In 2000, Claire Devine and Lisa O’Neill, in collaboration with William Teo of Asia in Theatre, founded buds youth theatre, a group that provided free drama training for young people aged between 14-24. Run on a voluntary basis, the group went from strength to strength. Initially facilitated by Claire & Lisa, it was taken over four years later by past members and by now, professional theatre educators and practitioners, Rosemary McGowan, Nur Sahirrah Safit and Rebecca Lee.
Between September 2010 and June 2011, Buds was facilitated by Nur Sahirrah Safit and Ronnie Thomas. In it’s present state, Buds Youth Theatre, has ceased to exist. In it’s place, a more structured programme, BYT • involving numerous industry players such as CAKE Theatrical Productions, Alvin Tan from The Necessary Stage and Actress Karen Tan, is to be launched in July 2011 and is targeted at young people with a genuine passion for theatre. Based on the former module, BYT •, looks forward to a year packed with theatrical endeavours.
The key component for the success of this programme is that each member shares a passion for theatre and a willingness to learn more about the craft.
buds theatre company was established in 2007 with the aim of providing a professional platform for buds youth theatre members. As our youth members matured and completed their studies, many of them remained interested in pursuing the theatre as a career and buds theatre company aims to provide them with this opportunity.
buds playhouse is the latest branch of Buds. Following the ideology and thinking of the International Baccalaureate, buds playhouse provides a holistic approach to learning, empowering students and nurturing their inventive spirit. We provide fun, quality education where children are encouraged to experience the excitement of the theatre, while gaining a creative insight into the world around them, discovering that they are capable of achieving far more than they ever felt was possible. At buds playhouse, we not only produce actors of tomorrow but exceptional communicators and orators; skills that will equip your child to handle situations professionally, politely and with confidence.
