Christa Yap (Design Realisation)

What's been your highlight during your time at Guildhall?

It has been a precious experience seeing just how much the production team can achieve when we put our minds to it. Guildhall has not only taught me to dream big, but pushes me to take the practical steps to realise these dreams. For example, in Autumn Opera Scenes (2025), I was assigned the prop-make of the head of David. Despite this being only my second attempt at poly-carving after a brief 1-day lesson in Year 1, the designer and team placed full faith in my abilities, giving me the confidence and motivation to see the, now beloved, head of David through to completion. I have also had the chance to use personal project time to target specific skillsets and truly decide what kind of maker I want to become. To list a few projects, I’ve designed my own 3D puzzle, created a lamp from scratch, and built a postbox with all its functioning mechanisms, and the staff have been beyond supportive through it all!

What's been your highlight in the industry?

Being fortunate enough to have worked in theatres in Singapore and London, I find it so comforting to see how theatre connects people on and off stage. Regardless of where in the world I work, I see the same sense of curiosity and passion that fosters such a strong sense of camaraderie between theatre-makers no matter how challenging things get.

What other passions and projects have you enjoyed exploring during your time at Guildhall?

My keenness to bridge the gap between designers and makers across industries has led me to various work opportunities in immersive experiences and exhibitions. These projects allowed me to pick up skills in digital design and 3D modelling, which I have now begun to develop in my own time, alongside the physical making that we do in Guildhall!

What's something you've learned that you feel will help you when you graduate?

Taking on both ‘follower’ as well as managerial roles across a range of team dynamics and departments has truly allowed me to mature in terms of my attitude towards collaboration. I believe the best work is produced when each person feels like their strengths are deeply valued in a team. Learning not only how to get along with different people on a social level, but also how to adapt my practices in a way that highlights the strengths of others, is a skill that I think is invaluable and will continue to develop throughout my career.

What are you most interested in working in after you graduate?

I am passionate about making in all forms, and am open to working as a prop-maker, scenic artist, or model maker across various industries. I am also interested in gaining experience in design in the future, and perhaps move towards a career where designing and making are in tandem.

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Example of Work 1 - Oil Painting Reminiscing the Use of Traditional Payphones in Singapore

Example of Work 2 - Landscape Ink Drawing

Example of Work 3 - Design and Assembly of a 3D Puzzle