RSL is best known for their Music Qualifications and it has certainly built a solid standard with their lineup of instrument disciplines, but did you know RSL also offers equally accredited qualifications for the Performing Arts? This blog will give a brief look at the PAA (Performance Arts Awards) and its offerings.
In Singapore, the most popular of the PAA exams by far is the Street Dance Syllabus, the first of its kind in the world! Imagine busting out your best hip-hop and breakdance moves in a dance battle and getting to earn an accredited qualification at the same time? That’s what RSL thought, and called in some of the industry’s most sought after professionals to produce a comprehensive, rigorous, yet fun and engaging syllabus to equip aspiring dancers for work in the real world.
How do the Dance Exams work? The Dance Exams are group graded exams that can be taken in groups of between 2-8 candidates per group. Candidates are assessed on 2 core areas:
- Technical Exercises – Candidates will dance a selection of technical moves provided by RSL that are designed to be achievable during a class warm up or technical workshop over a number of weeks.
- Performance – The Performance consists of a group dance routine which can include any style or variation of street or jazz dance (depending on the syllabus being examined). Teachers have creative control over the concept, content and choreography of the group performance but must adhere to the minimum and maximum durations specified per grade (including the music track/s selected).
For the Musical Theatre exams, candidates are also assessed on 3 key areas:
- The Performance – The performance consists of a group piece of musical theatre, performed from memory, in which candidates perform a range of acting, singing and dancing throughout. Performances can include candidates from Premiere to Grade 8 and must have a minimum of two candidates. There are 2 possible formats this can be done in, a Group Exam (wherein it is only the candidates all of similar level, and the examiner with no audience) or as a Show Exam (wherein it can coincide with the school’s annual production, and an audience is present)
- Technical Skills Demonstration – Prior to, or following the performance, each candidate will undertake the Technical Skills Demonstration. This consists of acting, singing or dancing skills demonstrated through a series of short exercises designed to be achievable during a class warm up or technical workshop over a number of weeks
- Understanding & Reflection – The examination is concluded with an Understanding and Reflection discussion, where candidates will be asked to share ideas on questions based on the performance seen in the examination.
For the Acting Exams, candidates are assessed on the following:
- Practical Assessment – Performance of the chosen scene(s): the number and content of which are dependent upon the grade taken – 90% of marks (100% at Premiere)
- Knowledge & Understanding – Candidates present their responses to chosen questions – 10% of marks (Debut – Grade 8)
This incredibly diverse offering of qualifications in the Performance Arts Awards (PAA) are all free to access and download! More details on each Syllabus can be found at https://www.rslawards.com/paa/
The available supporting materials include syllabus guides, suggested audio and repertoire, and reference videos – all accessible at RSLAwards.com
And the best part of all this – there are no membership fees! Head over to https://www.rs-event.sg/performance-arts-awards/ to find out more about the PAA Exams in Singapore, or contact RS Event Center via email to exam@rs-event.sg, or give us a call at 6348 6100.