Get acquainted with some of these brilliant names in our theatre scene
Theatre lovers know that when it comes to the thespian art, it goes beyond Broadway and West End shows. With local theatre companies regularly spotlighting their original productions and adaptations on stage, Singapore's performing arts scene is clearly becoming more robust. Want to keep our unique theatre scene thriving? Show your support by making a donation, becoming a friend of your favourite performing arts groups, or buying merchandise. A little goes a long way in supporting local arts and theatre.
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Besides being the man behind the screens of your telly, Adrian Pang also helms the theatre company with his wife Tracie as Artistic Directors. Pangdemonium portrays both family-friendly and thought-provoking stories on-stage that are relatable for Singaporeans. Moving and inspiring, their productions have definitely taken Singapore's theatre scene to new heights.
Show your support by making a donation or becoming a friend of Pangdemonium here.
The Singapore Repertory Theatre has entertained theatre-goers with a slew of stage performances for 25 years. Its repertoire includes original musicals like Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress and critically acclaimed plays such as Tuesdays with Morrie and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. It also stages the Shakespeare in the Park series.
Show your support by becoming a friend of SRT here.
You've definitely heard of Singapore's longest-standing professional bilingual theatre institution, The Theatre Practice. Helmed by Artistic Director Kuo Jian Hong, the institution is known for its artist-driven and deeply progressive performances – whether it's local Chinese musicals like Lao Jiu: The Musical or immersive experiences like Four Horse Road.
Show your support by making a donation or becoming Friend of Practice here.
What started out as a Malay theatre group by playwright, dramatist and director Lut Ali and his wife Rubie Lazim in 1988 has now become one of the city's most successful experimental theatre groups. Teater Ekamatra's ethos is to spotlight talents and the stories of diverse ethnicities, evident in its plays like the Malay adaptation of cult classic A Clockwork Orange and original work Berak.
How your support by making a donation here.
Not your typical theatre group, the contemporary Drama Box showcases reflective productions that are also fun and entertaining. Its past productions have brought its audience out of freezing theatres and onto the streets including Chinatown where stories incorporate history, raise social awareness and inculcate civic responsibility amongst its audience.
Show your support by making a donation here.
For the uninitiated, independent theatre group The Second Breakfast Company is a not-for-profit collective led by a team of aspiring theatre practitioners. Helmed by Artistic Director Adeeb Fazah, the company is an advocate of an inclusive theatre culture for the younger generation, with thought-provoking plays like The Singapore Trilogy, The Hawker and The Moon is Less Bright.
Show your support by purchasing a merchandise here.
Considered as one of the city's leading theatre companies and the folks behind the annual Singapore Theatre Festival, this stage hotshot is known for productions that have a distinctive Singapore flavour but also universal in terms of storytelling. The W!ld Rice touring group has also brought Singapore to the world stage with appearances made at major international arts festivals in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand and Russia.
Show your support by becoming a friend of W!ld Rice or making a donation here.
If you've never heard of Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity (HCAC), it's time to get on it. HCAC is a hub for aspiring and fully-fledged actors to hone their skills in workshops in improvisation and method acting. Most programmes last a semester of two months, with six in the year. However, short intensive courses and trial classes are available as well. Alumnis have acted in the centre's productions such as The Jugular Vein and Cain Town.
Show your support by making a donation here.
Founded in 1987, The Necessary Stage has successfully produced more than 60 original works, many of which have been critically acclaimed both locally and overseas. This non-profit theatre company is one of the Major Arts Companies in Singapore, and it organises the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival annually. An average of two plays are staged every year for its main season.
Show your support by making a donation here.
If you're one for side-splitting jokes, book a seat with Dream Academy. Founded by local actress Selena Tan, this stage company is known for its thigh-slappingly hilarious comedy productions including musicals and stand-up shows. Popular titles include Dim Sum Dollies, Meenah and Cheenah, Detention Katong, and cracking stand-ups by Singapore comedy kings (and queen) Hossan Leong, Broadway Beng and Kumar.
Show your support by becoming a Dream Champion here.
Andsoforth is known for its immersive theatrical dining experiences at a secret venue where you feast on stories over the course of a meal. Don’t expect a ho-hum dinner – it plays out scenes with different characters throughout your meal. With Covid-19 restrictions, however, the theatre company has pivoted its business and opened up a cafe in the heart of Jalan Besar. Called Asylum Coffeehouse, it offers patrons a brief respite from their chaotic schedules.
Founded by Nelson Chia and Mia Chee, Nine Years Theatre is a Singapore Mandarin theatre company. Since its inception in 2012, the theatre company has dreamt up high-quality Mandarin plays for Singapore audiences. Nine Years Theatre have come up with top-notch plays such as First Fleet, Oedipus and more.
Show your support by making a donation here.
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