‘12 Going On 13’ Returns: Gateway Arts Uses Theatre as a Safe Space for Youth Conversations on Growing Up

Gateway Arts is bringing back its groundbreaking school-touring production 12 Going On 13, a purpose-driven immersive theatre experience designed to help students navigate the emotional transitions of adolescence. Running from 21 October to 14 November 2025, this year’s edition goes beyond performance to double as a research initiative, offering students and educators a safe, interactive space for reflection, empathy, and conversations around mental wellness.

Supported by The Majurity Trust’s Musim Mas Bluestar Fund, the initiative is a first-of-its-kind in Singapore, turning classrooms into intimate performance venues and using theatre as an early-intervention tool for youth emotional development.

From Narratives to Numbers: Theatre Meets Research

This year, Gateway Arts is collaborating with Centre for Evidence and Implementation (CEI) to study how theatre can strengthen adolescents’ emotional awareness and resilience. Data collected will inform evidence-based approaches to youth mental health.

The impact of 12 Going On 13 is already clear: during its 2024 staging, 91% of participants reported feeling more prepared to hold mental health conversations, while 90% expressed a stronger willingness to learn about mental health. Post-show dialogues were particularly impactful, deepening students’ understanding of mental wellbeing and fostering empathy among peers.

Turning Classrooms into Safe Spaces

This year’s tour will reach around 1,000 students across four primary schools and two community organisations through 28 performances, each tailored for small groups of about 40 students.

In partnership with TOUCH Mental Wellness, each session will transform into a self-guided, supervised safe space after the performance, allowing students to process emotions at their own pace.
TOUCH counsellors will:

• Be available for support during and after the show
• Develop interactive post-show activities
• Train cast members to facilitate 30-minute discussions on emotional coping strategies

Through this, students will be empowered to:

• Recognise and articulate emotions
• Build confidence in discussing feelings
• Develop awareness of available support systems

Scaling Impact Through Partnerships

With funding support, Gateway Arts is expanding its reach by deploying two touring teams and bringing in trained counsellors for students aged 12 to 14, especially those at the cusp of transitioning from primary to secondary school. CEI’s evaluation will provide robust data to refine the programme and deepen its impact.

Looking ahead to 2026, Gateway Arts plans to pilot an extended intervention at a secondary school, integrating repeated touchpoints to build long-term emotional resilience and openness to mental health support.

Watch the Trailer Here

Performance Details

• Dates: 27–31 October, 5–7 November, 10–13 November 2025
• Ticket Price: $70 (50% subsidy from Gateway Arts)
• Duration: 40-minute performance + 30-minute post-show discussion (approx. 70 mins total)
• Venue: Various primary schools in Singapore