Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, fondly nicknamed the ‘durian’ building, is an iconic landmark in Downtown Singapore, hosting world-class performances and exhibitions. But did you know it also features spaces and shows specially dedicated to young children?
Art in its various forms — performing, visual or literary — is a powerful medium for stimulating children’s senses and facilitating their holistic development. “Active engagement in the arts fosters social-emotional awareness, linguistic acquisition, movement and coordination, imagination and creativity — the list goes on,” says Ms Sara Joan Fang, Esplanade’s Head of Programming (Children & Youth). “Interacting with the arts through play also encourages parent-child bonding.”
At Esplanade, the PLAYtime! theatre series and PIP’s PLAYbox offer key opportunities for preschool educators to engage children in entertaining as well as enriching arts activities — and to encourage parents to do likewise.
1
IT PROMOTES CREATIVE EXPRESSION
Audience interaction is a key feature of Esplanade’s PLAYtime! productions.
PLAYtime! offers interactive child-centric productions that blend theatre, music and movement. These expose young audiences to a variety of stimuli during their most receptive developmental phase. The theatre season typically starts in March during Esplanade’s annual children’s festival, March On, with a new slate of shows each year.
Primarily targeting children aged 3 to 6, these shows encourage participation through dance and songs with the actors on stage, sparking creativity and imagination. Even babies and toddlers who are pre-verbal can enjoy themselves and respond through facial expressions, gestures and vocalisations.
2IT IMPROVES SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL
COMPETENCIES
PLAYtime! productions focus on developing social and emotional competencies. Actors play out scenes that present values and emotions in ways little ones can understand. Through fictional characters and situations, children learn to appreciate and care for others, express their feelings in a healthy manner, and nurture a positive self-concept.
3IT EXTENDS THE THEATRE EXPERIENCE
PIP’s PLAYbox offers craft- and prop-making activities for children.
PIP’s PLAYbox, located on Esplanade’s Level 4, is a dedicated arts space for children up to 12 years old. Educators can encourage parents to bring their children here for quality family time and play-based learning opportunities — or, if you have a young child of your own, come here with your little one and get inspiration to create rich learning spaces at your preschool.
The space features a roomy art and craft area with a variety of art supplies. Families can visit this space after PLAYtime! performances to create show-related crafts or props.
4
IT SUPPORTS LANGUAGE AND MOTOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
PIP’s PLAYbox hosts storytelling sessions conducted by local children’s book authors.
PIP’s PLAYbox has a reading corner with children’s books by local authors, including picture books for infants and toddlers. Parents can read to their children or attend storytelling sessions, building their conversational skills and vocabulary.
There are also indoor and outdoor play structures for climbing and crawling, and toys for playtime. Ms Fang recommends letting children set the pace. “Sometimes, a child just wants to sit and observe or play hide-and-seek in the space,” she says. “Be patient and let children explore the space and materials in their own way.”
5
IT DOESN’T COST MUCH
Esplanade’s mascot PIP often makes an appearance at PIP’s PLAYbox.
The PLAYtime! series offers discounted tickets for educators who wish to make school bookings, as well as for parents who are Esplanade&Me members and have signed up their children for PIP’s Club. PIP’s PLAYbox is open daily to Esplanade&Me members, with free entry for children accompanied by adults.
Find out more to see what is in store for children at Esplanade.
