International Education Experiences
Teaching in Malaysia
Australian International School Malaysia
Now based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I work at the Australian International School Malaysia (AISM), where I have had the privilege of directing major productions, including Mamma Mia (2022) and The Addams Family (2023) for the Middle/Senior School (MSS). The latter was a significant success, breaking box office records and earning a spot on Malaysia's top 10 list on Cloudjoi. In addition, I have worked on Junior School (JS) productions such as Rocktopus (2022), An Egyptian Whodunnit (2023), and most recently, Hoodwinked (2024). Currently, I am preparing for the upcoming MSS production of Rock of Ages (2025).
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I have particularly enjoyed returning to Senior School classes, where I guide students through the rigorous NSW HSC Drama program. To enhance my teaching, I have actively upskilled myself in programs such as SketchUp and stage lighting, collaborating with colleagues to add value to the creative and performing arts. My role also extends to advising the school on redesigning parts of their auditorium and assisting with major arts infrastructure projects aimed at improving the program and the school's facilities. When selecting productions, I focus on choosing those that not only align with our students' strengths but also ensure fiscal responsibility. I prioritize budget items that offer long-term value, contributing to the program's ongoing development and the success of future productions.
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Beyond school productions, I am actively involved with the Pop-Up Theatre Company and Plastic Monkey Films, contributing as an actor, voice actor, and cinematographer, as well as helping out with production work and set and prop design with the local community theatre group, the Kuala Lumpur Players.
Teaching in Indonesia
Jakarta Intercultural School
My role in artistic leadership evolved significantly during my time at Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) in Indonesia, where I served as an Junior School drama teacher and artistic director. In 2019, I directed the school's production of Alice in Wonderland (2019), a pivotal project that seamlessly combined creative expression with educational impact. Following this, I began working on the production of Madagascar (2020), but the project was ultimately canceled due to the onset of COVID-19. This unexpected shift led me to dive deeper into my digital and creative skills, where I set up a DIY green screen studio at home using OBS and developed an innovative online curriculum, incorporating puppet designs (with Adobe Photoshop) for Junior School drama.
In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I contributed to the strategic planning and development of a new state-of-the-art performing arts and theatre venue at JIS. This role allowed me to ensure that the space would serve as a lasting hub for artistic expression and student engagement, fostering a creative environment for future generations. I also took the opportunity during COVID to complete my Master's in Education (in Leadership in Management) (2020), further enhancing my ability to contribute to both teaching and leadership in the arts.
Teaching in Vietnam
American International School Vietnam
I began my international career in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where I first taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at ILA, and then quickly moved into my first international school role at the Singapore International School (SIS) as an English teacher, where I also served as the head football coach.
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In 2014 I moved to the American International School Vietnam (AISVN) as a high school English teacher. After my first year, I moved into the drama program, becoming the school's first middle and high school drama teacher. I launched the drama program with bi-annual productions, culminating in the showcase Tales from Vietnam (2017), which featured over 400 student performers. I also established yearly monologue competitions and later organized an interschool monologue competition in Ho Chi Minh City.
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Beyond my teaching and directing roles, I served on the school's committee and contributed as a consultant to the design and development of the school's black box theatre, helping ensure it became a versatile and inspiring space for student performances.
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Outside of the classroom, I was highly involved in the local performance arts scene during my seven years in Ho Chi Minh City. As a committee member and performer with the Saigon Players Theatre, I appeared in productions such as Jim Cartwright’s Two and Ariel Dorfman’s Death and the Maiden. I also ran workshops for the Saigon Players and worked with Saigon Soul on productions like The Secret Garden.
Teaching in Vietnam
Singapore International School Ho Chi Minh City
I began my international teaching career at Singapore International School (SIS) in Ho Chi Minh City, where I completed my teacher training. Initially teaching ESL, I quickly transitioned into English, and during my tenure, I also took on the role of head football coach. I had the privilege of coaching the U11, U14, and U18 boys' and girls' football teams, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Working with the students on and off the field was a rewarding experience that deepened my connection with them.
Although there wasn't a formal drama program at SIS, I integrated a monologue competition into the extra curricula activites, which became a highlight for both the students and me. It was incredibly fulfilling to witness their growth and passion for performance. This school also holds a special place in my heart, as it was where I met my wife.