If you have a little actor or a musical diva at home, then it might be time to send them to a speech and drama class. Here are some great ways to introduce your little thespian to the performing arts.
We love settling in for a movie marathon with kids every now and then, and we can’t get enough of the fabulous kids shows in Singapore, either. If you’ve ever considered getting the kiddos into the theatre, performing art programmes in schools are the way to go. Or, you could send them to a speech and drama class for kids in Singapore.
But even if you’re not planning on raising a little thespian, drama and speech classes are still fab enrichment classes for kids as they’re so much more than just teaching acting and public speaking skills. A psychologist who works with performers found that drama classes prepare kids for unexpected situations, help them overcome their anxiety, problem-solve quickly, and gain confidence
Interested? We’ve rounded up some of the best speech and drama schools to do so. Read on to find out!
The best speech and drama classes for kids in Singapore
1. ACT 3 Drama Academy: Drama classes that helps kids grow
ACT 3 Drama Academy believes that every child deserves a safe space where they can be seen, heard, and supported. As such, classes at ACT 3 Drama Academy don’t just focus on performance skills, but in helping kids develop their own voice and grow confidently. Catering to tots as young as 18 months to teens aged 15, kids pick up important skills in these classes, such as listening, leadership, communication – all of which are useful in everyday life, and will continue to be even as they grow into adulthood. If you’re curious about how ACT 3 Drama Academy’s classes can benefit your child, sign up for a one-hour trial class (at just $35!) to experience the difference.
Where: 126 Cairnhill Road, One-Two-Six Cairnhill Arts Centre, Singapore 229707
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2. Sing’theatre Academy: Drama classes for kids with free trials
Got a kid who’s always bursting into song? They can ‘let it go’ and develop their skills at Sing’theatre Academy, Singapore’s only dedicated musical theatre academy. The academy has programmes for little ones as young as three years old, up to young adult level at 18 years old. Programmes are facilitated by the academy’s professional theatre company, which works with some of Singapore’s top industry pros. Kids will learn to sing, dance, and act; while building on confidence and social skills throughout the programme. Plus, your kids will also get to perform in Sing’theatre’s community outreach programmes, bringing live music to hospitals and underserved communities. Sing’theatre Academy welcomes all children, whether they’re newbies or experienced performers. Free trials available!
Where: 21 Tan Quee Lan Street, Heritage Place #02-10, Singapore 188108
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3. Wild Rice Academy: Drama classes by a top local theatre group
At Wild Rice Academy, kids get to discover the world around them and discover themselves as well – through theatre, story and performance. The ten-week programme engages the kids in fun activities like drama games, role-playing, learning performance skills, play-making, and lots more. Plus, they will get an in-depth insight into costumes, sound and lighting for on-stage performances.
Where: #04-08, Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105
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4. Julia Gabriel Centre: Drama classes using a unique methodology
If you are keen to sign your tinies up for speech and drama lessons beyond the stage, Julia Gabriel is the place to hit up. With six centres dotted across the island, they teach kids to master techniques and skills necessary for effective communication. Julia Gabriel also touches upon other key tenets like collaboration, creativity, courage, and much more through its proprietary EduDrama methodology. Educators use the exciting media of drama, poetry, role-play, story-telling, and so much more in classes. Plus, it has a roster of programmes suitable for kids as young as two to four years of age, right up to their tweens.
Where: Six locations around Singapore, including Forum The Shopping Mall, Tampines Mall, Woodleigh Mall, and more.
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5. Lorna Whiston Enrichment Centre: Speech and drama classes with Trinity College London qualifications
Lorna Whiston Enrichment Centre in United Square offers speech and drama classes that strives to empower students to become confident communicators. Each tier of its programme is curated to be age-appropriate, guiding students to think creatively and critically along the way. If you are looking to take it a step further, Lorna Whiston also preps students for international-level examinations like the Trinity College London examinations, which can help you earn points for UK university admission. Besides all these great opportunities, the school also has enrichment programmes and holiday camps perfect to keep the kiddos engaged and online classes. Check out its website to find out more.
Where: United Square Mall, #03-18, 101 Thomson Road, Singapore 307591
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6. LoveKids: Drama classes for kids from six months old
It’s a well-known fact that kids are like sponges in the learning department. So what better time to introduce new concepts to them than from a young age? At LoveKids, the specialised speech and drama playgroup programme starts from as young as six months old and continues up to kindergarteners. Plus, it uses drama as a tool to build many other skills towards your kids’ development, like social, speech and self-expression. The programmes also take it up a notch with EQ skills like self-confidence and self-awareness.
Where: Locations in Serangoon Gardens and Yishun.
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7. Centre Stage School of the Arts: Drama and musical theatre classes by professional actors
With two locations, the main in the Wessex Estate and a second in East Coast, this drama school helps kids from three and a half years up to eighteen develop a love of the arts through highly engaging and interactive classes. Creative drama is at the heart and soul of Centre Stage – it is process-driven, rather than performance-based, drama – bringing to life situations, stories and characters by ‘playing out’ the narrative. Lessons are drawn from favourite books, poems, and stories. Classes are according to age (suitable for all children from the under-confident to the real drama enthusiast!), and more impressively, all programmes are taught by professional actors and performers.
Where: Locations in Portsdown Road and Marine Parade.
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8. Helen O’Grady Drama Academy: Drama classes for tots and teens
Who better to start a drama school than a successful actress and TV presenter? Australian actress Helen O’Grady is just that, and she has taken her love for drama to a new level by opening speech and drama classes not just in Singapore but around the world! Beginners’ classes run for tiny actors from two years of age and continue right up to the fantastic youth theatre programme, aimed at students from 13 to 18 years old. Kids can expect ad-lib thinking exercises, scripted and open-ended dialogues, group improvisation and, of course, a heap of stage time.
Psst… Check out its online drama camps, too! And, there are demo classes so your young ‘un can sit in to get a taste of the course structure before signing up.
Where: 231 Mountbatten Road, Block B, #03-03, Mountbatten Centre, Singapore 397999
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9. MADDspace: Musical theatre classes that follow internationally recognised syllabus
If you want your little one to excel in multiple disciplines of performing arts, check out MADDspace. The school is renowned for music, art, speech and drama, and dance and aims to promote and develop your kid’s character. It’s also worth noting that its vocal and musical theatre programme follows the internationally recognised London College of Music syllabus. Plus, it has classes for all age groups! Parents have complimented its conducive environment and patient teachers; we certainly can’t recommend it enough.
Where: Locations in GR.ID and Chevrons (West).
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10. Apple Pie Language: Chinese speech and drama classes for kids
Looking to improve your little ones knowledge of the Chinese language? Apple Pie Language combines singing and dancing with crafts and the hands-on making of theatre props, so the kids can be involved in every aspect of putting together a theatre production.
Where: 6A Chun Tin Road, Singapore 599593
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11. Graces Speech & Drama Studio: Drama classes up till diploma level
If you’re looking for speech and drama classes with a side of certification, check out Graces Speech and Drama Studio. These speech and drama classes on the East Coast include internationally recognised UK exams through Trinity College certification. But don’t worry about the exam side of things! ‘Studying’ has never been more fun since this school focuses on learning some cool stuff rather than achieving top grades. Speech is a big part of the amateur-to-professional acting path, and kiddos at the studio will get plenty of help with speaking confidently and reading and language skills. We love it because it’s useful for all walks of life, and not just the stage! Students will also be encouraged to showcase their new-found skills in lots of community performances and fun acting activities.
Where: 121 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427410
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12. Lucy Sparkles & Friends: Dance, music, and drama classes for babies to preschoolers
At Lucy Sparkles & Friends, fun is at the heart of every class! Their dance, music, and drama sessions for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are designed to spark joy and creativity while helping little ones develop their physical, emotional, and intellectual skills. Led by trained pros, these classes are more than just lessons — they’re adventures!
Where: Enquire for location
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13. Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts: Bilingual drama classes for kids
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts has many exciting courses, and the Junior Drama department is a star! It offers fun, bilingual drama classes that build creativity and confidence. From Drama Bilingual to Youth Ensemble and vacation courses, there’s a perfect pick for your little performer.
Where: 80 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189655
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14. The Theatre Practice: Play-integrated drama classes
At The Theatre Practice, kids’ drama lessons spark creativity and build confidence through imaginative play. Its engaging classes encourage children to explore different roles and stories, helping them develop strong communication skills and a love for performance. And what we love most is that it uses play to learn about the performing arts.
Where: 54 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187953
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Love this list of speech and drama classes for kids in Singapore? Check out these music classes, too!
