Yong Hock Chee

Dear Hiring Manager,

I have been in the theatrical and entertainment profession for over 30 years. My entertainment career began in 90's, when I worked for an artist talent agency. It was where I got my first taste of collaborating and coordinating with directors, artistes, musicians and managing events personnel. In 1997, I was introduced to the world of theatre, and it was then that I developed a deep fascination and decided to pursue my passion in theatre and staging events. The art of being able to translate a visualisation and transforming an empty space into a magical world that presents an immersive experience for patrons to indulge in an unforgettable experience, has always given me a great sense of pride and satisfaction.   

In Singapore, I am also a registered licensed music instructor with the Ministry of Education, Singapore. With this, I am certified to teach music at government and private schools in Singapore. Hence, I am able to communicate and work seamlessly with composers, music directors and musicians. During the span of my career, I was fortunate to have held various positions working on different types of stage events ranging from proscenium stages to an amphitheatre or arena setting. Aside from this, I am also honoured to have been given a teaching position which allowed me to experience theatre from a teaching perspective. These varied opportunities gave me time to gain experience in different theatre/stage contexts and constant challenged me to be at my very best, and more importantly, think out of the box and adapt efficiently.

I am privileged to have been engaged to work regionally (Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Korea, China, Australia) and globally (UAE). Apart from these engagements, I have also been in a consulting role for the past 18 years. As theatre brings people together from all walks of life, being cross-culturally attuned is an important asset in aligning with the complexities of different global working styles. These past experiences of mine will be relevant for different levels of productions from local and regional to international levels that utilize your venues. Being affable and also direct, I am comfortable working in a team and enjoy the dynamics of collaborating closely with colleagues and peers, incorporating the intricacies of theatre directions to achieving optimum theatre and musical experiences for both artistes and audiences, while ensuring the highest safety standards.

My forte is in production, stage, and events management. Having these background experiences, I strongly believe that i can bring a new dimension of the theatre world from a difference perspective to the team not just technically, but also culturally. My training is in staging, from carpentry, building of sets to hanging and calculating the safe working loads between synthetic to flexible steel wire ropes are not a problem to me. With my years of experience, I would be able to recommend the most cost-effective materials and methods for both in-house and incoming productions. I believe that with the conglomeration of past experiences, competencies and people skills, I would be a great fit and based on the job specifications for the role provided, able to integrate efficiently and put forth my very best to any stage production and technical team.  

It would be a great privilege and honour to be part of your organisation and I look forward to be given an opportunity for an interview.

Enclosed is my resume for your kind perusal and thank you for your time.

The Stage Connectionz - TSC (Production/Technical Consultant)

April 2004 - present

Providing theatrical services to various organisations, schools, and venues with regards to their production on a long and short-term basis. TSC was once the resident production and technical consultation company with two of the oldest contemporary dance companies in Singapore.  

• Resident Technical Manager of The ARTS FISSION Company (2004 - 2009)
• Resident Assistant Production Director cum Technical Director of the Singapore Dance Company (2006 - 2007)
• Production Manager of Lasalle College of The Arts (2007 -2008)

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (Stage Management Tutor)

Jan 2022 - October 2022 (Full-Time)

Providing theory and practical lesson plans for all production arts students of all levels including stage management, event management, production management and technical management. This includes but not limited to theatre fundamentals, program specifics, cues calling technics, just to name a few. Most importantly support and impart practical knowledge to the students having to demonstrate methods and effective ways of cues calling, stage mark-ups, and carpentry work to set building. Not forgetting the after-hours one-on-one session with students who are keen and wish to learn more.      

Gateway Entertainment Pte Ltd (Technical Director of Gateway Theatre)

Jan 2016 - Jun 2016 (Full-Time)

In 2014, Gateway Entertainment converted one of their buildings into a 9 storey building consisting of a 1400 seaters theatre, 220 seat black box, a dance studio, one roof top space and function rooms. My main responsibilities were identifying. and recruiting a group of specialists specializes in each and every department and setup the standard operational procedures for the building. Formalise engaging of casual staff, rostering, established a list of reliable suppliers and contacts, and not forgetting implementing of occupational health and safety regulations. All these were to future-proof it for the back-of-house team. Trained and guide the junior technicians. 

Crown Perth Pty Ltd, (Production/Technical Coordinator of Crown Theatre Perth)

Oct 2011 - Nov 2014 (Full-Time)

Oversees and attended all meetings related to back-of=house operations and within Crown Theatre, Perth. Liaising with in-coming production advance party relating to production matters (includes but not limited to, risk assessment, positioning of set & scenic elements, manpower rostering, logistics, and budgeting production & technical cost. Last but not least, ensuring all occupational health and safety regulations were met. Trained and guide junior technicians.  

DBS Arts Centre - Home of Singapore Repertory Theatre Ltd

(Technical Manager of Singapore Repertory Theatre)

Feb 2004 - Jun 2005 (Full-Time)

Overseeing all technical matters related to this 384-seaters proscenium stage theatre. Being the first point of contact for all technical related matters to all in-coming productions. Finding technical solutions to all their artistic visions was the extra services we provide in SRT. I led a team of back-of-house theatre technicians, who assisted me in maintaining the theatre, and all equipment inventory. Monitor and maintaining the building was functional and safe for everyone who patrons Home of SRT. Last but not least, ensuring all occupational health and safety regulations were met.  

The Esplanade Co Ltd - Theatres by The Bay, Singapore 

(Mechanist of Lyric Theatre 2002, Head Mechanist of Studio Theatre 2003, and Storeman for production department 2002 - 2004 ) 

Feb 2002 - Feb 2004 (Full-Time)

Responsibilities includes setup, strike, troubleshoot, maintenance of all staging department equipment and production matters related to staging within the venue. Liaising with suppliers and contractors (including internal procurement department) of all materials ordered. Stock taking and inventory checks for staging department (yearly affairs). Theatre carpentry work, overseeing and trained casual staff.    

Creatus Events Pte Ltd (Operation & Technical Manager) 

Jan 2001 - Jan 2002 (Full-Time)

Assisting accounts managers to provide and transform all creative ideas into technically possible in events under the belt of Creatus. Planned and executed all logistics both on/off sites and liaised with all suppliers and vendors for the events. Most importantly, applied for all licenses required for Creatus's events and all personnel abide to the occupational health and safety regulations set. 

Past Freelance Projects by TSC

• Goethe-Institut Singapur presents Modern Resonance @ Bukit Panjang Power Station 2019 (Wireless Sound system provider cum Audio Consultant)
• W!LDR!CE Co Ltd presents Peter Pan @ Serangoon Gardens @ Funan Mall 2019 (Flymen)
• Founding Members of Dance Nucleus 2015 - 2017 (an initiative under The National Arts Council)
• Arts Science Museum ARTSCIENCE LATE 2016 presents Mirror of Clandestine Blooms by The ARTS FISSION Company @ Arts Science Museum (Production/Technical Manager)
• Singapore International Festival of Arts 2015 presents The Incredible Adventures of Border Crosses @ Singapore National Museum (Technical Manager)
• Co-founder of Dance In Situ (2015 – 2019) (Production/Technical Director)
• T.H.E Dance Company FIRST Anniversary 2009 presented Silence @ Esplanade Theatre & NUS Arts Festival 2009 presented Variance by T.H.E Dance Company @ UCC Theatre (Technical Manager)
• Singapore Arts Festival by National Arts Council presents FORWARD MOVES I (2006) & III (2008) @ Esplanade Theatre Studio (Production Manager)
• W!LDR!CE Co Ltd presents Beauty World Cha Cha Cha 2007 @ Esplanade Lyric Theatre (Technical Manager)
• Creative Production Inc presents RENT 40th Anniversary World Tour 2006 as a Props Master (Singapore, Hong Kong, Beijing, Seoul, Daegu & Taipei)
• Community Drumming Festival 2005 by HEARTBEAT Percussion Band @ ITE East Campus (Production cum Stage Manager) 
• Theatreworks 20th Anniversary Grand Opening of 72-13 (Technical Manager)
• Telok Kurau Secondary School presents The Musical River of Life I & III @ Victoria Theatre & School’s Auditorium (Technical Director/Theatrical Consultant)

Edith Cowan University - The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

Graduated with a Bachelor in Performing Arts