Our History

From its early days as the Singapore Performing Arts School to its current status as Singapore's longest-running professional bilingual theatre institution, The Theatre Practice (Practice) has shaped generations of Singapore artists and audiences with its groundbreaking theatrical works and dedication towards arts education.

Founded by cultural medallion recipients Kuo Pao Kun and Goh Lay Kuan and currently led by Artistic Director Kuo Jian Hong, Practice has presented more than 300 productions in the past 58 years – many of which have entered the canon of Southeast Asian literature.

Take a walk down memory lane with us as we look back at the key moments that shaped our journey.

1964
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1965
Practice Founded
  • The Theatre Practice (Practice), then known as Singapore Performing Arts School, is founded by dancer/choreographer Goh Lay Kuan and playwright/director Kuo Pao Kun. The school aimed to integrate creative performance with arts education through the teaching of dance, theatre and music.

  • Ballet classes taught by Goh Lay Kuan commences. The dance classes subsidised many of the school’s other projects during a time when there was no tradition for paid drama education and training.

1975
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1976
Kuo Pao Kun & Goh Lay Kuan arrested under Internal Security Act

Kuo Pao Kun and Goh Lay Kuan are arrested under the Internal Security Act. Goh is released shortly after making a televised confession while Kuo spent four years and seven months in detention. In his absence, Goh continues to run the school.

1976
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1977
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit

Kuo Pao Kun and Goh Lay Kuan are arrested under the Internal Security Act. Goh is released shortly after making a televised confession while Kuo spent four years and seven months in detention. In his absence, Goh continues to run the school.

1978
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1985
The Coffin is Too Big for the Hole premieres
1987
Mandarin production of Fire Raisers premieres
  • The Mandarin production of Fire Raisers by Max Frish premieres, translated and directed by Kuo. It marked the first public performance of PTE.

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