Buds began in 2000, with the help of William Teo of Asia-in-Theatre, as a youth theatre, for young enthusiasts to develop their dramatic skills and talents. Originally facilitated by Claire Devine and Lisa O’Neill, it is now led by former members of the group.
• To provide a platform for youths who are looking to pursue theatre professionally.
• To give participants a rudimentary exposure to the fundaments of theatre.
• To expose participants to a variety of performance genres
• To nurture talent
• To embellish skills and introduce new concepts.
• To encourage participants to value Arts Education
• To encourage participants to explore the idea of an Artistic Career
Contact BYT to schedule an audition. This will consist of a short interview and a presentation of a monologue from a published Singaporean play. Please email info@budstheatre.com
Buds Youth Theatre has impacted my life tremendously. It has given me a space and opportunity to hone my craft and exposed me to the art of theatre – creative and technical aspects of theatre. The generosity and dedication of the facilitators in sharing their talent was truly inspiring and I was inspired to do what they did – sharing their passion with everyone! Buds Youth Theatre is one of the reasons why I was drawn to pursue theatre as a career.
Ever since I was fourteen, Buds Youth Theatre has given me the opportunity to continually pursue my passion for theatre either as a participant or a returning mentor of which I am eternally grateful. I haven’t been able to leave, neither do I have the heart to. It is a program that stands testament to the true nature of theatre as it has remained a free platform for all who wish to explore performance as a mode of expression. This is priceless for any youth who has even the smallest dream of being part of Singapore’s artistic landscape. Buds Youth Theatre, I believe has been and will continue to be significant in encouraging many to consider or take the important first step. I don’t think I would have ever found my voice as a writer, director and performer if not for this programme.
At the crossroads of not knowing what to do and where to go when I was 16, Buds Youth Theatre gave me direction. It gave me a clear sense of purpose and confidence that I could be a theatre practitioner. As I grew from strength to strength as a performer, Buds was always there in some way or another aiding my progress. I owe a big part of who I am as an actor today to Buds.
Byt• provides training for Youths who have a dream but can’t afford to achieve it or don’t know how to achieve it. Over the years they have helped to carve and shape many great performers who have contributed and impacted the arts scene in Singapore. They were the people who gave me my first taste of professional theatre and have taught me value, morals and etiquette of the Theatre scene, things that one can not learn in school. I strongly urge all potential and budding theatre practitioners to receive Buds Youth Theatre’s training as it will help broaden their minds and perspective in terms of creativity and professionalism.
A major part of my actor’s training derived from being a Buds Youth Theatre member. I remember learning the ropes on how to behave in a theatre, how to be diligent with being on time and especially, how to be committed to the craft because that is the level of demand that is asserted onto the participants. Years on, I have gone back to Buds Youth Theatre as a physical theatre trainer and working with aspiring youths makes me smile to know that this work still remains, free of charge, as an accessible platform for all to experience and enjoy.
It went beyond my expectations.I had expected training in mostly acting, however I was exposed to a broad range of theatre skills. This programme provided a comprehensive and professional training that allowed me to explore the use of my voice, body and mind in acting; exposed me to a variety of performance
genres, and helped me further appreciate the Arts as a career choice. The various modules also helped me to identify my strengths and weaknesses, and understand what I need to improve on in preparing myself for this industry.