MLS – Model Language Studio

‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.’

English Through Drama…MLS teaches communication skills via its own Drama Method®, based upon the principle of acting techniques created by Stanislavski and Strasberg. This method has evolved and developed with its main objective being to help the student learn, and effectively use, English for communication rather than just to retain it as a piece of knowledge. The philosophy is that learning a language should be an experience in communication not memorization, and all parts of the body, mind and heart are involved in this learning process. It is based on three basic pillars:

  • Truth of Self – speaking and acting honestly from one’s self
  • Purposeful Action – having a reason for acting and speaking
  • Talk & Listen* – listening to what the other person is saying and giving a reply
The birth of MLS
birth-at-MLS

MLS was founded by Yoko Narahashi (MLS Honorary President) and Masakazu Ota (MLS President) who realized the great potential of teaching English and communication skills through drama and decided to establish an English school during 1974, the Model Language Studio (MLS). The name originates from – ‘Model’ taken from the name of MP (Model Production), ‘Language’ to represent their hopes to use the Drama Method®, and ‘Studio’ in honor of New York’s Actors Studio.

Narahashi later found fame as the lyricist for the rock group, Godaigo, who had the hit song, ‘Gandhara’ and ‘Monkey Magic’…the theme tune for the world renown cult TV series of the same name. Nowadays she has become one of Japan’s leading casting agents placing and helping Japanese actors in movies such as, The Last Samurai, Batman Begins and Sayuri. Ota devoted himself to developing the business and the Drama Method® itself, including establishing ties with drama companies in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, England and American, for the purposes of education and international exchange.

2009 sees MLS celebrate its 35th year…it has grown to have 35 of its own studios all over the Kanto area with a client base of 4,000+ regular students from juniors through to multi-national corporations and actors, including Ken Watanbe.

Teaching at MLS

Training:

teaching-at-MLS

  • Instructors are not just thrown in at the deep end…they receive 2 weeks Basic Training before stepping into a studio with students
  • They are not abandoned either…all 1st year Instructors then attend Weekly Training/Care & Support meetings every Friday morning at the main Yoyogi Studios
  • All training is included in the Instructor’s weekly work-hours and is paid

Curriculum:

  • The Drama Method® curriculum is based on a yearly rotation and each instructor has a weekly class schedule pre-set for the entire school year
  • All of our full-time Instructors are Native-level English speakers and work five days per week
  • The earliest classes start at 09:50 and go through to anywhere between 12:30 and 13:30 – these morning classes are for students aged 6 months to 5 years old (moms join for some specific levels) and there is always a Japanese assistant helping the instructor
  • There is also always a minimum of a one hour lunch-break
  • The afternoon classes generally start at 15:00 and the last class of the day finishing between 18:00 and 20:00 dependant on the Instructor’s schedule…students are aged 6 to 16 years old

Special Events

Special-events

Summer School: this runs from the end of July, August through to the beginning of September during which time there is a Summer Camp, Summer Special Courses and demonstration classes happening. A popular time of the year for Instructors as there are opportunities to team-teach students!

  • Halloween & Christmas Parties: break out the costumes and make-up as we treat the younger students to some fun and games!
  • Play Presentations: the school year culminates with Play Presentations performed by the students and produced/directed by the Instructors – yes the students are up on stage in costume!

Instructor Benefits

instructor-benefits

  • Long Vacations: 8 days for Golden Week, the first two weeks of August, 2 weeks for Christmas/New Years and all National Holidays…all off and paid as a full-time Instructor!
  • Transportation: to and from the studios is fully paid
  • Performance & Completion Bonus: up to ¥80,000 for full-time Instructors
  • Visa sponsorship: not a problem at all for full-time Instructors – minimum BA certification required
  • Housing: we can help source and arrange housing for singles and couples

You can see current employment opportunities at MLS by visiting the following page.

If you would like to learn more about MLS, the Drama Method please visit our Company website: www.mls-etd.co.jp

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