Terence Lau

MA Arts Pedagogy and Practice

2024

Terence Lau is a technical theatre professional and educator with over two decades of active engagement in Singapore’s theatre and dance scene. With a strong passion for both the arts and education, Terence has worked with several renowned arts companies, including Dream Academy, Sing’Theatre, SLO, TENG Ensemble, T.H.E. Dance Company, The Necessary Stage and Wild Rice. Prior to joining LASALLE, he worked at The Substation as a technical manager, NUS University Cultural Centre as a production co-ordinator/AV head and ITE College Central as a senior lecturer.

Beyond his professional commitments, Terence is a sound musician who has played across various countries such as the Philippines, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and Hong Kong. He has also performed at festivals such as WSK (2010, 2011 and 2015), Kalaidesoup (2015), Live Fact (2015), and Live Loop Asia (2018).

Terence's teaching and research efforts are focused on the technical theatre and production management industry in Singapore. He explores various pedagogical methods, styles and philosophies, as well as advocates for sustainability and subculture within the technical theatre industry through his pedagogy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terencelaukw/

plasticblackspecs@gmail.com

Thesis abstract

Building social capital as part of classroom culture in technical theatre

In the current landscape of arts education for technical theatre, how can we reposition ourselves as educators to enhance student learning and experience, to be able to translate the skills from school to industry?

This thesis presents a theoretical framework that aims to explore the building of social capital, primarily within the field of technical theatre, through different theoretical perspectives. Using Bourdieu's concept of capital as a basis of this study, which provides a fundamental understanding of the multiple forms of capital – cultural, social and human – that significantly affect success in both educational and professional contexts. In addition, Bandura's theories of motivation and self-efficacy provide valuable insights into the central role of intrinsic motivation and self-belief in the acquisition and development of skills.

The framework also incorporates Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories of constructivism and social cognitive development, which highlight the importance of interactive learning and peer collaboration in promoting cognitive progress. Furthermore, the self-determination theory proposed by Ryan and Deci adds to the framework by emphasising the significance of autonomy and intrinsic motivation in fostering engagement and achievement.

The integration of these theoretical paradigms not only aims to enhance technical competences but also emphasises the importance of social capital in the educational process while offering strategies for cultivating social capital in the classroom environment, thereby creating a supportive environment that encourages effective collaboration and promotes students' academic and career development.

School of Creative
Industries

Terence Lau

Work

Thesis abstract

Work experience