that IB Theatre Arts has had on them. One of the common themes is how the skills learnt on the course are transferred into future academic, career and personal development. Theatre students know how to adapt and diversify in a rapidly changing world. They also foster a love and appreciation of the Arts along with a sense of achievement and pride at having been a part of something special and unique in their educational lives.