The Playwriting Young Company

Come write the stories only you can tell!

Join playwright Thomas Lim in a playwriting programme for young storytellers ready to imagine, write, and bring their stories to life.

SRT’s Playwriting Young Company is a new writing programme for young persons aged between 18 – 25, that will equip you with the holistic skills and techniques you need to shine as a playwright as well as in your future career of choice. 

The programme will comprise of a series of exciting masterclasses, led by acclaimed playwright Thomas Lim.  

This is your chance to join a programme that covers all the bases — from idea generation and character development to structuring a script. 

"In a world filled with powerful and competing narratives, playwriting is the way I hold onto parts of my identity, culture and story that are important to me.

I’m thrilled to gather with young people to write, imagine and tell the stories of our generation. Come write with us!"

- Thomas Lim

Find out a piece of advice that Thomas has to share with young writers and what you can expect from this playwriting programme here.

Workshop Dates

Modules for Semester One:

• Idea Generation

• Character
• Action
• Dialogue
• Form, structure and Plot
• Symbol and Poetry
• Focus on the theme of: Self & Culture

Applicants are required to submit a statement of interest of between 300 – 400 words.
You may choose to respond to any of the following prompts to form your statement, or choose to compose something of your own.

Prompts:

• What do you hope to get out of The Playwriting Young Company programme?
• Share an idea for a play that you want to write.
• Tell us about your most memorable experience at the theatre. What made it memorable?

Application Deadline: 3 Dec 2026, 11.45pm

Thomas Lim, Playwright   Thomas is a writer, director and arts educator. His work spans genres and languages, including  plays, musicals and short films performed in Teochew, Mandarin, Malay, Bahasa Indonesia,  English and Pig Latin. His professional debut, Grandmother Tongue, is a semi-autobiographical  tribute to his Teochew-speaking grandmother.   Subsequent writing and directing credits include Supervision, Straight Acting and National Day Charade. Thomas is also an established  arts educator with over a decade of experience working with students and young people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Playwriting Young Company?

The Playwriting Young Company is Singapore Repertory Theatre’s playwriting programme for young people aged 18–25. Led by playwright Thomas Lim, it explores how to turn ideas into stories for the stage, from developing characters to writing dialogue and structuring a script.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is for young people aged 18–25 who are interested in playwriting and telling stories through theatre.

What will I learn?

Semester One covers idea generation, character, action, dialogue, form, structure and plot, as well as symbolism and poetry. The semester’s theme is Self & Culture, offering a starting point for exploring the stories you want to tell.

Who will lead the programme?

The programme is led by Thomas Lim, a playwright, director and arts educator with over a decade of experience working with students and young people. His writing and directing credits include Grandmother Tongue, Supervision, Straight Acting and National Day Charade.

When does the 2027 semester take place?

The semester runs from 16 January to 19 June 2027, with sessions held on selected weeks.

How much does the programme cost?

The course fee is SGD 500 per semester.

How do I apply?

Apply through the online application form. You will need to submit a statement of interest of 300–400 words.

You can share what you hope to gain from the programme, an idea for a play you would like to write, or a memorable theatre experience and what made it memorable. You may also choose your own approach to the statement.

When is the application deadline?

Applications close on 3 December 2026 at 11.45pm.