Buds Youth Theatre Showcases Emerging Playwrights in “From Scratch 2026: Ephemeral”

Buds Youth Theatre is set to spotlight the next generation of Singaporean theatre-makers with the latest edition of its annual playwriting and performance showcase, From Scratch 2026: Ephemeral, taking place on 11 and 12 April 2026 at the Drama Centre in the National Library Building.

Now in its 15th cycle, the long-running programme continues its mission of nurturing young talent by guiding participants through the full creative journey, from crafting original scripts to bringing their stories to life on stage.

Developing Young Voices Through Craft and Collaboration

From Scratch is anchored by two core training modules, Writing for Performance and Acting for Performance, which immerse youths in the collaborative world of theatre-making. Over ten weeks, participants work closely with professional playwrights, engaging in writing exercises, improvisation, devising, and creative workshops to develop their own original stage scripts.

After a staged reading of all completed pieces, the top four scripts are selected to advance into full productions. Under the direction of theatre professionals, the young creatives take on multiple rolesm including acting, stage management, set and costume design, gaining valuable hands-on experience while developing confidence and artistic expression.

Three Original Works Take Centre Stage

This year’s showcase will feature three standout plays written by young talents, each offering a unique lens on relationships, memory and moral complexity.

• The House by Arielle M. Leung
A heartfelt exploration of memory, grief and buried family truths, this play transforms a family home into a vessel of emotional revelation. Arielle, a multidisciplinary performer and musician from SOTA, is known for her compelling stage presence and storytelling rooted in lived experience.

• Cutlery Chaos by Salvador Julian Adriano Awat
A comedic unraveling of a family dinner gone wrong, this piece turns a trivial argument over cutlery into an examination of pride, miscommunication and fragile bonds. At 16, Julian is the youngest playwright in the lineup, already building a strong portfolio through programmes with Pangdemonium and SRT.

• The River of Life by Charles Wee Kai Jun
A moving drama centred on siblings facing a difficult decision after their mother becomes unresponsive, the play navigates themes of responsibility, grief and familial duty. Charles, a Psychology student at Temasek Polytechnic and President of TP’s Teatro, brings introspective depth and emotional nuance to his work.

Together, these three works present a dynamic blend of drama and comedy, reflecting the diverse ways young artists interpret the complexities of human experience.

A Key Platform for Youth Arts Development

Since its launch in 2007, From Scratch has evolved into a signature programme for Buds Youth Theatre, consistently providing young creatives with a platform to share their stories and gain exposure to real-world theatre production.

The 2026 instalment will be held at:

• Drama Centre Theatre, 100 Victoria Street, #03-01 National Library Building, Singapore
• 11 April 2026, 7:30 PM
• 12 April 2026, 2:30 PM
• Tickets: $20