SCHOOL OF MUSICAL THEATRE

Vanessa is a theatre actress of exceptional skill and dynamism, whose work in Singapore and around the region has garnered her a legion of dedicated fans. Her craft is characterized by a dedication to inspiring empathy and connecting with her audience, drawing viewers from all walks of life into the worlds she creates on stage.

A graduate of the renowned LASALLE College of the Arts, Vanessa has honed her craft under the tutelage of some of the most esteemed names in theatre, including Akiko Otao, George Torbay, and Broadway legend Mary Setrakian. Her training has imbued her with a versatile and captivating style, enabling her to undertake a wide range of challenging roles and showcase her depth and range as an actress.

Vanessa’s recent work includes standing in as Kit Chan’s understudy and portraying the role of Choo in LKY the Musical (Singapore Repertory Theatre). She is also rehearsing for the coveted role of Maria in The Sound of Music International Tour (Broadway International). Throughout her career, Vanessa has taken on leading roles in a variety of productions around the world. These include her standout performance as the titular character in AIDA the Musical (Director – Mr. Joe Barros), her embodiment of Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof (Director – Ms. Emily Maltby), and her unique portrayal of Esmeralda in Notre Dame de Paris (Director – Ms. Nathalie Ribette). Vanessa has also demonstrated her versatility and commitment to her craft in the musical Title of Show (Sing’Theatre), Pangdemonium’s Urinetown the Musical (Director – Ms. Tracy Pang), and in her self-portrayal in Singapore’s premiere of West End Show A Spoonful of Sherman (Director  – Mr. TJ Taylor).

Vanessa’s dedication to her craft is palpable in every performance she delivers. Her ability to capture the hearts and minds of her audience is a testament to her remarkable talent and the passion she brings to every project. With a career already filled with so many achievements, it is clear that Vanessa is poised to continue inspiring and delighting audiences for many years to come.

Tan Rui Shan is a dynamic and multi-talented actress, dancer, choreographer, and theater-maker who has been captivating audiences with her immense talent since graduating from LASALLE College of the Arts’ Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Musical Theater, with First Class Honours and the Future Leader Scholarship award in 2017.

Rui Shan’s impressive portfolio includes a range of noteworthy productions, but she is perhaps best known for her outstanding performance as Mrs Lee Kuan Yew in Kwa Geok Choo by Toy Factory Productions, directed by Goh Boon Teck. She has also starred in several other highly acclaimed theater productions, such as The Amazing Celestial Race 2022 by Wild Rice, directed by Glenn Goei, Forbidden City: Portrait of an Empress by Singapore Repertory Theatre, directed by Steven Dexter, 12 Going on 13 by Gateway Arts, directed by Ian Loy, and La Mariposa Borracha by Creative Inspirit, directed by Alvin Chiam.

In addition to her successful acting career, Rui Shan has also made a name for herself as a highly skilled and accomplished choreographer. Her exceptional talent has been featured in numerous productions, including The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) by Singapore Repertory Theatre under the direction of Daniel Jenkins, and Behind the Wall by Gateway Arts, helmed by Samantha Scott-Blackhall. Rui Shan’s work has even gained international recognition, having choreographed the Pinkfong and Babyshark Musical in Brunei, produced by MCC International.

In addition to her individual pursuits, Rui Shan is a co-founder of Bitesize Theatre Productions, a young and exciting theater collective. This May 2023, Bitesize Theatre Productions will be staging a new musical titled “The Monster in the Mirror Musical” in collaboration with Gateway Arts.

Rui Shan’s abundant and varied talents have placed her in the ranks of the rising stars of theater and performance. She is known for her tireless drive to push the boundaries of her craft and leave a lasting impact on both the industry and the realm of education.

Koh Jing Sen is a multi-faceted and incredibly hardworking performer and educator with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Musical Theater. He draws from his roots in Martial Arts instilling the same level of rigor and discipline to all aspects of his life and art forms. 

As a 3 year consecutive all round National champion in Wushu, he holds the same level of expectation from himself in his work. He has a large scope of work that he does including 2017 NDP Parade Segment Choreographer and HomeTeam 50th Anniversary Segment Choreographer both of which got many great reviews under his care. He also choreographs for traditional art forms, Rexarts Festive Drums and Wushu Resident Choreographer/Performer.

After graduating from his University, he then went on to perform in a headliner show in Singapore’s Musical Theatre Fringe Festival, In Pieces. He also co-directed a Musical Revue, The Hidden Singapore Musicals. He then proceeded to make his MBS Sands Theatre Debut in the LKY Musical.

He has been teaching Martial Arts since the tender age of 15, and has developed an intense passion for teaching and helping his students achieve great results. This led him to become the co-founder of Singing Phenomena, a company that focuses on updating singing pedagogy, keeping up with industry demands in real time and works with its original methodology created by Jing Sen himself. His drive and experience allows him, as an educator, to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to thrive in an ever changing industry.