Biography
Matt Jasper moved from the UK to Singapore in 2003. He began working in the theatre at the age of 7 when he first appeared on television. His mother is an actress and a Speech and Drama teacher, with her own successful school where Matt used to teach students in preparation for shows and examinations.
He gained a B.A. Degree at the prestigious Central School of Speech and Drama in London, United Kingdom and Speech and Drama qualifications from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (L.A.M.D.A.) As a singer he trained with the well known English Baritone, John Noble, and the musical theatre coach Gilly-Anne Kayes
He is also a qualified Montessori teacher and holds a diploma in business.
Since moving to Singapore, he has worked in many different roles, including as lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and La Salle Colleage of the Arts. He is sought after as a teacher at primary and secondary schools across the islands as a director and as a playwright. He has given Masterclasses at The Next Stage, Lucasfilm Academy and COOS.
Most people in Singapore will recognize Matt as the Musical Director and Conductor of The Snow Queen at the Esplanade Theatre, as the narrator for Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble at the Esplanade Concert Hall, for performing at the Queen’s Birthday Party celebrations alongside Jamie Cullum, as the giant in “The Selfish Giant” (SRT), as Eli in “You are Special” (I-Theatre), as Steve in “Sleepless Town” and as a performer in other shows in Singapore and Asia.
Philosophy
“Like the pedestal in the name of the company, we aim to put you on the pedestal. To help you to shine. Not the teacher."
Why is this so? Well, too often drama trainers demonstrate pieces for their students and simply expect them to mimic what they have seen, pitch for pitch, pause for pause and action for action. This does not allow the student to develop creatively or as an individual performer and in this situation the trainer is on show, not the student!
We believe that the teacher should always encourage the student to express themselves. Their opinions and feelings should be more evident in a performance than those of the teacher. This is why games, role-play and improvisation play such a big role in my lessons allowing the student the opportunity to develop in those areas. The confidence of the student is raised and a better rapport develops between the teacher and student.
Theory is important but given only when the student is intellectually able to receive that knowledge and practically apply it to himself/herself for his/her own benefit. This is vital for Speech and Drama as a great deal of practice will be done away from the classroom, especially when preparing for examinations.
In our modern society, employers have a wider range of applicants to choose from and mere academic achievements are no longer enough to distinguish one person from the next, but the ability to communicate clearly, to put forward one’s own opinions in a confident manner, can make an individual stand out. These are skills which benefits all areas of business. This is why we wholeheartedly believe that Speech and Drama is a worthy pursuit for all.
For more information please contact:
Matt Jasper
Mobile: +65 9730 6337
Email: matt_jasper1@yahoo.com.sg