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| Shanthini Venugopal |
Work related
email: thejumpingjellybeans@yahoo.com
Personal
Blog: http://shanthinivenugopal.blogspot.com
Work Blog: http://www.thejumpingjellybeans.blogspot.com
Shanthini Venugopal has been in the theatre industry for over 30 years. She is a singer,
actor, director, and teacher. She has free-lanced as a producer, stage manager,
props and front of house for various theatre companies in Malaysia since 1981.
She
started The Jumping JellyBeans (JJB). It was formed
in 2000 specializing in productions for children.
JJB
has performed extensively throughout Malaysia,
England, Denmark, Australia and
has participated in International Children’s Theatre festivals in Iran, Singapore, India and Germany. She can also be heard on radio
and TV commercials doing voice-overs and jingles. She acted in the Hollywood
movie ‘Anna and the King’ co-starring with Jodie Foster and Chow Yuen
Fatt in 1999.
2003:
-The Jumping JellyBeans Investigative Company- the second show created;
Performances were done at International schools:
- performed in The Instant Café’s production of ‘Musical Chairs’- sang in a number
She shares
her theatre training with students with learning disabilities since 2001. JJB’s
work with special needs students was recognized by the theatre community in
Malaysia and they were awarded the Cameronian Awards for ‘Best Community Arts project’
in 2005 sponsored by The British Council Malaysia. As part of the prize,
JJB had the opportunity to spend 10 days in the United Kingdom working with
theatre groups there who did similar work with special needs youth and adults.
This was a great opportunity for a cultural exchange and JJB brought back a
wealth of information upon their return and incorporated some of these training
techniques. JJB’s work with special children is supported by Nestle Malaysia
since 2003 to present.
She
conducts theatre workshops and seminars for adults on a freelance basis.
She
also freelancers as an actor with various theatre companies. Her recent
performance in the production ‘Chow Kit Road! Chow Kit Road, the Musical’
played to rave reviews in May 2013 at Istana Budaya, produced by Masakini
Productions.
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| One of the reviews of 'Chow Kit Road! Chow Kit Road' |
Currently
she conducts storytelling workshops as a regular session during the school
calendar year in National Type schools in Malaysia reaching over 1500 students.
Shanthini
is a pioneer member of The Instant Cafe
Theatre Co. since 1989 and still performs in their revue type shows.
She
can be seen on ASTRO TV as “Auntie English”
Below are
the details of her work starting from 1979 to present day.
ONGOING PROJECTS:
1989- CURRENT:
pioneer member of The Instant Café Theatre Company Sdn Bhd. Singing and acting at The Instant Café Theatre Company’s revue type performances. Have also been a producer for various Instant Café productions.
pioneer member of The Instant Café Theatre Company Sdn Bhd. Singing and acting at The Instant Café Theatre Company’s revue type performances. Have also been a producer for various Instant Café productions.
1990- CURRENT:
- Singing Jingles and doing Voice Overs for radio, cinema, and television
- Singing Jingles and doing Voice Overs for radio, cinema, and television
commercials- Cannon Copier, Nestle Maggi Mee, Digi, MetroJaya Sale,
Anchor
Beer, Dynamo, and numerous others.
2003-
CURRENT
- set up theatre company The Jumping JellyBeans Sdn Bhd,
on July 02nd, 2003. Currently the Artistic Director and Administrator of
the company.
2003-
CURRENT:
- Theatre
training classes conducted by the team from The Jumping JellyBeans for
students at SNLC (Special Needs Learning
Center) run by the St John’s Parish at
the St John’s Community Hall. Now re-located
to Petaling Jaya.
Every Thursdays 9-10.30am.
2011- CURRENT:
- Theatre training classes conducted by the
team from The Jumping JellyBeans for
students at the Kiwanis
Down Syndrome center in Taman SEA. Four classes are
conducted once a week
for 60 students aged 4-6 years. Every Tuesdays 11.00 to
12.00 and 1.30 to 2.30.
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| Kiwanis Down Syndrome center- working with masks |
2014:
- started Theatre training classes conducted by the
team from The Jumping
JellyBeans for students at Special Needs
Learning Center, Ampang for children
aged 8 to 25 years.
Every Wednesdays 9-10.30.
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| students from MAGIC |
1979-1981:
While at University of Concordia, Montreal, Canada, formed a ‘Singing Telegram’ company with three
other university students. Sang A Cappella at birthdays, anniversaries,
Christmas and any special occasion.
1981-1987:
returned from Canada with a Bachelors’ Degree from Concordia University in Business Administration. Got involved in back stage production – “Dolls House”, “The Proposal” and many others. Acted in her first play “My Three Angels” directed by Bosco D’Cruz. Did A Cappella with dances performed by Marion D’Cruz of Five Arts Centre. Assistant Stage Manager for Kee Thuan Chye’s “1984”.
1986:
went professional in her singing career- did 3 month stints in Kota Bahru (Kelantan), Mersing (Johor), Johore Bahru (Johore)
1987:
owned, managed and sang in pub called “Courtyard” in Johor Bahru
1989:
stage manager for “The Killing of Sister George” directed by Joe Hasham.
1992-1994:
was performing and managing The Instant Café Theatre Company Sdn. Bhd.
1997:
had a role in TV movies- “Jodoh” (in Malay and Tamil) “Kuala Selangor”(in Malay) “City of the Rich” (in English)
1981-1987:
returned from Canada with a Bachelors’ Degree from Concordia University in Business Administration. Got involved in back stage production – “Dolls House”, “The Proposal” and many others. Acted in her first play “My Three Angels” directed by Bosco D’Cruz. Did A Cappella with dances performed by Marion D’Cruz of Five Arts Centre. Assistant Stage Manager for Kee Thuan Chye’s “1984”.
1986:
went professional in her singing career- did 3 month stints in Kota Bahru (Kelantan), Mersing (Johor), Johore Bahru (Johore)
1987:
owned, managed and sang in pub called “Courtyard” in Johor Bahru
1989:
stage manager for “The Killing of Sister George” directed by Joe Hasham.
1992-1994:
was performing and managing The Instant Café Theatre Company Sdn. Bhd.
1997:
had a role in TV movies- “Jodoh” (in Malay and Tamil) “Kuala Selangor”(in Malay) “City of the Rich” (in English)
1999
- major supporting role in Hollywood Movie “Anna and the King” starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yuen Fatt. Role : - “Beebe”- Nanny to ‘Anna’s son’.
- major supporting role in Hollywood Movie “Anna and the King” starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yuen Fatt. Role : - “Beebe”- Nanny to ‘Anna’s son’.
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| Shanthini as Bebee in 'Anna and the King' |
- performed in The Instant Café’s production of “I Have No Gun but I can Spit”
2000
- Was part of the creation team of a puppet show “Colours of the Sky” to raise
2000
- Was part of the creation team of a puppet show “Colours of the Sky” to raise
funds for the Oncology paediatric ward at the University Hospital,
Petaling Jaya.
Performed this show at other paediatric wards, Shelter homes for
abandoned
children and various international schools.
- conducted theatre workshops at schools- Sekolah Sultan Abdul Samad and
- conducted theatre workshops at schools- Sekolah Sultan Abdul Samad and
Taylors College.
- performed in The Instant Café’s production of “Millennium Jump”
2001- 2013:
- performed in The Instant Café’s production of “Millennium Jump”
2001- 2013:
- For 13
years, JJB conducted Theatre training classes for students aged 5 to
16 years at MAGIC (Malaysian Association of
Guardians for the Intellectually
Challenged) – every Friday – 9am to 10.30am.
2001
- Performed in the American Musical “Nunsense”- Gardner & Wife Theatre Company – main cast- role of Mother Superior. August-September.
- Performed in The Instant Café’s production of “Millennium Jump II”
- Performed in the American Musical “Nunsense”- Gardner & Wife Theatre Company – main cast- role of Mother Superior. August-September.
- Performed in The Instant Café’s production of “Millennium Jump II”
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| 'Nunsense' - Shanthini as Mother Superior |
2002
- performed in the “Vagina Monologues” to raise money for AWAM (A Women’s Organization.)
- co-created & co-directed- “The JJB Cleaning Company” to raise funds for ‘MAGIC’ (School for the Intellectually Challenged) at the Actors Studio Box Theatre and in International schools.
This has since been performed for the public and various private schools in Kuala Lumpur.
- Actors Studio Dataran, Actors Studio Bangsar, French International School, Kindicare Nursery school, Charity performance at a carnival to raise funds for Persatuan Kanak Kanak Istimewa Ampang, Trisha and Sasha (children’s bookstore) Sri Cempaka International school, ThyssenKrupp Elevators - Family day organized at Genting View Resort, Actors Studio Penang.
After a huge success and feedback from the audience with the performances, she came to realize that there was a demand and need for children’s theatre as there was no company catering for this target audience at that time. The following year the company JJB was set up.
- performed in the “Vagina Monologues” to raise money for AWAM (A Women’s Organization.)
- co-created & co-directed- “The JJB Cleaning Company” to raise funds for ‘MAGIC’ (School for the Intellectually Challenged) at the Actors Studio Box Theatre and in International schools.
This has since been performed for the public and various private schools in Kuala Lumpur.
- Actors Studio Dataran, Actors Studio Bangsar, French International School, Kindicare Nursery school, Charity performance at a carnival to raise funds for Persatuan Kanak Kanak Istimewa Ampang, Trisha and Sasha (children’s bookstore) Sri Cempaka International school, ThyssenKrupp Elevators - Family day organized at Genting View Resort, Actors Studio Penang.
After a huge success and feedback from the audience with the performances, she came to realize that there was a demand and need for children’s theatre as there was no company catering for this target audience at that time. The following year the company JJB was set up.
2003:
-The Jumping JellyBeans Investigative Company- the second show created;
Performances were done at International schools:
-Sri
Cempaka - Sayfol - elc International school - Alice Smith.
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| Shanthini as 'Magician for JJB investigative Company' |
- performed in The Instant Café’s production of ‘Musical Chairs’- sang in a number
from the musical ‘Chicago’.
- Guest role in “Now Boarding” (a Singaporean sitcom), “Kopitiam” (a Malaysian
- Guest role in “Now Boarding” (a Singaporean sitcom), “Kopitiam” (a Malaysian
sitcom)
- performed in The Instant Café’s production of “Bolehwood”
- performed in The Instant Café’s production of “Bolehwood”
2004:
- Performed in The Instant Café’s restaging of their production-“Bolehwood”
- Voice of ‘Sunnee’ in an animated film “Sing to the Dawn”. Directed by Frank Saperstein. Based on a book by Minfong Ho. Release date first half of 2005.
- Performed with JJB at the YTL-Penang Arts Festival – June 11th to 13th 2004.
- Performed with JJB at Asean Childrens festival in Singapore – Dec 1st to 03rd 2004.
- Supporting role in ‘Chilok’ produced and directed by Adflin Shauki, – Dec 2005.
- Performed in The Instant Café’s restaging of their production-“Bolehwood”
- Voice of ‘Sunnee’ in an animated film “Sing to the Dawn”. Directed by Frank Saperstein. Based on a book by Minfong Ho. Release date first half of 2005.
- Performed with JJB at the YTL-Penang Arts Festival – June 11th to 13th 2004.
- Performed with JJB at Asean Childrens festival in Singapore – Dec 1st to 03rd 2004.
- Supporting role in ‘Chilok’ produced and directed by Adflin Shauki, – Dec 2005.
2005:
in collaboration with The Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage,
Malaysia JJB coordinated The Children’s Theatre festival held
from 20th to 28th August.
- organized all the workshops and invited theatre companies for performances held at The National Art Gallery. The festival was fully sponsored by THE MINISTRY. Performances and workshops were done in Kuala Lumpur. Outreach programmes were organized at various locations in and around Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Malacca.
- organized all the workshops and invited theatre companies for performances held at The National Art Gallery. The festival was fully sponsored by THE MINISTRY. Performances and workshops were done in Kuala Lumpur. Outreach programmes were organized at various locations in and around Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Malacca.
2005:
- Performed in various Instant
Café review’s - corporate functions - performed in various Instant Café
review’s
- Co-created the performance ‘Terra Arata’ for The Jumping
JellyBeans.
Inspired by Joan Mirro's painting - 'The Tilled Field'
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| Joan Miro's Painting -"Te Tilled Field" 1923 |
Performances done at KL PAC and The Asian Children’s Performing Arts
Festival in
Singapore.
- Workshops for children at Krysalis Kindergarden in December
- Workshops for children at Krysalis Kindergarden in December
-
Commissioned by DIGI to do an
original play. Created a play using elements of
the environment ‘Memories of the
Sun’ which was performed in Kuala Gula for
their Amazing Malaysian
event.
2005-2009:
Lecturer- taught ‘theatre/drama’ at the Multimedia University in Malacca and Cyberjaya campus as a co-curriculum course.
2005-2009:
Lecturer- taught ‘theatre/drama’ at the Multimedia University in Malacca and Cyberjaya campus as a co-curriculum course.
2006:
- workshop in Perlis for DIGI’s Amazing Malaysian programme.
Every Sunday for 8 weeks starting end January, February and March, we did
- workshop in Perlis for DIGI’s Amazing Malaysian programme.
Every Sunday for 8 weeks starting end January, February and March, we did
theatre training, creating sets and costumes for over a 100 school
children which
culminated in a performance on March 27th 06 in Kangar, Perlis.
- Workshop “ Street Theatre’ at KL PAC.
- Workshop “ Street Theatre’ at KL PAC.
-
Barter of
Dreams in Kuala Kubu Baru (KKB). This project was inspired
through JJB’s association with Odin Teatret, a Theatre group in Holstebro,
Denmark. Programme ran every weekend from April 1st to June 4th
with a
Performance on June 11th at the Bomba Academy in KKB.
2007:
- performed
Little Red Riding Hood at DiGi Kids’ party @ DiGiLand on 3rd Nov,
2007
-
Commissioned by The Embassy of Italy – an original performance URANO and
GEA - The birth of
Time, son of Sky and Earth and a Three day Theatrical
Workshop- Myths and Oceans
- participated
as a workshop facilitator in the Singapore
International Story
Telling Festival 2007 from 24th
August to 9th September.
- performed at
the Singapore International Story
Telling Festival 2007
2008:
- organized a holiday programme at KLPAC, Sentul; Story telling & Puppet
Workshop and a
performance of Little Red Riding Hood!
March 14th.
- Performance ‘Terra
Arata’ at Bustle Gallery, Galleri Petronas - 24th and 25th
May
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| rehearsal shot- 'farmer tilling the field with bull' |
- performed
in India at the “Children’s International Theatre
Festival "- 29th June
to 16th July
- A Wayang Kulit
workshop for Galleri Petronas – 19th and 20th August.
- performed at the Kuala Lumpur
Children’s Theatre festival on August 26th
- performed in Iran at the “15th Isfahan International Theater Festival
for Children
and Young Adults” held from 7th to 11th October.
- Emcee at NASOM CHARITY CONCERT- Plenary Hall, KLCCC- Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre 13thMay
2012
2008
– 2010:
- started Theatre Training classes at NASOM center in Bandar Puteri, Klang for
young adults. She
ran the programme for 3 years.
2008-
2010:
- conducted weekly 1 hour theatre/drama classes at Global Indian International School for
Year 3, 4 and 5. Performances were done at the end of each school calendar
year.
2009:
- Judge for Masakini’s project The 24 hour
theatre project, 14th
and 15th March
- Performance of Little Red
Riding Hood at KLPAC for underprivileged
Children-31st May
- Performance in Germany, at the International Festival of Childrens Theatre
KinderInsel, held in Ludwigshafen
am Rhein, Germany.- 3rd to the 7th July
2010-2011:
Was selected to play the main character
Aunty English for 8 programmes that
was shown on all channels by ASTRO
Malaysia. This was to promote the correct usage of spoken English to their
audience. Re-runs are broadcasted from time to time to date.
2010:
- Performance at PJ Laugh Fest 2010 – The 1st PJ
Comedy Festival- Comedy for Kids
May 23 & 30
- Performance of Little Red
Riding Hood at SRI IMPIAN CONDOMINIUM 29th May
All Proceeds were donated to Pawsome Animal Supplies & Services
- Participated in The
Malaysian International Storytelling Festival as a workshop
facilitator organized by
Capital Corporate Communications, October 1st to 3rd.
- Performance at The
Malaysian International Storytelling Festival, Oct 3rd.
2011:
- Conducted classes with SPICES-
a centre
for Down syndrome and autistic
Children- from 2011 till end of 2012
- Co-directed a play for students from Global Indian International school for their
annual day January to
March. Performance was done end March.
-Workshop
for staff from Bank Negara Malaysia
Museum and Art Gallery
Twenty
nine (29) participants from Bank Negara Museum attended a 6 ½
hour
workshop using theatre techniques for storytelling, team building, body
awareness,
role play and effective communication. - March 30th
- Judge for Spelling it
Right (SIR) an event organized by New
Straits Times Berhad.
Malacca April 23rd
& 24th & Seremban June 25th & 26th.
-Performed in JJB’s production ‘The Party’ at PJ Laugh Festival- 24th to 27th May
- Holiday theatre camp ‘Unmasking Masks’ organized by New Straits Times for
ages
6-12 years. 26th and 27th November.
- Holiday theatre camp ‘A very Jelly
Christmas’ for children from elc International
School- 19th to 23rd
December
2012
- Designed and facilitated Celebration of Charles Dickens for the British Council- Teaching
English through Drama
Ø WORKSHOP
done for TEACHERS- held
at Ministry of Education Putrajaya for 30 participants from 10 schools- March 9th
Ø WORKSHOP sessions were held for 1200 students from 10
schools located in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor- from April to June
Schools; SK SERI SAUJANA, SK TAMAN BUKIT MALURI, SK WANGSA MAJU SEKSYEN 2, SK SERI BINTANG UTARA, SK BUKIT DAMANSARA, SK CYBERJAYA, SK JALAN 3, SK TAMAN SRI
ANDALAS, SK TAMAN MEGAH, SK USJ 12,
