Classic dramatic works are an excellent vehicle for students to understand the basic theatrical elements, structure, classification, the human spirit and cultural features. This programme helps students to broaden their outlook, and engage in continuous learning about theatre using appreciation of worldwide classics as a starting point. Designed under the concept of “From Page to Stage”, the final stage production session is an essential component of the programme. Through the final performance, the students will not only be drawn to the allure of the theatre but also share a team spirit that will help them grow as individuals and in their community.

In terms of technique, drama is the most difficult of the arts as the themes carry both cultural and moral elements. A classic should be built on three principles: human spirit, social reflection and zeitgeist. Therefore, this programme is educationally important as it helps compensate for the widespread lack of drama courses in schools.

After a year of intensive musical training, 180 students from 7 primary and secondary schools will present one full-length children musical and a series of Broadway musical numbers to showcase what they have learnt and corp d’ esprit (team spirit).

The Scheme introduces primary and secondary school students to classical English drama through training on voice and acting.

Through a formal audition exercise, a panel of adjudicators will study all the final compositions and select the best pieces among the four participating schools for the finale concert to be held at a performing venue outside school so that students will share the results of their training with members of the public.

Musical Theatre Programme
The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (for Primary Schools with some musical theatre production experience)
All our old friends, plus a few new ones, are here in this marvelous musical adapted from the original story by the Brothers Grimm. We’ll meet the captivating Princess Snow White, the prince, the evil queen and, of course, the seven mischievous dwarfs — Sarge, Gabby, Gloomy Gus, Ticklish, Spritely, Snore, and Slowpoke. There are also a hilarious palace cat and an enchanted vixen — a fox, you could say! Following the traditional storyline, the fairy tale is brought to life with an eclectic score of toe-tapping tunes.

Song & Dance Programme
Musical Fairyland (for Primary Schools with no/less musical theatre production experience)
Make your wishes come true – singing and dancing onstage with fairies. The participants will learn and perform song-and-dance numbers from many beloved musicals for children and families, including Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Pocahontas.

Shakespeare in Tune (for Secondary Schools)
It is all about Shakespeare and his works being adapted into musical theatre. Participants will learn materials from the musicals West Side Story, Kiss Me Kate, Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Boys from Syracuse, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Othello and many more. Cumulating at the finale performance will be a series of song-and-dance numbers with a mix of comedies, tragedies, musicality inspired by the world’s preeminent dramatist.

Students are guided to learn the classical drama. Participating students will perform their plays on stage to share with the public what they have learned over the year. Through the session, participants will share their creative concept and the fun of being behind the curtain.

“Body” is the most basic tool for self-expression. Every human being and other living organism all understands from birth how to utilise their body to communicate with each other and express themselves. In recent years, advances in information technology have led us to rely too much on telephones and computers for communication, as we neglect using our bodies as media for vivid expression and as a way to understand and exercise them. This programme aims to enable students to understand and explore their bodies through dance so as to unleash the potential within, improve their physical fitness and to deal with pressure from academic studies and daily life. The instructor will also guide the students to observe themselves and the surroundings to rebuild self-value and reposition self-image.

Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (for Primary Schools)
From the book of One Thousand and One Nights comes the tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves! Ali Baba, a poor woodcutter was in the forest one day when he accidently discovered a cave that belonged to forty thieves. To his delight he found lots of treasure inside. Realising that someone else knew about their cave the thieves tracked Ali Baba down. Fortunately, with the help of a clever slave girl called Morgiana, Ali Baba successfully defeated the thieves – she tricked them into killing two of their own, then took down thirty-seven thieves by pouring boiling oil into the jars where they were hidden, and finally stabbed the leader of the thieves to death while dancing in front of him. Ali Baba was saved and lived happily ever after. He rewarded Morgiana by marrying her to his son.

Androcles and the Lion (for Secondary Schools)
Androcles was a Roman slave who escaped from his oppressive master and started living in the jungles. There, he saw an injured lion with a thorn stuck in his paw. Kind Androcles plucked out the thorn and put the lion out of pain. They lived together until the emperor’s men found Androcles and took him back. As a punishment for fleeing, Androcles was thrown inside a ring to be eaten up by lions. Lots of people, including the emperor gathered to watch this spectacle. The lion came. But instead of eating him up, it stroked and caressed Androcles. It was the same lion that he had helped in the forest! Shocked at this strange behaviour, the emperor demanded an explanation. When Androcles explained what had happened, he was pardoned and the lion was set free.