The World’s A Stage

Young creators, designers, directors and performers can channel artistic talent at XCL World Academy. Mandi Manson, Secondary Years Theatre Production Director, reveals all.

Performing Arts thrive at XCL World Academy (XWA). Guided by a talented and creative faculty of experienced teachers, our students are taught foundational skills in theatre while also being challenged to explore their own artistic vision. Theatre has the unique ability to help students develop confidence and public speaking skills, which help to unlock their full potential and significantly impact all aspects of their lives.

XWA’s Theatre Programme hones a child’s basic performing arts and creative dramatics skills.

Full scale production

The programme stimulates young imaginations and provides students with a wealth of skills that are transferable to other subjects and areas beyond school.

Sustainable approach

We’re also mindful of taking a sustainable approach with our set, props and costume design by reusing and repurposing stock from past theatre productions. We’ve been surprised by how successfully we’ve been able to reinvent and redesign so many pieces.

For me, this is a “labour of love” and

Every year, XWA stages a full-scale theatrical production that emphasises the importance of working both individually and collaboratively as an ensemble. It gives students the opportunity as creators, designers, directors and performers, to engage actively in the creative process, transforming ideas into action as inquisitive and productive artists.

This year, with a cast and crew of approximately 80 students from Grades 6 - 12, and an audience of over 1,200 guests, we presented OLIVER!TheMusical, by Lionel Bart. This is the sixth production I’ve directed at this school, and each year I continue to be awe-inspired. In particular, we chose to include opportunities for student agency on the design, leadership, and production team with Grade 12 Theatre students stepping into roles such as Cast Manager, Stage Manager, and Dance Captains, amongst others.

I’m so pleased to be able to share just a glimpse of the magic I get to witness every day surrounded by such formidable young people; the leaders, designers, innovators, artists, and creators of the future.

Through our Theatre Programme, we witness the growth and development of our students, from their self-esteem levels and public speaking skills to their ability to express themselves.

If you’re searching for an international school for your child where they can blossom and develop their unique creative aspirations, look no further. XCL World Academy may be just what you’re looking for.

Mandi Manson is the Secondary Years

Theatre Production Director, Head of The Arts, DP & MYP Theatre Teacher. To find out more contact XCL World Academy, 2 Yishun Street 42, 768039.

Tel: (65) 6230 4230 www.xwa.edu.sg

If your go-to good time tends to involve a bar, these arty and crafty activities provide alternative ways to express yourself and learn as you go. From graffiti to textiling, embrace your imagination and feel inspired.

1

Go gold with kintsugi

Kintsugi (golden joinery) is the 15thCentury Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold. The idea is that rather than hide the cracks, through kintsugi you learn how to embrace imperfections. Gold & Behold invite you to arrive at their studio armed with your broken bits (or use theirs) and gently bring them back to life. Not only do you leave with a new art piece with a story behind it, but kintsugi is meditative, serving as a reminder to stay optimistic when things feel like they’re falling apart.

Stay Gold Studio by Gold & Behold, 48 Hillview Terrace #05-02A, 669269. goldandbehold.co

2

Eat your art jam

Why paint on paper when you can get innovative on biscuits? This fully-guided art jam provides you with the humble macaron and a vat of food paints with which to decorate them. From French style to floral, you’ll learn miniature painting techniques alongside patience and restraint as you try not to wolf down the lot as you go. Just bring your own container if you feel like sharing your wares afterwards.

The Art Nooq, 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace, #01-58, 168976. artnooq.com

3

Play & paint a ukulele

4

Craft leather

Concerned about the state of your goatskin wallet (the outside, not the inside)? Cursing at the poor workmanship of your suede belt? Whip up your own leatherware at a workshop teaching the basics of leather crafting. All templates and tools are provided at Crafune’s classes which teach you how to make bags and pouches with the leather and threads of your choice. Watch out Louis Vuitton! Crafune, 38 Haji Ln, #02-01, 189231. crafune.com

If you need a new party piece, look no further. You get to acquire two talents in one at this awesome Ukulele Paint and Play workshop which offers just what it says on the tin. SmallGiant’s music instructors teach you the fundamentals of ukulele playing, then you get to decorate and customise your new instrument to display or take home and play.

SmallGiant, 865 Mountbatten Rd, #01-30, 437844. smallgiantmusic.sg

5 Swing from the chandelier

Founder and ANZA member

Yasmeen Cole has created a gorgeous home ground for artists to come together and have fun making new things. New this year is real life painting, Macrame, and Chandelier-making classes (if your mansion needs a showpiece). Crafty Whizz is also looking for talented creators to open classes and share knowledge, so if that’s you, sign up!

Crafty Whizz, 81 Joo Chiat Road, #02-02 and #02-05, 427725. Tel: 91018203. craftywhizz.com

7

Indulge in legal vandalisation

Random graffiti may be illegal in Singapore, but if you’re itching to get busy with a spraycan, head to Heaven Spot where you can spray away to your heart’s content! Their one-hour graffiti sessions allow you to bring out your inner Banksy as you suit up in protective gear, grab your cans, and let your imagination go wild! A session here is a winner for families, hen nights and parties, but those aged 16 and under must be accompanied by parents.

Heaven Spot, 3 Lorong Bakar Batu, #03-01, 348741. heavenspotsg.com

8 Create perfume

Who needs a dash around Duty Free when you can craft your own bespoke fragrance? At Oo La Lab, an Oo La Mixologist will work with you to do just that. While they share insider fragrance intel, you get to select 20 scents from a dreamy list of ingredients to form the top, middle and base notes. You’ll leave with your own Eau de Parfum, presented in a 50ml glass bottle with your name or message printed on the label.

Oo La Lab, Delta House, Alexandra Rd, #02-04 2, 159919. sg.oola-lab.com

6

Fire up at a dance class

Add some spice to your life with a little salsa! Grab a partner and head to En Motion Dance to learn some sexy Latin American-influenced moves. Street Salsa Beginner Packages will help you get the hang of the basics, while dance clinics teach you more fancy dips and tricks. See you cutting up on the dancefloor at the ANZA Ball!

En Motion Dance, #03-05 / 03-05A, Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, 239695. dance-en-motion.com

Be potty (& dirty)

You might recognise owner Tiffany Chua’s gorgeous pottery pieces from the likes of The RitzCarlton, Intercontinental and Shangri-La hotels. Her intimate roof-top terrace classes teach you coil, slab and pinch construction when hand building with clay, followed by (everyone’s fave bit!) instructions on how to throw and shape on the potter’s wheel. Take your new hobby into the night with the Dirty Supper evenings where you can relax post-potting with nibbles and wine prepared by Chef Pete Smit. Dirty Hands Only, 3 Mount Emily Road, Emily Residence, 228485. dirtyhandsonly.com

Try tufty textiling

This studio teaches you how to play and paint with yarn to create fluffy works of art - think mirror frames, custom rugs and vibrant wall tapestries. Grab a tufting gun (it’s a thing), choose your yarn, get in a tizzy over colours, and go for your life on a monk cloth canvas. Alternatively, take a simple design of your own and trace it onto the canvas with the help of a projector. Tuft Club, #03-01, 57 Circular Rd, 049412. tuftclub.com

Let loose at Balloon Splatter Painting

At Art Pop Studio you can throw darts at paint-filled balloons attached to canvas and watch them explode on it all in the name of self-expression. Before you let loose, you’ll learn techniques such as colour-mixing and layering as a bid to make your creation look better. If you have kids aged five years or older, bring them along for some family fun (as darts are involved, parental supervision is imperative). The best bit? You don’t have to clean up afterwards.

Pop Art Studio, 3007 Ubi Road 1 #06-446, 408701. artpop.sg

Quill with Mum

For host Praveena MangipudiIt, quilling is a form of therapy. At this workshop especially for Mother’s Day on Saturday 6 May 2023, she’ll be sharing all you need to know to set you on your quilling journey, providing step-by-step instructions for you to create a personal masterpiece. Understand the materials and tools and how to handle them, make basic shapes, and learn how to rustle up a mandala and a pair of earrings.

Crane Joo Chiat, 281 Joo Chiat Road, 427962. eventbrite.sg

Get a pseudo tattoo

Learn the art of tattooing without the actual permanency of ink on your skin at this Pseudo Tattoo workshop. For three hours you’ll get the lowdown on the history of tattoo art, the do’s and dont’s of operating the parlour’s machines, and a tutorial on using stencils by a State of Shiok staff member. Afterwards, you get the opportunity to create your own design using a sheet of fake “skin” as your medium.

State of Shiok, 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace #03-69, Singapore 168976. stateofshiok.com

Make a concrete creation

No, we’re not expecting you to fashion a patio. You can start small at Concrete Everything where cool home accessories are the name of the game using concrete, jesmonite, or resin as your base. Try your hand at a chic concrete lamp, take an advanced terrazzo clock-making workshop, or design a resin flower coaster. New workshop dates are released monthly, so keep an eye out. Concrete Everything, 37 Jalan Pemimpin #03-08, Mapex, S577177. concrete-everything.com

Scrub up with soap-making

If you want to wow guests who enter your bathroom, bond with bubbles on this soap-making workshop at Soap Ministry. Here you'll discover how to make soaps via the quick Melt & Pour method, or start from scratch. In the Melt & Pour workshop, you can start Basic (perfect for kids), go Intermediate, or opt to Upsize and learn layering techniques or more advanced moves like flower petal infusions.

277 Orchard Road, #03-04, Orchard Gateway, 238858. soapministry.com

17 Experiment with skincare

Fawn Labs conduct research and development on skin with a focus on sustainability and clean beauty. This workshop shows skincare enthusiasts what goes into products, talks you through clean beauty principles, plus lets you create your own luxury skincare range with non-toxic ingredients and natural botanicals tailored specifically to your needs. You’ll look ten years younger (possibly) when you leave with your new products beautifully packaged. Fawn Labs, 71-2B Tras St, 079010. fawnlabs.co

16

Boost your eco-skills

The Sustainability Project host a wide range of workshops each with the protection of our planet in mind. Individual classes include how to make a beeswax wrap, eco-friendly deodorant bar or toilet bomb, to more niche lessons on upcycling the likes of orange peel and coffee grains. Both physical and virtual workshops are available, so you can up your skills from the comfort of your sofa.

The Sustainability Project, various locations.

thesustainabilityproject.life

18 Enjoy Batik printing

Kamal Arts teaches the age-old art of batik, a traditional wax technique for fabric from Java. You'll have an introduction to the history and traditional methods, hear about the cultural aspect of batik, and suss how to use traditional tools like the ‘tjanting’.

Kamal Arts, Wisma Geylang Serai, 0405/06, 1 Engku Aman Turn, 408528. kamal.sg

It’s upon us again - the end of the school term and time for holiday camps with Camp Asia! We offer your children the opportunity to explore their interests and learn new skills, all while making friends that will last throughout childhood and beyond. So, keep your little ones entertained this holiday season with some great creative and artsy camp activities!

Let your children experience our Drama Academy camp, an opportunity that will build your child’s creativity, confidence, character development and communication through games, improvisation, storytelling, acting and movement. Drama Academy camp gives children exposure to different views of the world through characters and bringing literacy to life. Warm-ups, games, improvisation, learning lines, devising scenes complete with costumes, music and rehearsals culminate in taking to the stage on Friday afternoon. It’s an emotional and memorable moment for both you and your child.

If drama doesn’t quite suit, there’s always dancing! Dance is an excellent way for children to develop many different physical skills such as balance, flexibility, strength, conditioning, posture, agility, and stamina. Dance also teaches children how to exercise safely and look after their bodies. So, blast the music, pump up the energy and join the Let’s Dance camp where children will be taught a variety of choreography hip-hop, street jazz and other popular dance moves. This includes the fundamentals of dancing, proper execution of movements, understanding rhythm and music and most importantly, performing what they have learnt with passion and confidence.

There is also Passion for Art camp at Camp Asia. Art encourages creativity and imaginative thinking, two skills that are increasingly linked with long-term professional success. There’s an artist in every child, and Camp Asia’s skilled and experienced teachers will bring out the artist in yours through painting, drawing, ceramics, and recycling. Kids will also learn art history and global cultures and how to appreciate different styles including Neolithic,

Far from being a chore or ‘just something parents do’, cooking takes on a whole new meaning for those who join Camp Asia’s Super Chef camp. Kids get to explore a range of flavours and textures, celebrate diverse cultures, learn kitchen basics and ingredients, and prepare and create exotic starters, mains, desserts and cakes from scratch. Our talented team of professional chefs teach how to create tempting dishes, but also explain why it’s done in such a way, ensuring a sound understanding. Children also discover fascinating food facts and history throughout the daily workshops and masterclasses. The highlight of the week for you and your child is lunch with parents – cooked, naturally, by your offspring. Bon appetit!

Classical, Romantic, Impressionist/Abstract Impressionist, Pointillist, Pop, and Minimalist. The week concludes with a gallery exhibition, where you’re likely to be astounded at your child’s creativity and newfound skills.

As the five consecutive years Readers’ Choice gold winner for best holiday camp in Singapore, Camp Asia will be available from 29 May - 4 August 2023. Fees range from $685 to $775 for five days. Each camp runs from Monday to Friday, 9am - 3pm except public holidays. The all-inclusive price covers equipment and materials used in camp activities, a Camp Asia t-shirt, healthy meals (morning and afternoon snacks and lunch). Drop-off is from 8.30am where children can join in any of the morning activities. There’s also the option of a two-way bus service with stops across the island for an additional $120.

When it comes to creative skills, our community has got ‘em in spades! Here, four ANZA members reveal how they express themselves.

David Lau is a professional photographer, shooting corporate events, advertising, aviation, military, sports, and dog portraits. He also contributes to ANZA. David is originally from New Jersey, USA, and lives in Singapore with his wife, Amy.

When did you discover a passion for photography?

I bought my first digital camera (a Nikon D100) when I was in college. It was during the transition stage between film and digital, and I wanted to know everything about it. Looking back, I may have planted the seed for my love of photography years before that when I randomly took photos of buses, trams and airplanes from our apartment window in Hong Kong.

Have you had any formal training?

My only formal training consisted of taking an intro to photography class as an elective to satisfy the requirement for my undergraduate degree - the rest is mostly self-taught. I learned by reading countless books and viewing photography on internet forums. I then practiced the technique in the field, probably repeating it a million times until I mastered it.

When did photography become your full-time job?

In 2004. I started as a young newspaper photographer and a wedding photographer. As my career evolved, I shifted into the commercial space. My photos are featured in military and civilian publications and displayed as artwork at many government and military buildings and bases. I’m also honored to be a Nikon speaker and Z creator, where I get to share my photography knowledge through online and in-person workshops.

Tell us about some favourite assignments…

Over the last 19 years, my career has taken me from the sidelines of basketball games at a local high school to sitting on the jump seat of a Boeing 757 covering an aviation event in Toulouse; to photographing brides walking down the aisle, and to freezing temperatures in the North Atlantic on board a military ship.

Where do you get inspiration?

I’m very visual - every time I leave the house I find inspiration. It can even be memories of a place. My photos are simple but complex; I want the audience to find small details after focusing on the main subject. The lighting setup is usually technical. I use multiple strobes and modifiers to shape light onto my subjects. It’s like having control of the sun and not being dependent on ambient light.

What does your passion for photography bring to your life?

My career has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life, from a photography student, a retiree who likes to photograph birds, to the US Vice President Kamala Harris. I also believe in giving back to the community and country. I would take on a purpose-driven photoshoot over cashing in another paycheck. The sense of accomplishment is immeasurable. hey.davidlau davidlauphoto.com david@ldmkg.com

Which piece of work are you most proud of?

Each one is special to my heart. For example, I recently shot the 2023 ANZA Cycling member kit (see right). It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and we were going to cancel it. I used the rain as a creative element to provide the background with a wet look, which matches the climate of Singapore. I used three Profoto strobes to light the scene and voila! I got this stunning shot.

+1 8484593198

Carmen Kelly is a full time artist from Melbourne. She lives in Singapore with husband Anthony and daughter Avril.

Tell us about your art …

My art pieces are hanging hand woven wire sculptures. I’ve always been drawn to art that plays with light and shade. What makes these unique is that the shadows they cast are as important to the sculpture as the sculpture itself.

When did you discover your skills? They always seem to have been there. When I was a kid, I was often sketching. As for sculpture, I discovered the amazing art of Ruth Asawa (ruthasawa.com), a Japanese American artist, and was in awe. I also love pieces by Racso Jugarap.

How did your talent develop?

Experimentation, trial and error, and drawn out Covid lockdowns! Unable to find anyone to teach me the weaving technique, I researched and studied Asawa’s work, then experimented with galvanised wire until finally understanding the looping technique. I then moved onto copper wire which is softer and holds more beauty in colour.

What challenges have you faced?

I’ve spent the last three years developing this skill. Each piece requires patience; a large artwork can take over 30 hours, which brings me to the physio bills! One big challenge is the tension in my neck and back, and wear on my fingers. carmenkellyarts.com carmen_k_art very good! I just wanted to be a rock god on guitar, but we couldn’t find a singer. I offered to do the vocals, so bunkered down in my family bathroom (which had great acoustics) and practiced singing at the top of my voice for hours. I found my calling! linkedin.com/in/christoalexander/ @christoalexandermusic @ thenefariousfriends

What does art bring to your life?

Fulfilment and continuity. Having moved countries a lot and experiencing change through my life, art is the one constant. It gives me a sense of achievement and feeds my creative self. It's my happy place.

Wendy Howell is a dressmaker and textile artist from Sydney. She lives in SG with her husband, Cam, and is a regular at ANZA Stitches.

When did you discover your talent?

I grew up in the Blue Mountains surrounded by creative women. One grandmother was a talented seamstress, the other an artist who also loved textile crafts. My mother has always been my creative cheerleader, inspiring me with her own projects, be it sewing, knitting, crochet or a new recipe. My passion for sewing started in high school, after which I trained in Fashion and Garment Construction focusing on custom made clothing. This developed into a dressmaking business that specialised in bridal and formal wear.

Tell us about your style of music … I enjoy singing classic (epic) rock songs that are super-hard, and smooth and funky jams. I’ve been told I have a classic 80s rock voice, high and powerful.

What's your creative process?

I’ve written songs in 30 minutes, and others have taken years! Usually, I’ll start with chord progressions on a guitar, then sing a melody and add lyrics.

What piece are you most proud of?

My song 'Magnified' took 10 years to complete, the lyrics are about a struggle I had with my mental health. Check it out on my YouTube channel (youtu. be/93VLb360s24).

What does music bring to your life?

It's brought me endless joys. I’ve played in many different countries for countless audiences. My greatest musical achievement was playing the Singapore F1 in 2022 with my mate Nolan Bradbury and his band, The Countdown Band. It was amazing sharing the bill with Black Eyed Peas, Green Day, and TLC.

ANZA Executive Committee member

Christo Alexander is from Sydney, and lives with his partner, Lina. He’s the General Manager at SongDivision Asia, and has been a full-time musician for over 20 years.

When did you discover a love for music?

I remember as a child, tuning my radio into this amazing sound: ‘It's Too Funky

In Here’ by James Brown. I was done for!

I got my first guitar when I was 12. Today I’m a professional musician, facilitator and composer. I’ve worked in the music industry since the age of 15.

Have you had any formal training?

No, I was an on the job musician and learned the hard way.

How did your skills develop?

I started a band at school - we were not

When did you join ANZA Stitches?

The Stitches group really helped me to settle after moving to SG in 2020. The ladies became a support group as friendships grew. The creativity we share is infectious. As everyone brings their own projects, it has inspired me to try new crafts and develop my skills. We all help each other, sharing our knowledge and ideas.

Is there one area you like to specialise in?

Because of ANZA Stitches, I’m doing more patchwork and quilting, Blackwork, and Japanese sashiko and temari. Last year, I made my own traditional Peranakan beaded shoes after attending a workshop in Joo Chiat. I love that I'm helping to keep this unique craft of beading alive. Now I have a special memento from my time in Singapore that is handmade, by me, using traditional techniques.

What are you currently working on?

I always have a creative craft project (or two) on the go, be it cross stitch, bag making, embroidery or patchwork. Recently, I was introduced to a quilt pattern by Véronique’s Quilt Design (wattlebird.com.au), which I loved working on (see left). I gathered sections of material from Singapore and Australia and added hand embroidered flowers. It took around two months to complete, and each section was just the right size to travel with or work on at the weekly Stitches group meetings.

ANZA Stitches meet every Thursday morning in the ANZA office. All abilities welcome. anza.org.sg/groups/stitches

SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A STRONG CUPPA AND A FRIENDLY WELCOME. Whether you’re new to Singapore, new to ANZA or have been here a while, Casual Coffee mornings are a fantastic way to meet new people and pick up tips for living in Singapore. ANZA Casual Coffee meets at various locations around the island.

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