ABOUT SINGAPORE YOUTH THEATRE
Wild Rice’s Singapore Youth Theatre programme is a holistic programme that has been designed especially to inspire and empower young people through theatre-making. Our mission is to provide a platform for youths to make and present theatre that speaks to and for people of their own generation.
Over 10 months, participants will gain hands-on experience of the full theatre-making process, from writing and devising to performing their own writing. Each participant will write and develop their own scene as part of a collectively devised, vignette-style production.
At the end of the programme, participants will stage and perform an original production under the guidance and direction of a professional creative team
No prior acting or theatre-making experience is necessary. All you need is a drive and passion for theatre, a willingness to learn, and the ability to commit to the schedule/requirements of this 10-month programme.
Note: Auditions will be conducted in groups of up to 12 participants per slot.
TESTIMONIALS FROM OUR ALUMNI!
PROGRAMME DETAILS
- DURATION: 10 months from mid-August 2026, culminating in a performance showcase in June 2027
- SCHEDULE:
- Saturdays, 10am – 5pm (weekly)
- Depending on programme requirements, the frequency of sessions may increase in certain months and in the weeks leading up to the production.
- Graduation Showcase: June 2027
- Programme Schedule (Download here)
- Please note: Each participant must achieve a minimum of 85% attendance to graduate from the programme.
- AGE RANGE: 13 to 17 years old (in 2026)
- COST: Completely Free!
- The programme is fully subsidised to ensure it is accessible to all young people, regardless of background.
AUDITION DETAILS
Auditions will be conducted in groups, giving each candidate the chance to work and create alongside other young people in the room. Each group audition session will take approximately one hour.
- Dates: 21 June (Sun) & 22 June (Mon)
- Time Slots:
- 10.30am – 11.30am
- 1.00pm – 2.00pm
- 3.00pm – 4.00pm
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their application by Monday, 15 June 2026, to book an audition slot. Slots are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once slots are filled, no additional slots or sessions will be arranged.
Please include the following information in your application:
- Name
- Contact details (phone number & email)
- A recent photo of yourself
- A write-up of no more than 200 words on why you are keen to join Singapore Youth Theatre
WHAT TO PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION
Please dress comfortably! You will be moving about and working in groups. No preparation is required in advance – everything you need will be provided on the day.
The session will include:
- Introduction & Warm-Ups
- Group Drama Exercises (Improvisation & Devising)
- Q&A
A NOTE ON THE AUDITION
Please don’t stress about the audition – this is not a test.
We’re not looking for the most polished performers, or the most experienced writers. We want the chance to get to know you, to work and create something with you in the room, and to hear you share your thoughts and your unique perspective on the world around you. This is, after all, a programme for aspiring theatre-makers to learn and grow together. We look forward to meeting you!
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME DIRECTORS
Thomas Lim is a writer, director, and arts educator based in Singapore. His works span across genres and languages, including plays, musicals, exhibitions, and short films that have been performed in Teochew, Mandarin, Malay, Bahasa Indonesia, English, and Pig Latin. He made his professional debut as a playwright and director with Grandmother Tongue, a semi-autobiographical tribute to his Teochew-speaking grandmother. His writing credits include Supervision, Straight Acting, and National Day Charade. Thomas also makes theatre for families, such as musical pantomimes like Peter Pan in Serangoon Gardens and Pinocchio; as well as plays for young audiences like Red Riding Hood and There’s a Dinosaur in the Concert Hall. Beyond his work as a writer and director, drama education is a major part of Thomas’ artistic practice. He enjoys teaching and collaborating with students and young people. He is the Co-Programme Director of Singapore Youth Theatre and teaches playwriting in secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
Ezzat Alkaff is an arts manager, drama educator and theatre practitioner who trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (UK). He leads the Youth & Education department at Wild Rice, where he oversees the company’s education and outreach programmes for young people across schools, theatres and community spaces in Singapore. He also serves as Co-Programme Director of Singapore Youth Theatre, a year-long training platform that supports youths in creating and performing their own original work. His practice is grounded in building imaginative spaces where young people can share their voices, collaborate and create, and engage critically with the world through theatre.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Auditions & Applications
What happens after I apply?
You will receive a confirmation email with your allocated audition slot by Wednesday, 17 June.
Can I choose my audition slot?
Slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. We ask that each applicant indicate at least two preferred slots in their application, and we will do our best to accommodate individual preferences, though this cannot be guaranteed.
If I audition with my friends, can we be placed in the same slot?
We cannot guarantee placement within the same slot, as slots are allocated based on availability. You are welcome to indicate a preference in your application.
Do I need to bring anything to the audition?
Just bring yourself and wear comfortable clothing – everything else will be provided on the day. No preparation is required in advance.
Is the programme open to everyone?
The programme is open to all young people aged 13 to 17 in 2026.
What if I am 12 years old in 2026?
We appreciate your interest, but this programme is open only to participants who are at least 13 years old in 2026. We hope you’ll consider applying next year!
About the Programme
How long is the programme?
This programme spans 10 months, from August 2026 to June 2027.
Will the programme include singing and dancing?
Singapore Youth Theatre focuses on developing skills related to acting, writing, and devising. The curriculum does not offer training in singing or dancing.
Will I be required to write as part of the programme?
Yes, writing is a core component. Throughout the programme, you will develop your writing skills and work on creating/developing scenes as part of the devising process.
Will I be writing a scene for the graduation showcase?
Each participant will write at least one scene that contributes to the graduation showcase. Depending on the themes and direction of the production, this may be written individually, in pairs, or as part of a small group.
Will I get to choose what my scene or story is about?
The themes and stories explored in the programme will be developed collectively by the participants. Your shared voice will contribute in shaping the entire work.
Commitment & Attendance
What level of commitment is required?
- A minimum attendance of 85% is required to graduate from the programme.
- The programme runs every Saturday. Closer to the graduation showcase in June 2027, the intensity of sessions will likely increase. Participants must also complete written assignments (such as journal entries) throughout the programme.
- Participation in the graduation performance in June 2027 is mandatory.
What if I have a school commitment or examination that clashes with the programme?
Please let us know as soon as possible if a scheduling conflict arises so that we can work together to help you meet the programme’s graduation requirements and attendance expectations.
What if I am unable to complete the programme?
As the programme is free of charge for participants, we ask for a full commitment in return. If you are unable to continue, please inform the Programme Directors as soon as possible. Please note that the programme has a value of $1,308 – if a participant withdraws without sufficient cause, we reserve the right to request a reimbursement of this fee.
Costs
Is the programme really free?
Yes, the programme is completely free of charge for all participants. It is fully subsidised to ensure that it is accessible to all young people. The programme has a value of $1,308, but there is no cost to participants as long as all programme requirements (including minimum attendance) are met.
Will there be any other costs incurred during the programme?
There are no additional fees to be paid. However, participants will need access to a personal computing device such as a laptop or an iPad, which may be required to complete work/ assignments during certain sessions.
The Graduation Showcase
Will my family and friends be able to watch the graduation showcase?
Yes, the graduation showcase will be a professionally staged event presented by Wild Rice and Singapore Youth Theatre, with tickets available for sale to the general public. Ticketing and venue details will be shared closer to the date.
If you have any enquiries about the programme, please email us at academy@wildrice.com.sg.