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Top 7 Acting Schools in Singapore That’ll Have You Playing Leading Roles in No Time
I’ve always had this nagging feeling that I wanted to pursue acting, even as a hobby. Watching movies and theater performances, I’d often catch myself thinking, “That could be me!”
But between work, life, and everything else, I never knew when or how to take the plunge. It wasn’t until recently, after a bit of reflection, that I realized, “Why wait? If not now, when?”
So, I decided to check out some acting classes in Singapore to finally nurture that long-held interest and see where it could take me.
If you’ve always wanted to try acting or are looking to take your skills to the next level, why not take the first step today? Here are some acting classes that you can explore to get started.
1. The Improv Company
Media credit: @theimprovcompany
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theimprovcompany/?hl=en
Website: https://www.improv.sg/
Address: 62B South Bridge Road
Phone: +65 8800 0651
Email: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – 9:30AM to 6:30PM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
The Improv Company is widely recognized as one of the best places to learn improvisational theatre in the country. They offer an exciting, supportive environment for both beginners and seasoned performers alike.
In their beginner acting class, students are not just taught the fundamentals of improv but are also encouraged to embrace spontaneity and trust their instincts.
With an emphasis on ensemble work and creating compelling stories on the spot, actors are trained to collaborate, think critically, and most importantly, have fun.
The atmosphere is light-hearted, yet focused, helping you to develop the skills needed for impromptu performances that captivate an audience.
The instructors, who are all experienced improvisers themselves, provide valuable feedback and guidance to help students improve and grow as performers.
For those new to improv, the two-hour Taster Sessions provide a fantastic introduction, allowing you to dip your toes into improvisation before committing to a full course. All you need is a pair of comfortable clothes and a sense of adventure.
Pro Tip: Follow their Instagram account to stay updated on their available workshops. |
2. Wild Rice Academy
Media credit: @wildricesg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildricesg/?hl=en
Website: wildrice.com.sg
Address: Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, #03-11
Phone: +65 6292 2695
Email: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – 10AM to 6PM
- Saturday – 10AM to 2PM
- Sunday – Closed
Wild Rice Academy is a top-tier institution for aspiring actors in Singapore. It has a strong reputation for nurturing young talent. Catering to various ages, this academy focuses on helping performers develop their stage presence and build strong characters.
They offer a comprehensive range of acting classes to suit various age groups and skill levels, making it one of the best places in Singapore to cultivate your passion for theatre.
For younger students, the Wild Kids and First Stage programs are designed to introduce them to the world of performance in a fun, engaging way.
Through weekly drama classes and holiday camps, children between the ages of 5 to 12 get a chance to express themselves creatively through role-playing, props, and imaginative exercises that spark a child’s interest in drama.
For teens aged 13 to 17, the Singapore Youth Theatre program places them into the world of stage performance. It gives students the opportunity to explore writing, directing, and acting, helping them develop their creative voices.
Meanwhile, aspiring theatre professionals aged 18 to 30 can take part in the Young & Wild program, a year-long course that equips them with the skills needed to jumpstart a career in theatre.
This comes with instructors, many of whom are professional actors and directors themselves, who provide constructive feedback in an encouraging atmosphere.
Pro Tip: If you want to get a feel for what they’re all about, check out their plays and see what you could be a part of in the future! |
3. Sing’Theatre
Media credit: @singtheatre
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singtheatre/?hl=en
Website: singtheatre.com
Address: 21 Tan Quee Lan St, #02-10 Heritage Place
Phone: +65 6334 6397
Email: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – 9AM to 6PM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Sing’Theatre is a premier institution, renowned for its comprehensive approach to musical theatre education. Specializing in combining singing, acting, and dancing, the academy offers a well-rounded curriculum designed to shape dynamic performers.
Students engage in voice training, choreography, and character development, all within a supportive and inspiring environment. They receive not only technical guidance but also mentorship from seasoned professionals.
The school offers classes that also focus on encouraging self-confidence and interpersonal skills. These qualities help build a successful career in the performing arts, where strong connections and emotional intelligence are just as important as talent.
Sing’Theatre has plenty of exposure opportunities through performances throughout the year. This includes community outreach programs that bring live music and performances to communities.
With classes for both children and adults, Sing’Theatre’s educational offerings are accessible to all ages and levels of experience.
Pro Tip: If you want to dabble in other aspects of musical theatre aside from performing arts, Sing’Theatre looks for volunteers such as costumes, production crew, and much more. |
4. Haque Centre of Acting & Creativity (HCAC)
Media credit: @hcac_sg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hcac_sg/?hl=en#
Website: methodactingasia.com
Address: 89A Desker Road
Phone: +65 8776 4580
Email: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – 9Am to 6PM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
As one of the premier acting schools in Singapore, Haque Centre of Acting and Creativity (HCAC) is celebrated for its focus on emotional authenticity and scene work.
The school’s approach to acting is grounded in well-established methods that prioritize deep emotional connection and character development. They are popular for their expert training in the Stanislavski Method and the Meisner Technique.
These two approaches are the most influential acting approaches that shape the way actors perform, but they each have distinct philosophies and techniques.
The training at HCAC caters to a wide range of skill levels. Beginners can start with foundational courses such as Fundamentals of Acting, while more experienced actors can delve into specialized workshops, including Comedic Improvisation.
For those seeking personalized guidance, HCAC also offers private coaching sessions. This entails interactions with their Artistic Director, Kamil Haque, a respected figure in the Singaporean acting community.
One of the unique aspects of HCAC is its flexible, student-driven curriculum. Recognizing that aspiring actors often juggle other commitments, the school offers customizable programs that can be tailored to fit each student’s needs.
Notably, HCAC is the only school in Asia to teach the work of Lee Strasberg as it was originally intended, offering students a rare opportunity to train in one of the most influential acting methodologies of the 20th century.
Pro Tip: For those looking for a long-term commitment, ACT 3 Drama Academy offers a lifetime student membership for just $39. This membership includes a 50% discount on repeat workshops. |
5. Centre Stage School of the Arts (CSSA)
Media credit: @centrestagesg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centrestagesg/
Website: https://centre-stage.com/home/
Address: 15 Woking Road
Phone: +65 6732 7211
Email: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – 10AM to 6PM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Centre Stage School of the Arts (CSSA) was founded in 1999 by seasoned actors Peter Hodgson and Alison Tompkins. The school has grown from its humble beginnings into a thriving multi-location center, providing high-quality training for students of all ages.
The school offers an impressive variety of courses that cater to different age groups and experience levels, making it an ideal place for anyone interested in exploring the performing arts.
Students are encouraged to apply what they’ve learned in real-world scenarios, whether through hands-on workshops, theatre performances, or participation in nationally and internationally recognized exams.
CSSA’s curriculum includes training in both acting and musical theatre, alongside technical skills in dance and voice. Students also have the opportunity to prepare for prestigious qualifications, such as Trinity and LAMDA exams.
The school also includes highly qualified instructors with extensive professional experience and training from respected institutions. This international expertise ensures that students receive top-tier instruction in all areas of the performing arts.
Pro Tip: For those who want to incorporate more of a musical aspect into their training, their adult classes are tailored to singing and dancing for theater. |
6. ACT 3 Drama Academy
Media credit: @act3international
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/act3international/?hl=en
Website: act3international.com.sg
Address: ONE-TWO-SIX Cairnhill Arts Centre, 126 Cairnhill Road, #03-01
Phone: +65 6735 9986
Email: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – 9AM to 6PM
- Saturday – 9AM to 5PM
- Sunday – Closed
ACT 3 Drama Academy, one of Singapore’s oldest and most respected institutions for children’s drama education, has been nurturing young talent since its founding in 1994.
By offering a safe and fun environment, ACT 3 has become a place where young actors thrive. The school aims to inspire them not only to perform but also to express themselves confidently in all areas of life.
The classes are structured in academic-style terms, with 10-week sessions that run throughout the year. This ensures that children can pursue their passion for acting even amidst their school commitments.
These classes, typically held over the weekend, focus on cultivating creativity, self-expression, and interpersonal skills, all while keeping things fun and engaging.
The youngest children, aged 1.5 to 3 years, are introduced to drama through play-based activities. As children grow, the courses evolve to meet their developmental needs, with storytelling and basic acting techniques to enhance their concentration and social skills.
For older children, the focus sharpens to more advanced acting and performance techniques, promoting deeper emotional expression and a more nuanced understanding of storytelling.
With term rates that make it accessible to a wide range of families, the academy ensures that the arts remain an integral part of children’s lives, regardless of their background.
Pro Tip: Heads up! The car park is quite small, so you might want to consider taking the MRT and getting off at Newton instead. |
7. Pink Gajah Theatre
Media credit: @pinkgajah
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkgajah/?hl=en
Website: https://www.pinkgajahtheatre.com/
Address: 393 Joo Chiat Place
Phone: +65 8118 3309
Email: [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – 9AM to 6PM
- Saturday – 9AM to 1PM
- Sunday – Closed
Pink Gajah Theatre, founded in 2013 by Sharda Harrison, stands as a strong force in Singapore’s theater scene. Their mission is the belief that theater can be a catalyst for social change.
Their name, Pink Gajah, is a playful twist on the proverbial “white elephant in the room.” The meaning is to reflect their tendency to tackle unconventional, often uncomfortable topics that society tends to overlook or avoid.
The company encourages its students and audiences to think critically about the world around them. They address issues ranging from personal identity to societal norms, using the stage as a space for both artistic expression and social commentary.
Their programs, such as Devising and Theatre, Drama 101, and Primal, aim to awaken the creative and intellectual potential of every student.
By using the body, speech, and mind as tools of expression, the classes are designed to cultivate confidence, leadership, and a deeper understanding of the human condition.
The Primal Play workshop, for example, invites participants to reconnect with their inner child, shedding their adult ego to explore playfulness, spontaneity, and connection through movement and improvisation.
Pro Tip: If you want to get a glimpse of their theatre acting, stay updated through their website! |