PLAYlab welcomes applications from a diverse range of individuals and teams, including but not limited to artists, creators, collectives, educators and other innovators in the performing arts. Anyone with a clear artistic vision and desire to explore new ideas for young audiences is encouraged to apply. To ensure a meaningful and beneficial experience for all participants, please note that applicants who are based in Singapore will be prioritised.

PLAYlab prioritises original works; however, previously presented ideas may still be considered if they demonstrate clear potential for further development. Please articulate why the idea is suitable for a developmental platform like PLAYlab, and how it will evolve. Emphasis should be placed on the innovations or new directions that will be explored and how this iteration will differ from previous versions, while demonstrating awareness and sensitivity to the needs of local young audiences.

Do also ensure that you have full, written permissions from the original rights holders, including any artists, designers, organisations or producers involved.

Up to five proposals will receive the following support to develop their PLAYlab idea:

1. Up to a maximum of SGD 3,000 inclusive of honorariums and production costs, which also includes expenses related to securing your own rehearsal/meeting venues and other preparatory costs such as transport, props, stationery, etc.

2. PLAYlab Artistic Associate: Selected participants will work closely with our PLAYlab Artistic Associate Ellison Tan Yuyang, to develop their work. They will receive support and guidance on their projects in preparation for their public work-in-progress presentation.

3. Venue support: Use of selected rehearsal spaces in Esplanade for ideation and preparation of your work.

4. Idea Presentation Platform: Ideas will be presented at Esplanade as part of March On 2027 for critical feedback from audiences, including practitioners, educators, caregivers, children and producers.

   • Each team will be required to present a 15-minute excerpt of their idea to a live audience as part of March On 2027, and facilitate a post-show audience feedback session. This session will enable teams to gather immediate insights and responses to develop and refine their idea further.

   • The idea presentation can take the form of e.g., a lecture-performance, demonstration, workshop or any other presentation formats that best fits the proposal’s objectives as part of its explorations at PLAYlab.

   • Each presentation should include an audience feedback session facilitated by the presenters.

   • We will also organise a sharing session for each team to share their process and insights with fellow selected applicants and other interested practitioners and stakeholders as part of the final debrief and feedback process.

We will accept applications until 6 Dec 2026, Sun, 11.59pm. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online live pitch session with the PLAYlab programming team and Ellison Tan.

Selected applicants will be notified by 26 Dec 2026, Sat.

The main working period for PLAYlab will fall between December 2026 to March 2027, with a final debrief/sharing session in April 2027. 

Please note the following submission guidelines:

• To create a meaningful and enriching experience for all involved, priority will be given to applicants based in Singapore.
• We welcome applications for multilingual works, including those primarily in languages other than English. For such works, participants may be required to provide English translations of their concept or script to receive guidance and mentorship from Artistic Associate Ellison Tan.
• When submitting your application, please indicate if this project is part of a larger study under the auspices of an academic institution or will be receiving additional funding outside of this platform.

Yes! An online sharing and Q&A session about PLAYlab will be held on 20 Nov 2026, Fri, 2pm. If you would like to attend, please register here. Alternatively, you may also email us at family@esplanade.com and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.