All Aboard! - Navigating Crosscurrents of Theatre Arts Practice and Beyond 

The Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA) proudly presents the Theatre Arts Conference 2025 (TAC 2025), to be held in Singapore from July 17-19 2025. 

The conference, titled ‘All Aboard! - Navigating Crosscurrents of Theatre Arts Practice and Beyond’, invites a diverse community of artists, educators, researchers, and practitioners to embark on a journey through the dynamic intersections of drama and theatre education, community engagement, and performance. 

Participants will explore critical aspects of theatre arts through a multifaceted lens, challenging traditional paradigms and fostering innovative approaches.

Themes such as hybridity, diaspora, and representation will be unpacked alongside efforts to dismantle the legacies of colonialism in the practice of Drama and Theatre.  

The conference encourages a balanced exploration of traditional knowledge alongside the creation of new insights, promoting Southeast Asian perspectives and content. 

Drawing inspiration from concepts such as ‘un-curating’, ‘de-colonizing’, and ‘un-learning’, TAC 2025 aims to ignite conversations that transcend established methodologies and embrace emerging trends. This platform encourages critical reflection, collaborative learning, and forward-thinking dialogue, aimed at shaping the future of theatre arts education and performance practices in a global context. 

Join us as we navigate the crosscurrents of theatre arts practice and beyond, charting new pathways that redefine the boundaries of creativity and community impact. 

Conference Schedule

The voices that will define TAC 2025 are ready to inspire you, and the conversations that matter most are taking shape.

Meet our Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Angela Colvert brings her expertise in applied theatre and community-engaged practice, exploring how performance can navigate social change and cultural dialogue.
Dr. Ong Keng Sen, Artistic Director of T:>Works, has spent decades pioneering cross-cultural collaborations and dismantling artistic boundaries across Asia.
Together, these keynote speakers offer complementary perspectives on how theatre arts can chart new courses while drawing from diverse cultural practices.

Each keynote will be followed by curated responses and rapid-fire reflections, creating conversations that extend beyond traditional presentations.

Student Performances to Anticipate:

LASALLE College of the Arts presents two bold works exploring cultural identity and performance language - a reimagined "Orphan of Zhao" and excerpts from original musical "Duit Raya Mana."

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts brings "Uncharted Currents" - a powerful exploration of neurodivergence, cultural representation, and anti-colonial theatre practice through the intersecting stories of three characters.

These performances embody the next generation's response to our conference themes, offering their perspectives on identity, representation, and artistic innovation.

Also check out our lineup of workshops, paper presentations, and themes for the panel discussions - start planning your perfect conference experience now!

Dive into workshops on sustainability and climate justice, explore digital strategies for the classroom, and engage with thought-provoking panel discussions on inclusivity and creative agency.

Connect with practitioners from Singapore, Australia, Thailand, India, Malaysia and beyond in these transformative conversations.

Download the schedule here

Programmes

Upcoming Key Dates

31 March 15 April - Early Bird Period for 3 Day Conference Pass ends

1 April - 1 Day Conference passes go on sale

7 May - Workshops, Paper Presentations, and Panel Discussions Announced

29 May - Performances, Keynotes, and Other Programmes Announced

16 July - IDEA GCM in Singapore

17-19 July - Singapore Theatre Arts Conference 2025

Venue Information

Address: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) Campus 3, 151 Bencoolen Street, S189656

Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CrGicvu1GYkoM9Rt7

For Visitors

Travel Information

If you are visiting Singapore for the conference and need a guide to get around, we have put together a document including any travel information, navigation pointers, and other tips for visiting sunny Singapore.

Click here to access the document.

Delegate Exclusive Merchandise

Your TAC’25 survival kit awaits!

Our exclusive TAC’25 tote bag, pen, and thermos are the essential props for every drama educator and theatre practitioner! They’re perfect for jotting down big ideas, sipping cold brews, and carrying all the drama…(literally)

Whether you’re taking notes during paper presentations, practicing new techniques in workshops, or connecting with fellow practitioners over coffee breaks, these conference companions have got you covered!

Supporting The Conference

Support visiting Drama Educators, advance arts education in Singapore!

The Theatre Arts Conference is the hub of drama education in the region, and there is a plethora of knowledge that remains untapped and unshared. Support us and help build this international hub, and advance the practice of arts education in Singapore.

Click here to find out more on how you can support the conference!

SDEA Theatre Arts Conference 2025 Conference Passes

3 Day Conference Pass

Access to all conference programmes (subject to capacity)

Standard: SGD 300

IDEA/SDEA Member: SGD 240*

Student: SGD 150

1 Day Conference Pass 

Access to conference programmes on your chosen date (subject to capacity)

IDEA/SDEA Member: SGD 100*

Standard: SGD 120

* IDEA/SDEA Members will be notified of the discount code via email.

For corporate/group purchases, contact us at conference@sdea.org.sg

Register Here

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