The Addams Family 2023
Directing The Addams Family has been one of the most fulfilling moments of my career, not just because of the record-breaking success, but because of the incredible growth I witnessed in both my students and our performing arts program. From start to finish, this production was about far more than just putting on a show; it was about empowering students, fostering creativity, and laying the foundation for the future.
When we chose The Addams Family, it wasn’t just because it was a fun and challenging production, but because it offered an opportunity to push our program forward. We wanted to choose a show that would not only cater to the current group of students but also build something lasting for those coming through in the future. Collaborating closely with our music teacher, my Head of Department, and mentor, we aimed to create a production that was both a creative showcase and a stepping stone for the program's growth.
Early on, we hit an unexpected hurdle when our staff choreographer had to step down due to unforeseen circumstances. Rather than seeing this as a setback, we saw it as an opportunity. One of my lead students, who also happened to be a passionate dancer, stepped into the role, taking on the choreography with enthusiasm. Watching her flourish in this leadership position was one of the many highlights of this journey. It reinforced how much ownership the students had over the entire process—from choreography to set design, lighting, and beyond.
One of the most personal and meaningful aspects of this production for me was the time spent working on the set with my father-in-law. Living with us at the time, he came in to help build the set, despite the language barrier between us (as a Vietnamese speaker, and me not fluent). Through creativity and collaboration, we found a new way to connect. Together, we upcycled packing pallets into torture chairs and repurposed the Mamma Mia arch from a previous show into our Addams Family gate. It was a powerful reminder of how theatre brings people together in unexpected ways.
We also partnered with students from the design technology and computer departments, collaborating to create a special effect—a contraption to drop a bear on stage. Initially, we experimented with an Arduino-programmed claw, but after some trial and error, we pivoted to a dead switch and an electromagnet. It was a true cross-department effort that brought the production to life in a uniquely technical way.
One area I was especially proud of this year was pushing my digital design and photography skills further than before. Using SketchUp for set design was one part of that, but the posters were something I took to the next level. Each lead got their own poster, as did the family, the Beineke family, and the ensemble. It wasn’t just about marketing; it was about giving students a moment they could hold onto, something that represented their contribution and ownership of the production.
Ultimately, the show sold out and made it into the top 10 best-selling shows in Kuala Lumpur for the year on Cloudjoi, competing against much larger schools and professional productions. That recognition was the cherry on top, but the real reward was in seeing the students develop—creatively, confidently, and collaboratively. Watching them grow into resilient young adults through the production process was the most significant achievement of all.
The Addams Family wasn’t just a highlight of my career; it was a reminder of why we do what we do as educators. It’s about creating a space where students feel empowered to lead, explore, and take ownership of their creative journeys.
Mamma Mia 2022
After two years of lockdown, our return to campus felt like a new beginning. As a performing arts team, we wanted to reignite the passion, excitement, and sense of togetherness that had been missing for so long. What better way to do that than with the infectious music of ABBA and the magical backdrop of a Greek island? We chose Mamma Mia! not just for its charm but because we knew it would bring our students, staff, and community back to life after such a long period of isolation.
The show was an incredible collaborative effort, and seeing the students thrive was nothing short of inspiring. From day one, we made it clear that this production wasn’t just about performing on stage—it was about working together as a team, learning new skills, and building relationships. After such a long time apart, collaboration was key, and Mamma Mia! provided the perfect platform to bring everyone back together.
One of the most special aspects for me personally was the involvement of my father-in-law, who crafted a stunning 60cm disco ball out of papier-mâché. He meticulously placed each individual mirror piece by hand—a laborious but truly heartfelt contribution. His involvement, along with the wider school community, helped make the set-building process an act of love and collaboration. Seeing students’ reactions to the set was priceless. The level of detail and care from both the arts team and community inspired students to get even more involved. Soon, we had students volunteering to run lighting, work backstage, and assist with set changes. The energy was contagious.
Mamma Mia! was the school’s first production in years and my first show at the school. It quickly became a beacon of excitement and pride. Mentoring students—whether helping them develop their characters or guiding them through the technical aspects of theatre—was incredibly rewarding. The students embraced the process, and their enthusiasm spread throughout the school. Some students who had initially just watched the production from the sidelines became so inspired that they signed up to be part of future shows. One student who was captivated by Mamma Mia! went on to star as a lead in the following year's production of The Addams Family.
Though we’re a small department, the success of Mamma Mia! was proof of what can be accomplished when a dedicated team and community come together. The production taught our students valuable lessons—not just about theatre, but about commitment, teamwork, and responsibility. Weekend rehearsals became a chance for them to bond and grow, and it was incredible to see them take ownership of their roles and responsibilities. Those experiences laid the foundation for the success of our next show, and helped students understand the hard work and passion required to make something truly magical.
After so much time in isolation, this enchanting production was exactly what we needed to lift spirits and revitalize our arts program. Mamma Mia! was more than a show; it was a celebration of our ability to rebuild relationships, rekindle excitement for the arts, and remind us all of the power of coming together as a community.
