Chulalongkorn University's Dance Program nurtures scholarly artists for Thailand's burgeoning creative industry
Chulalongkorn University's Department of Dramatic Arts is leading Thailand's cultural evolution in the performing arts, blending traditional practices with modern innovation. The department offers specialisations in both Thai Dance and Western Dance, with studies that delve into the history, folklore, and philosophical aesthetics of Thai Dance, and extending to classical ballet, contemporary dance, and jazz for Western Dance.
According to Dr Surapol Wirunrak, Professor Emeritus, dramatic arts are a powerful communication science that cultivates human potential. He believes that true soft power means influencing people's hearts without them realizing it, and he cites Princess Sirivannavari's work with Thai textiles as an exemplary display of soft power.
The programme is designed to produce graduates who are not only accomplished artists but also rigorous academics. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in Thailand's creative economy, including performing, entrepreneurship, design, education, and creative professional roles.
By combining rigorous academic training with practical artistry, the programme ensures that traditional Thai performing arts will not only survive but thrive in the digital age. The curriculum requires students to complete a classical performance, a creative performance, and an academic research thesis.
As Thailand positions itself as a creative hub in Southeast Asia, Chulalongkorn University's Department of Dramatic Arts stands ready to supply the skilled artist-scholars needed to drive this transformation.
The department is currently updating its curriculum to include AI literacy, enabling students to use technology in creative work such as set design, animation, and storyboarding. This move reflects the university's commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation and interdisciplinary learning.
Graduates are finding employment in various sectors of the creative industry. Some are teaching in institutions or pursuing advanced academic careers, while others are creating fashion brands, jewellery, or event management companies. Many are working behind the scenes in production companies, event organisations, or backstage management.
Moreover, graduates are commanding premium rates for their skills in professional makeup and traditional Thai hairstyling, particularly in the wedding industry. The creative performance requires students to design and create entirely new performances within budget and time constraints, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability that the programme cultivates.
The programme recognises the universal nature of performing arts, permeating every aspect of life from cave paintings to modern branding. Both streams share the same fundamental principles and academic requirements.
In conclusion, Chulalongkorn University's Department of Dramatic Arts program is focused on preparing graduates for diverse careers in the digital creative economy by integrating traditional dramatic arts education with innovative and digital creative skills. The program emphasises equipping students with the versatility needed to thrive in various creative roles influenced by digital transformation, enabling them to participate actively in the evolving creative industries. For more detailed current curriculum or program highlights, direct university sources or the department’s official communications would be most informative.
- The incorporation of AI literacy into the curriculum signifies the Department of Dramatic Arts' dedication to technology integration, opening opportunities for creative applications such as set design, animation, and storyboarding in the digital age.
- Graduates from the program are finding success in diverse sectors of the creative industry, including education, entrepreneurship, fashion, and event management, demonstrating their adaptability to the changing creative landscape.
- The program fosters personal growth, career development, and learning through skills training, academic rigor, and practical artistry, preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to Thailand's creative economy.
- In the digital era, the program aims to ensure the survival and thrival of traditional Thai performing arts by combining traditional methodologies with contemporary techniques, thereby contributing to the country's ongoing cultural evolution.
