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.

Auditions for the 2026 Singapore Youth Theatre programme are now open.

 

Join our mailing list to get updates from Singapore Youth Theatre. To get in touch with us, please email us at academy@wildrice.com.sg.

VOICES OF SINGAPORE YOUTH THEATRE

Testimonials From Our Alumni!

"Through this programme, I’ve really come to realise that there’s so much more to life in Singapore and that the theatre scene is seriously so robust and so beautiful. And learning more about the Singapore theatre scene has also led me to learn more about the arts scene in general, which is also so incredible and full of culture."

"I have always wanted to have an opportunity do arts, but I was always a very timid and nervous child. I am super grateful for this opportunity which has let me grow in so many aspects, in my skills, abilities and even developing as a person who has gotten to know so many different stories, backgrounds of different people and learnt to work with others even if it is not in my comfort zone."

"I loved getting the opportunity to expand my own understanding and awareness of theatre and its various forms. For instance, I gained more insight into the world of puppetry. I found it extremely interesting how even a piece of paper can become a puppet. Now, I'd be more willing to include puppetry as an aspect that I can further explore in theatre pieces that I may create in the future."

"One of the most memorable experiences was witnessing a dramatised reading of the play I wrote. I felt a strong sense of accomplishment as I sat and watched the characters and story that once had only existed in my imagination come to life on stage though the artistry of professional actors. Observing the performance allowed me to gain insights into what worked and what could be improved on in my writing."

PAST SINGAPORE YOUTH THEATRE SHOWS

SCHOOLED

Audience Reviews

“… they took that stage like seasoned warriors, holding audiences captive with their sincere conviction and heartfelt emotion of their performances, [and] winning [us] over with the purity and clarity of their intention and vision. Tears streamed down my face both times at the final scene.”

“It feels so good to be back home. [These really are] our future leaders and talents and I have no doubt [about] Singapore’s future theatre industry… everything was so cleverly written and I really enjoyed how these young actors played the nuances of each character.”

Audience Reviews

"I am incredibly impressed by the performers, given their age! The play was very well-scripted, and the issues raised were very pertinent, particularly to Singapore. I am glad I brought my own teenagers to watch their contemporaries perform in a production that I hope will give them food for thought. Well done, Singapore Youth Theatre!"

"Love the whole concept of using a board game to portray life in Singapore. Very refreshing, succinct, impactful and thought-provoking. I enjoyed the whole show; every character is impactful, representing the different stages/situations one faces in life. Awesome!"

Audience Reviews

"It was a dynamic show despite the size of the room. Kudos to the ones putting the show together, the students as well as the crew. It was very enjoyable!"

"The storyline had many good metaphors and the use of usage to convey different meanings was awesome. Acting was fantastic and I felt very emotional."

Audience Reviews

"Such maturity and heart in REGARDLESS OF in approaching the theme of identity in the context of Singapore."

"What we have before us is a veritable trove of talent and potential, to hone and harness. This is a younger and wilder company that puts up a good fight and pulls its own weight. Bravi!"

Audience Reviews

"It was beautifully scripted and executed. 💯 recommend!"

"It was so clever... amazing job to the SYT batch of 2025 ❤️❤️"

About Our 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.