If you have a little actor or a musical diva at home, then it might be time to send them to a drama class. Here are some great ways to introduce your little thespian to the performing arts.
We love watching a flick with the kids every now and then, and we can’t get enough of the fabulous stage shows, productions and musicals in Singapore, either. If you’ve ever considered getting the kiddos into the theatre, performing art programs in schools are the way to go. Or, you could send them to a drama and theatre class for kids in Singapore! We’ve rounded up some of the best schools to do so. Read on to find out!
The best drama and theatre classes for kids in Singapore
1. Julia Gabriel Centre Singapore
If you are keen to sign your tinies up for speech and drama lessons that go beyond the stage, Julia Gabriel is the place to hit up. With three 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 problem-solving and group-dynamic skills through the exciting media of drama, poetry, role-play, story-telling, and so much more. Plus, it has a roster of programmes suitable for kids as young as two to four years of age, right up to their tweens.
Julia Gabriel Centre Singapore, locations in Forum The Shopping Mall, Tampines Mall, Greenwich V, and Woodleigh Mall
2. Wild Rice Academy
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.
Wild Rice Academy, #04-08, Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105
3. Lorna Whiston Schools
This speech and drama hub on Thomson Road 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. 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.
Lorna Whiston Schools, United Square Mall, #03-18/#04-22, 101 Thomson Road, Singapore 307591
4. Sing’theatre Academy
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. Sign up for a free trial today!
Sing’theatre Academy, 21 Tan Quee Lan Street, Heritage Place #02-10, Singapore 188108
5. LoveKids
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.
LoveKids, locations in Serangoon Gardens and Sembawang
6. Centre Stage School of the Arts
With two locations, the main in Queenstown and a second in Siglap, 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!).
As self-confidence and passion build, these classes will develop collaboration, communication, imagination, quick-thinking, self-expression, and many other socio-emotional skills. At age eight, students can audition to join fully-fledged performance courses – On Stage Acting & Musical Theatre – that train budding young performers for the stage by rehearsing and producing shows. There are also creative play sessions for bubs from six months to three years old!
Centre Stage School of the Arts, locations in Portsdown Road and Marine Parade
7. ACT 3 Drama Academy
Another solid theatre academy for kids, ACT 3 International regularly holds workshops, classes and camps for your little thespians to get into theatre. Its drama academy teaches kids to find their voice. It also encourages them to contribute their ideas by thinking on their feet and experimenting with ways to express themselves. It’s great for kids aged 18 months to teens, with plenty of options to choose from.
ACT 3 International, locations at Cairnhill Arts Centre, Oasis Terraces @ Punggol, and Chai Chee
8. Helen O’Grady Drama Academy
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 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. No matter what area of stardom your little one is headed for, this school covers all the options! 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.
Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, 231 Mountbatten Road, Block B, #03-03, Mountbatten Centre, Singapore 397999
9. Graces Speech & Drama Studio
If you’re looking for speech and drama classes with a side of certification, check out Grace’s 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.
Graces Speech and Drama Studio, 22 169 Joo Chiat Road, #03-01, Singapore 427729
10. MADDspace
If you want your little one to excel in multiple disciplines of performing arts, check out MADDspace. The school is renowned for music, art, drama and dance and aims to promote and develop your kid’s character. And it has classes for all age groups! Parents have complimented its conducive environment and patient teachers; we certainly can’t recommend it enough.
MADDspace, locations in GR.ID and Chevrons
Love this list of drama classes for kids in Singapore? Check out these music classes, too!
