PLAYlab – Open Call 2026

PLAYlab welcomes applications from a diverse range of individuals and groups, 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.

When submitting your application, please indicate if this project is part of a larger study supported by an academic institution or will be receiving additional funding outside of this platform.

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 2026 for critical feedback from audiences, including practitioners, educators, caregivers, children and producers.

    

   • Each group will be required to present a 15-minute excerpt of their idea to a live audience as part of March On 2026.

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

   • Each presentation will be accompanied by a question-and-answer session with the attending audiences.

   • We will also organise a sharing session for each group 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 30 Nov 2025, Sun, 11.59pm. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online live pitch session with the PLAYlab programming team and Ellison Tan during the month of Nov – Dec 2025.

Selected applicants will be notified via email by 12 Dec 2025, Fri.

The main working period for PLAYlab will fall between Dec 2025 to Mar 2026, with a final debrief/sharing session in Apr 2026.

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 10 Oct 2025, 5pm. 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.

10 Oct 2025

PLAYlab 2025 sharing and Q&A

Online sharing for potential applicants to find out more.

30 Nov 2025

Extended deadline for submission for PLAYlab 2026

Applicants will be assessed according to the criteria attached and may be invited for an online/in-person pitch session with the PLAYlab programming team and Ellison Tan.

12 Dec 2025

Notification of selected proposals

All groups will be notified via email.

12 Dec 2025 – Mar 2026

Workshop and devising

Selected applicants begin work. Teams will meet with PLAYlab Artistic Associate, Ellison Tan for up to 2 hours of consultation.

Submission of report 1

12 Feb 2026

Mid-progress showcase

Teams come together to present their work to one another and receive feedback.

March 2026

Setup and work-in-progress presentations as part of March On 2025

Groups will present a 15-minute excerpt of their ideas to a live audience as part of March On.

Each presentation will be accompanied by a question-and-answer session with the attending audiences.

April 2026

Presentation and discussion by groups on their process and insights.

Debrief with peer mentor-facilitator and submission of report 2 to the Esplanade team. Groups will share their process and insights for the benefit of other practitioners and for sharing of best practices.

Includes the following deliverables:

• Rehearsal reports

• Photos and videos

• Process documentation

• Script, score, physical choreography documentation

• Reflections, writings and research sources

• Collation of feedback from work-in-progress showcase

• Future plans